The Coming Day of The Lord

Joel 2:1–11
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The prophet seems to place himself in the future “day of the Lord” and from that position looks back to the present locust plague. With this dual crises in mind Joel wrote to warn his nation and at the same time encourage her to a holy walk. The trumpet of alarm will sound (v. 1) and darkness will cover the land (v. 2). The trumpet was a ram’s horn, blown by a watchman to alert the people of great danger (Jer. 4:5-6). The advancing armies will be innumerable in size and very strong (v. 2). Wherever they move the terrain will be left a scorched and desolate wilderness. The garden of Eden was Adam and Eve’s first home (Gen. 2:6). This refers to the beauty of the land prior to the devastation (v. 3). In a comparison of the locusts to the invading forces we find the following:

1. The heads of locusts and horses are  similar in appearance (v. 4).
2. Both locusts and human armies advance swiftly (v. 4).
3. The locust’s buzzing wings resemble the sound of chariot wheels (v. 5).

The response to this awesome army was widespread terror. The language seems to apply both to locusts and a literal army (vv, 6-7). Nothing can stop the invaders’ swift approach. No one will be able to wound them (v. 8). Cities, walls, houses and windows will be at there mercy and the entire earth shakes and trembles (vv. 9-10). Then the Lord will move forward to meet them. Nothing will be able to withstand His might. Just as the locust army marches under God’s control so will the army of men in the great “Day of the Lord,” and no flesh will be able to survive (v. 11). The calamities that come to our lives should awaken us and remind us that the Lord is in control.

Application

 

I should never fret when I know the situations of this life and the life to come are in the Lord’s hands. He could come at any moment and I need to live my life ready to meet Him.