THE COMING JUDGMENT A MOTIVE TO REPENTANCE. PROMISE OF BLESSINGS IN THE LAST DAYS. (Joel 2:1-32) A more terrific judgment than that of the locusts is foretold, under imagery drawn from that of the calamity then engros…
1Tocad trompeta en Sion, y dad alarma en mi santo monte; tiemblen todos los moradores de la tierra, porque viene el día de Jehová, porque está cercano.
2Día de tinieblas y de oscuridad, día de nube y de sombra; como sobre los montes se extiende el alba, así vendrá un pueblo grande y fuerte; semejante a él no lo hubo jamás, ni después de él lo habrá en años de muchas generaciones.
3Delante de él consumirá fuego, tras de él abrasará llama; como el huerto de Edén será la tierra delante de él, y detrás de él como desierto asolado; ni tampoco habrá quien de él escape.
4Su aspecto, como aspecto de caballos, y como gente de a caballo correrán.
5Como estruendo de carros saltarán sobre las cumbres de los montes; como sonido de llama de fuego que consume hojarascas, como pueblo fuerte dispuesto para la batalla.
6Delante de él temerán los pueblos; se pondrán pálidos todos los semblantes.
7Como valientes correrán, como hombres de guerra subirán el muro; cada cual marchará por su camino, y no torcerá su rumbo.
8Ninguno estrechará a su compañero, cada uno irá por su carrera; y aun cayendo sobre la espada no se herirán.
9Irán por la ciudad, correrán por el muro, subirán por las casas, entrarán por las ventanas a manera de ladrones.
10Delante de él temblará la tierra, se estremecerán los cielos; el sol y la luna se oscurecerán, y las estrellas retraerán su resplandor.
11Y Jehová dará su orden delante de su ejército; porque muy grande es su campamento; fuerte es el que ejecuta su orden; porque grande es el día de Jehová, y muy terrible; ¿quién podrá soportarlo?
12Por eso pues, ahora, dice Jehová, convertíos a mí con todo vuestro corazón, con ayuno y lloro y lamento.
13Rasgad vuestro corazón, y no vuestros vestidos, y convertíos a Jehová vuestro Dios; porque misericordioso es y clemente, tardo para la ira y grande en misericordia, y que se duele del castigo.
14¿Quién sabe si volverá y se arrepentirá y dejará bendición tras de él, esto es, ofrenda y libación para Jehová vuestro Dios?
15Tocad trompeta en Sion, proclamad ayuno, convocad asamblea.
16Reunid al pueblo, santificad la reunión, juntad a los ancianos, congregad a los niños y a los que maman, salga de su cámara el novio, y de su tálamo la novia.
17Entre la entrada y el altar lloren los sacerdotes ministros de Jehová, y digan: Perdona, oh Jehová, a tu pueblo, y no entregues al oprobio tu heredad, para que las naciones se enseñoreen de ella. ¿Por qué han de decir entre los pueblos: Dónde está su Dios?
18Y Jehová, solícito por su tierra, perdonará a su pueblo.
19Responderá Jehová, y dirá a su pueblo: He aquí yo os envío pan, mosto y aceite, y seréis saciados de ellos; y nunca más os pondré en oprobio entre las naciones.
20Y haré alejar de vosotros al del norte, y lo echaré en tierra seca y desierta; su faz será hacia el mar oriental, y su fin al mar occidental; y exhalará su hedor, y subirá su pudrición, porque hizo grandes cosas.
21Tierra, no temas; alégrate y gózate, porque Jehová hará grandes cosas.
22Animales del campo, no temáis; porque los pastos del desierto reverdecerán, porque los árboles llevarán su fruto, la higuera y la vid darán sus frutos.
23Vosotros también, hijos de Sion, alegraos y gozaos en Jehová vuestro Dios; porque os ha dado la primera lluvia a su tiempo, y hará descender sobre vosotros lluvia temprana y tardía como al principio.
24Las eras se llenarán de trigo, y los lagares rebosarán de vino y aceite.
25Y os restituiré los años que comió la oruga, el saltón, el revoltón y la langosta, mi gran ejército que envié contra vosotros.
26Comeréis hasta saciaros, y alabaréis el nombre de Jehová vuestro Dios, el cual hizo maravillas con vosotros; y nunca jamás será mi pueblo avergonzado.
27Y conoceréis que en medio de Israel estoy yo, y que yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios, y no hay otro; y mi pueblo nunca jamás será avergonzado.
28Y después de esto derramaré mi Espíritu sobre toda carne, y profetizarán vuestros hijos y vuestras hijas; vuestros ancianos soñarán sueños, y vuestros jóvenes verán visiones.
29Y también sobre los siervos y sobre las siervas derramaré mi Espíritu en aquellos días.
30Y daré prodigios en el cielo y en la tierra, sangre, y fuego, y columnas de humo.
31El sol se convertirá en tinieblas, y la luna en sangre, antes que venga el día grande y espantoso de Jehová.
32Y todo aquel que invocare el nombre de Jehová será salvo; porque en el monte de Sion y en Jerusalén habrá salvación, como ha dicho Jehová, y entre el remanente al cual él habrá llamado.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. darkness . . . gloominess . . . clouds . . . thick darkness--accumulation of synonyms, to intensi…
darkness . . . gloominess . . . clouds . . . thick darkness--accumulation of synonyms, to intensify the picture of calamity (Isa 8:22). Appropriate here, as the swarms of locusts intercepting the sunlight suggested darkness as a fit image of the coming visitation.
as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people--Substitute a comma for a colon after mountains: As the morning light spreads itself over the mountains, so a people numerous [MAURER] and strong shall spread themselves. The suddenness of the rising of the morning light, which gilds the mountain tops first, is less probably thought by others to be the point of comparison to the sudden inroad of the foe. MAURER refers it to the yellow splendor which arises from the reflection of the sunlight on the wings of the immense hosts of locusts as they approach. This is likely; understanding, however, that the locusts are only the symbols of human foes. The immense Assyrian host of invaders under Sennacherib (compare Isa 37:36) destroyed by God (Joe 2:18, Joe 2:20-21), may be the primary objects of the prophecy; but ultimately the last antichristian confederacy, destroyed by special divine interposition, is meant (see on Joe 3:2).
there hath not been ever the like--(Compare Joe 1:2; Exo 10:14).
II
Versículo 3
II. before . . . behind--that is, on every side (Ch1 19:10).
before . . . behind--that is, on every side (Ch1 19:10).
fire . . . flame--destruction . . . desolation (Isa 10:17).
as . . . Eden . . . wilderness--conversely (Isa 51:3; Eze 36:35).
III
Versículo 4
III. appearance . . . of horses-- (Rev 9:7). Not literal, but figurative locusts. The fifth trumpet, o…
appearance . . . of horses-- (Rev 9:7). Not literal, but figurative locusts. The fifth trumpet, or first woe, in the parallel passage (Rev 9:1-11), cannot be literal: for in Rev 9:11 it is said, "they had a king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit"--in the Hebrew, Abaddon ("destroyer"), but in the Greek, Apollyon--and (Rev 9:7) "on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men." Compare Joe 2:11, "the day of the Lord . . . great and very terrible"; implying their ultimate reference to be connected with Messiah's second coming in judgment. The locust's head is so like that of a horse that the Italians call it cavalette. Compare Job 39:20, "the horse . . . as the grasshopper," or locust.
run--The locust bounds, not unlike the horse's gallop, raising and letting down together the two front feet.
IV
Versículo 5
IV. Like the noise of chariots--referring to the loud sound caused by their wings in motion, or else …
Like the noise of chariots--referring to the loud sound caused by their wings in motion, or else the movement of their hind legs.
on the tops of mountains--MAURER connects this with "they," that is, the locusts, which first occupy the higher places, and thence descend to the lower places. It may refer (as in English Version) to "chariots," which make most noise in crossing over rugged heights.
V
Versículo 6
V. much pained--namely, with terror. The Arab proverb is, "More terrible than the locusts."
much pained--namely, with terror. The Arab proverb is, "More terrible than the locusts."
faces shall gather blackness-- (Isa 13:8; Jer 30:6; Nah 2:10). MAURER translates, "withdraw their brightness," that is, wax pale, lose color (compare Joe 2:10; Joe 3:15).
VI
Versículo 7
VI. Depicting the regular military order of their advance, "One locust not turning a nail's breadth o…
Depicting the regular military order of their advance, "One locust not turning a nail's breadth out of his own place in the march" [JEROME]. Compare Pro 30:27, "The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands."
VII
Versículo 8
VII. Neither shall one thrust another--that is, press upon so as to thrust his next neighbor out of hi…
Neither shall one thrust another--that is, press upon so as to thrust his next neighbor out of his place, as usually occurs in a large multitude.
when they fall upon the sword--that is, among missiles.
not be wounded--because they are protected by defensive armor [GROTIUS]. MAURER translates, "Their (the locusts') ranks are not broken when they rush among missiles" (compare Dan 11:22).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. run to and fro in the city--greedily seeking what they can devour.
run to and fro in the city--greedily seeking what they can devour.
the wall--surrounding each house in Eastern buildings.
enter in at the windows--though barred.
like a thief-- (Joh 10:1; compare Jer 9:21).
IX
Versículo 10
IX. earth . . . quake before them--that is, the inhabitants of the earth quake with fear of them.
earth . . . quake before them--that is, the inhabitants of the earth quake with fear of them.
heavens . . . tremble--that is, the powers of heaven (Mat 24:29); its illumining powers are disturbed by the locusts which intercept the sunlight with their dense flying swarms. These, however, are but the images of revolutions of states caused by such foes as were to invade Judea.
X
Versículo 11
X. Lord . . . his army--So among Mohammedans, "Lord of the locusts" is a title of God.
Lord . . . his army--So among Mohammedans, "Lord of the locusts" is a title of God.
his voice--His word of command to the locusts, and to the antitypical human foes of Judea, as "His army."
strong that executeth his word-- (Rev 18:8).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. With such judgments impending over the Jews, Jehovah Himself urges them to repentance.
With such judgments impending over the Jews, Jehovah Himself urges them to repentance.
also now--Even now, what none could have hoped or believed possible, God still invites you to the hope of salvation.
fasting . . . weeping . . . mourning--Their sin being most heinous needs extraordinary humiliation. The outward marks of repentance are to signify the depth of their sorrow for sin.
XII
Versículo 13
XII. Let there be the inward sorrow of heart, and not the mere outward manifestation of it by "rending…
Let there be the inward sorrow of heart, and not the mere outward manifestation of it by "rending the garment" (Jos 7:6).
the evil--the calamity which He had threatened against the impenitent.
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. leave . . . a meat offering and a drink offering--that is, give plentiful harvests, out of the fi…
leave . . . a meat offering and a drink offering--that is, give plentiful harvests, out of the first-fruits of which we may offer the meat and drink offering, now "cut off" through the famine (Joe 1:9, Joe 1:13, Joe 1:16). "Leave behind Him": as God in visiting His people now has left behind Him a curse, so He will, on returning to visit them, leave behind Him a blessing.
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. Blow the trumpet--to convene the people (Num 10:3). Compare Joe 1:14. The nation was guilty, and …
Blow the trumpet--to convene the people (Num 10:3). Compare Joe 1:14. The nation was guilty, and therefore there must be a national humiliation. Compare Hezekiah's proceedings before Sennacherib's invasion (2Ch. 30:1-27).
XV
Versículo 16
XV. sanctify the congregation--namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN], (Exo …
sanctify the congregation--namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN], (Exo 19:10, Exo 19:22). MAURER translates, "appoint a solemn assembly," which would be a tautological repetition of Joe 2:15.
elders . . . children--No age was to be excepted (Ch2 20:13).
bridegroom--ordinarily exempted from public duties (Deu 24:5; compare Co1 7:5, Co1 7:29).
closet--or, nuptial bed, from a Hebrew root "to cover," referring to the canopy over it.
16
Versículo 17
16. between the porch and . . . altar--the porch of Solomon's temple on the east (Kg1 6:3); the altar…
between the porch and . . . altar--the porch of Solomon's temple on the east (Kg1 6:3); the altar of burnt offerings in the court of the priests, before the porch (Ch2 8:12; compare Eze 8:16; Mat 23:35). The suppliants thus were to stand with their backs to the altar on which they had nothing to offer, their faces towards the place of the Shekinah presence.
heathen should rule over them--This shows that not locusts, but human foes, are intended. The Margin translation, "use a byword against them," is not supported by the Hebrew.
wherefore should they say . . . Where is their God?--that is, do not for thine own honor's sake, let the heathen sneer at the God of Israel, as unable to save His people (Psa 79:10; Psa 115:2).
17
Versículo 18
17. Then--when God sees His people penitent.
Then--when God sees His people penitent.
be jealous for his land--as a husband jealous of any dishonor done to the wife whom he loves, as if done to himself. The Hebrew comes from an Arabic root, "to be flushed in face" through indignation.
18
Versículo 19
18. corn . . . wine . . . oil--rather, as Hebrew, "the corn . . . the wine . . . the oil," namely, wh…
corn . . . wine . . . oil--rather, as Hebrew, "the corn . . . the wine . . . the oil," namely, which the locusts have destroyed [HENDERSON]. MAURER not so well explains, "the corn, &c., necessary for your sustenance." "The Lord will answer," namely, the prayers of His people, priests, and prophets. Compare in the case of Sennacherib, Kg2 19:20-21.
19
Versículo 20
19. the northern army--The Hebrew expresses that the north in relation to Palestine is not merely the…
the northern army--The Hebrew expresses that the north in relation to Palestine is not merely the quarter whence the invader comes, but is his native land, "the Northlander"; namely, the Assyrian or Babylonian (compare Jer 1:14-15; Zep 2:13). The locust's native country is not the north, but the south, the deserts of Arabia, Egypt, and Libya. Assyria and Babylon are the type and forerunner of all Israel's foes (Rome, and the final Antichrist), from whom God will at last deliver His people, as He did from Sennacherib (Kg2 19:35).
face . . . hinder part--more applicable to a human army's van and rear, than to locusts. The northern invaders are to be dispersed in every other direction but that from which they had come: "a land barren and desolate," that is, Arabia-Deserta: "the eastern (or front) sea," that is, the Dead Sea: "the utmost (or hinder) sea," that is, the Mediterranean. In front and behind mean east and west; as, in marking the quarters of the world, they faced the east, which was therefore "in front"; the west was behind them; the south was on their right, and the north on their left.
stink--metaphor from locusts, which perish when blown by a storm into the sea or the desert, and emit from their putrefying bodies such a stench as often breeds a pestilence.
because he hath done great things--that is, because the invader hath haughtily magnified himself in his doings. Compare as to Sennacherib, Kg2 19:11-13, Kg2 19:22, Kg2 19:28. This is quite inapplicable to the locusts, who merely seek food, not self-glorification, in invading a country.
20
Versículo 21
20. In an ascending gradation, the land destroyed by the enemy, the beasts of the field, and the chil…
In an ascending gradation, the land destroyed by the enemy, the beasts of the field, and the children of Zion, the land's inhabitants, are addressed, the former two by personification.
Lord will do great things--In contrast to the "great things" done by the haughty foe (Joe 2:20) to the hurt of Judah stand the "great things" to be done by Jehovah for her benefit (compare Psa 126:2-3).
21
Versículo 22
21. (Zac 8:12). As before (Joe 1:18, Joe 1:20) he represented the beasts as groaning and crying for w…
(Zac 8:12). As before (Joe 1:18, Joe 1:20) he represented the beasts as groaning and crying for want of food in the "pastures," so now he reassures them by the promise of springing pastures.
22
Versículo 23
22. rejoice in the Lord--not merely in the springing pastures, as the brute "beasts" which cannot rai…
rejoice in the Lord--not merely in the springing pastures, as the brute "beasts" which cannot raise their thoughts higher (Isa 61:10; Hab 3:18).
former rain . . . the rain . . . the former . . . the latter rain--The autumnal, or "former rain," from the middle of October to the middle of December, is put first, as Joel prophesies in summer when the locusts' invasion took place, and therefore looks to the time of early sowing in autumn, when the autumnal rain was indispensably required. Next, "the rain," generically, literally, "the showering" or "heavy rain." Next, the two species of the latter, "the former and the latter rain" (in March and April). The repetition of the "former rain" implies that He will give it not merely for the exigence of that particular season when Joel spake, but also for the future in the regular course of nature, the autumn and the spring rain; the former being put first, in the order of nature, as being required for the sowing in autumn, as the latter is required in spring for maturing the young crop. The Margin, "a teacher of righteousness," is wrong. For the same Hebrew word is translated "former rain" in the next sentence, and cannot therefore be differently translated here. Besides, Joel begins with the inferior and temporal blessings, and not till Joe 2:28 proceeds to the higher and spiritual ones, of which the former are the pledge.
moderately--rather, "in due measure," as much as the land requires; literally, "according to right"; neither too much nor too little, either of which extremes would hurt the crop (compare Deu 11:14; Pro 16:15; Jer 5:24; see on Hos 6:3). The phrase, "in due measure," in this clause is parallel to "in the first month," in the last clause (that is, "in the month when first it is needed," each rain in its proper season). Heretofore the just or right order of nature has been interrupted through your sin; now God will restore it. See my Introduction to Joel.
23
Versículo 24
23. The effect of the seasonable rains shall be abundance of all articles of food.
The effect of the seasonable rains shall be abundance of all articles of food.
24
Versículo 25
24. locust . . . cankerworm . . . caterpiller . . . palmer worm--the reverse order from Joe 1:4, wher…
locust . . . cankerworm . . . caterpiller . . . palmer worm--the reverse order from Joe 1:4, where (see on Joe 1:4) God will restore not only what has been lost by the full-grown consuming locust, but also what has been lost by the less destructive licking locust, and swarming locust, and gnawing locust.
25
Versículo 26
25. never be ashamed--shall no longer endure the "reproach of the heathen (Joe 2:17), [MAURER]; or ra…
never be ashamed--shall no longer endure the "reproach of the heathen (Joe 2:17), [MAURER]; or rather, "shall not bear the shame of disappointed hopes," as the husbandmen had heretofore (Joe 1:11). So spiritually, waiting on God, His people shall not have the shame of disappointment in their expectations from Him (Rom 9:33).
26
Versículo 27
26. know that I am in the midst of Israel--As in the Old Testament dispensation God was present by th…
know that I am in the midst of Israel--As in the Old Testament dispensation God was present by the Shekinah, so in the New Testament first, for a brief time by the Word made flesh dwelling among us (Joh 1:14), and to the close of this dispensation by the Holy Spirit in the Church (Mat 28:20), and probably in a more perceptible manner with Israel when restored (Eze 37:26-28).
never be ashamed--not an unmeaning repetition from Joe 2:26. The twice-asserted truth enforces its unfailing certainty. As the "shame" in Joe 2:26 refers to temporal blessings, so in this verse it refers to the spiritual blessings flowing from the presence of God with His people (compare Jer 3:16-17; Rev 21:3).
27
Versículo 28
27. afterward--"in the last days" (Isa 2:2) under Messiah after the invasion and deliverance of Israe…
afterward--"in the last days" (Isa 2:2) under Messiah after the invasion and deliverance of Israel from the northern army. Having heretofore stated the outward blessings, he now raises their minds to the expectation of extraordinary spiritual blessings, which constitute the true restoration of God's people (Isa 44:3). Fulfilled in earnest (Act 2:17) on Pentecost; among the Jews and the subsequent election of a people among the Gentiles; hereafter more fully at the restoration of Israel (Isa 54:13; Jer 31:9, Jer 31:34; Eze 39:29; Zac 12:10) and the consequent conversion of the whole world (Isa 2:2; Isa 11:9; Isa 66:18-23; Mic 5:7; Rom 11:12, Rom 11:15). As the Jews have been the seedmen of the elect Church gathered out of Jews and Gentiles, the first Gospel preachers being Jews from Jerusalem, so they shall be the harvest men of the coming world-wide Church, to be set up at Messiah's appearing. That the promise is not restricted to the first Pentecost appears from Peter's own words: "The promise is (not only) unto you and to your children, (but also) to all that are afar off (both in space and in time), even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Act 2:39). So here "upon all flesh."
I will pour out--under the new covenant: not merely, let fall drops, as under the Old Testament (Joh 7:39).
my spirit--the Spirit "proceeding from the Father and the Son," and at the same time one with the Father and the Son (compare Isa 11:2).
sons . . . daughters . . . old . . . young--not merely on a privileged few (Num 11:29) as the prophets of the Old Testament, but men of all ages and ranks. See Act 21:9; Co1 11:5, as to "daughters," that is, women, prophesying.
dreams . . . visions-- (Act 9:10; Act 16:9). The "dreams" are attributed to the "old men," as more in accordance with their years; "visions" to the "young men," as adapted to their more lively minds. The three modes whereby God revealed His will under the Old Testament (Num 12:6), "prophecy, dreams, and visions," are here made the symbol of the full manifestation of Himself to all His people, not only in miraculous gifts to some, but by His indwelling Spirit to all in the New Testament (Joh 14:21, Joh 14:23; Joh 15:15). In Act 16:9; Act 18:9, the term used is "vision," though in the night, not a dream. No other dream is mentioned in the New Testament save those given to Joseph in the very beginning of the New Testament, before the full Gospel had come; and to the wife of Pilate, a Gentile (Mat 1:20; Mat 2:13; Mat 27:19). "Prophesying" in the New Testament is applied to all speaking under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and not merely to foretelling events. All true Christians are "priests" and "ministers" of our God (Isa 61:6), and have the Spirit (Eze 36:26-27). Besides this, probably, a special gift of prophecy and miracle-working is to be given at or before Messiah's coming again.
28
Versículo 29
28. And also--"And even." The very slaves by becoming the Lord's servants are His freemen (Co1 7:22; …
And also--"And even." The very slaves by becoming the Lord's servants are His freemen (Co1 7:22; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; Plm 1:16). Therefore, in Act 2:18 it is quoted, "My servants" and "My handmaidens"; as it is only by becoming the Lord's servants they are spiritually free, and partake of the same spirit as the other members of the Church.
29
Versículo 30
29. As Messiah's manifestation is full of joy to believers, so it has an aspect of wrath to unbelieve…
As Messiah's manifestation is full of joy to believers, so it has an aspect of wrath to unbelievers, which is represented here. Thus when the Jews received Him not in His coming of grace, He came in judgment on Jerusalem. Physical prodigies, massacres, and conflagrations preceded its destruction [JOSEPHUS, Wars of the Jews]. To these the language here may allude; but the figures chiefly symbolize political revolutions and changes in the ruling powers of the world, prognosticated by previous disasters (Amo 8:9; Mat 24:29; Luk 21:25-27), and convulsions such as preceded the overthrow of the Jewish polity. Such shall probably occur in a more appalling degree before the final destruction of the ungodly world ("the great and terrible day of Jehovah," compare Mal 4:5), of which Jerusalem's overthrow is the type and earnest.
30
Versículo 32
30. call on . . . name of . . . Lord--Hebrew, JEHOVAH. Applied to Jesus in Rom 10:13 (compare Act 9:1…
call on . . . name of . . . Lord--Hebrew, JEHOVAH. Applied to Jesus in Rom 10:13 (compare Act 9:14; Co1 1:2). Therefore, Jesus is JEHOVAH; and the phrase means, "Call on Messiah in His divine attributes."
shall be delivered--as the Christians were, just before Jerusalem's destruction, by retiring to Pella, warned by the Saviour (Mat 24:16); a type of the spiritual deliverance of all believers, and of the last deliverance of the elect "remnant" of Israel from the final assault of Antichrist. "In Zion and Jerusalem" the Saviour first appeared; and there again shall He appear as the Deliverer (Zac 14:1-5).
as the Lord hath said--Joel herein refers, not to the other prophets, but to his own words preceding.
call--metaphor from an invitation to a feast, which is an act of gratuitous kindness (Luk 14:16). So the remnant called and saved is according to the election of grace, not for man's merits, power, or efforts (Rom 11:5).
Next: Joel Chapter 3
Antiguo Testamento
Joel — Capítulo 2
THE COMING JUDGMENT A MOTIVE TO REPENTANCE. PROMISE OF BLESSINGS IN THE LAST DAYS. (Joel 2:1-32) A more terrific judgment than that of the locusts is foretold, under imagery drawn from that of the calamity then engros…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Tocad trompeta en Sion, y dad alarma en mi santo monte; tiemblen todos los moradores de la tierra, porque viene el día de Jehová, porque está cercano.
2Día de tinieblas y de oscuridad, día de nube y de sombra; como sobre los montes se extiende el alba, así vendrá un pueblo grande y fuerte; semejante a él no lo hubo jamás, ni después de él lo habrá en años de muchas generaciones.
3Delante de él consumirá fuego, tras de él abrasará llama; como el huerto de Edén será la tierra delante de él, y detrás de él como desierto asolado; ni tampoco habrá quien de él escape.
4Su aspecto, como aspecto de caballos, y como gente de a caballo correrán.
5Como estruendo de carros saltarán sobre las cumbres de los montes; como sonido de llama de fuego que consume hojarascas, como pueblo fuerte dispuesto para la batalla.
6Delante de él temerán los pueblos; se pondrán pálidos todos los semblantes.
7Como valientes correrán, como hombres de guerra subirán el muro; cada cual marchará por su camino, y no torcerá su rumbo.
8Ninguno estrechará a su compañero, cada uno irá por su carrera; y aun cayendo sobre la espada no se herirán.
9Irán por la ciudad, correrán por el muro, subirán por las casas, entrarán por las ventanas a manera de ladrones.
10Delante de él temblará la tierra, se estremecerán los cielos; el sol y la luna se oscurecerán, y las estrellas retraerán su resplandor.
11Y Jehová dará su orden delante de su ejército; porque muy grande es su campamento; fuerte es el que ejecuta su orden; porque grande es el día de Jehová, y muy terrible; ¿quién podrá soportarlo?
12Por eso pues, ahora, dice Jehová, convertíos a mí con todo vuestro corazón, con ayuno y lloro y lamento.
13Rasgad vuestro corazón, y no vuestros vestidos, y convertíos a Jehová vuestro Dios; porque misericordioso es y clemente, tardo para la ira y grande en misericordia, y que se duele del castigo.
14¿Quién sabe si volverá y se arrepentirá y dejará bendición tras de él, esto es, ofrenda y libación para Jehová vuestro Dios?
15Tocad trompeta en Sion, proclamad ayuno, convocad asamblea.
16Reunid al pueblo, santificad la reunión, juntad a los ancianos, congregad a los niños y a los que maman, salga de su cámara el novio, y de su tálamo la novia.
17Entre la entrada y el altar lloren los sacerdotes ministros de Jehová, y digan: Perdona, oh Jehová, a tu pueblo, y no entregues al oprobio tu heredad, para que las naciones se enseñoreen de ella. ¿Por qué han de decir entre los pueblos: Dónde está su Dios?
18Y Jehová, solícito por su tierra, perdonará a su pueblo.
19Responderá Jehová, y dirá a su pueblo: He aquí yo os envío pan, mosto y aceite, y seréis saciados de ellos; y nunca más os pondré en oprobio entre las naciones.
20Y haré alejar de vosotros al del norte, y lo echaré en tierra seca y desierta; su faz será hacia el mar oriental, y su fin al mar occidental; y exhalará su hedor, y subirá su pudrición, porque hizo grandes cosas.
21Tierra, no temas; alégrate y gózate, porque Jehová hará grandes cosas.
22Animales del campo, no temáis; porque los pastos del desierto reverdecerán, porque los árboles llevarán su fruto, la higuera y la vid darán sus frutos.
23Vosotros también, hijos de Sion, alegraos y gozaos en Jehová vuestro Dios; porque os ha dado la primera lluvia a su tiempo, y hará descender sobre vosotros lluvia temprana y tardía como al principio.
24Las eras se llenarán de trigo, y los lagares rebosarán de vino y aceite.
25Y os restituiré los años que comió la oruga, el saltón, el revoltón y la langosta, mi gran ejército que envié contra vosotros.
26Comeréis hasta saciaros, y alabaréis el nombre de Jehová vuestro Dios, el cual hizo maravillas con vosotros; y nunca jamás será mi pueblo avergonzado.
27Y conoceréis que en medio de Israel estoy yo, y que yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios, y no hay otro; y mi pueblo nunca jamás será avergonzado.
28Y después de esto derramaré mi Espíritu sobre toda carne, y profetizarán vuestros hijos y vuestras hijas; vuestros ancianos soñarán sueños, y vuestros jóvenes verán visiones.
29Y también sobre los siervos y sobre las siervas derramaré mi Espíritu en aquellos días.
30Y daré prodigios en el cielo y en la tierra, sangre, y fuego, y columnas de humo.
31El sol se convertirá en tinieblas, y la luna en sangre, antes que venga el día grande y espantoso de Jehová.
32Y todo aquel que invocare el nombre de Jehová será salvo; porque en el monte de Sion y en Jerusalén habrá salvación, como ha dicho Jehová, y entre el remanente al cual él habrá llamado.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. darkness . . . gloominess . . . clouds . . . thick darkness--accumulation of synonyms, to intensi…
Versículo 3
II. before . . . behind--that is, on every side (Ch1 19:10).
Versículo 4
III. appearance . . . of horses-- (Rev 9:7). Not literal, but figurative locusts. The fifth trumpet, o…
Versículo 5
IV. Like the noise of chariots--referring to the loud sound caused by their wings in motion, or else …
Versículo 6
V. much pained--namely, with terror. The Arab proverb is, "More terrible than the locusts."
Versículo 7
VI. Depicting the regular military order of their advance, "One locust not turning a nail's breadth o…
Versículo 8
VII. Neither shall one thrust another--that is, press upon so as to thrust his next neighbor out of hi…
Versículo 9
VIII. run to and fro in the city--greedily seeking what they can devour.
Versículo 10
IX. earth . . . quake before them--that is, the inhabitants of the earth quake with fear of them.
Versículo 11
X. Lord . . . his army--So among Mohammedans, "Lord of the locusts" is a title of God.
Versículo 12
XI. With such judgments impending over the Jews, Jehovah Himself urges them to repentance.
Versículo 13
XII. Let there be the inward sorrow of heart, and not the mere outward manifestation of it by "rending…
Versículo 14
XIII. leave . . . a meat offering and a drink offering--that is, give plentiful harvests, out of the fi…
Versículo 15
XIV. Blow the trumpet--to convene the people (Num 10:3). Compare Joe 1:14. The nation was guilty, and …
Versículo 16
XV. sanctify the congregation--namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN], (Exo …
Versículo 17
16. between the porch and . . . altar--the porch of Solomon's temple on the east (Kg1 6:3); the altar…
Versículo 18
17. Then--when God sees His people penitent.
Versículo 19
18. corn . . . wine . . . oil--rather, as Hebrew, "the corn . . . the wine . . . the oil," namely, wh…
Versículo 20
19. the northern army--The Hebrew expresses that the north in relation to Palestine is not merely the…
Versículo 21
20. In an ascending gradation, the land destroyed by the enemy, the beasts of the field, and the chil…
Versículo 22
21. (Zac 8:12). As before (Joe 1:18, Joe 1:20) he represented the beasts as groaning and crying for w…
Versículo 23
22. rejoice in the Lord--not merely in the springing pastures, as the brute "beasts" which cannot rai…
Versículo 24
23. The effect of the seasonable rains shall be abundance of all articles of food.
Versículo 25
24. locust . . . cankerworm . . . caterpiller . . . palmer worm--the reverse order from Joe 1:4, wher…
Versículo 26
25. never be ashamed--shall no longer endure the "reproach of the heathen (Joe 2:17), [MAURER]; or ra…
Versículo 27
26. know that I am in the midst of Israel--As in the Old Testament dispensation God was present by th…
Versículo 28
27. afterward--"in the last days" (Isa 2:2) under Messiah after the invasion and deliverance of Israe…
Versículo 29
28. And also--"And even." The very slaves by becoming the Lord's servants are His freemen (Co1 7:22; …
Versículo 30
29. As Messiah's manifestation is full of joy to believers, so it has an aspect of wrath to unbelieve…
Versículo 32
30. call on . . . name of . . . Lord--Hebrew, JEHOVAH. Applied to Jesus in Rom 10:13 (compare Act 9:1…