What is meant by the "day of the LORD" in this passage?

Here the “day of the LORD” is a time when God steps in to judge His people for their sin and indifference. It is pictured as a day of darkness, clouds, and deep gloom, not a happy feast day. God uses a locust plague and invading armies as His own forces to bring loss and fear on the land. The prophet wants the people to feel how near this day is and to tremble, so they will turn from their sin and seek God before this judgment falls fully on them.

Why are trumpets blown in Zion at the start of this warning?

The trumpet blast in Zion is like a loud alarm siren. It is sounded on God’s holy mountain so everyone in the land will hear and know that danger is near. In those days, trumpets were used to call people to gather, to warn of war, or to announce special days. Here it is a call to wake up spiritually. The religious leaders are to sound the alarm so all the people will tremble, see that God’s day of judgment is close, and come together to confess their guilt and seek His mercy.

Who is the "great people and a strong" army described here?

This passage describes a huge, disciplined army that moves like locusts and war horses. Faithful readers have seen this in more than one way. Some read it mainly as an actual locust swarm sent by God. Others see it pointing to foreign armies such as the Assyrians or Chaldeans, who would sweep through the land and leave it desolate. In both readings, the point is the same: God is using a mighty force, that no one can stop, as His own army to punish ongoing sin and stubborn hearts.

What does it mean that the land is like Eden before them and a wilderness after them?

That line shows how complete the coming ruin will be. Before this army passes through, the land is rich and beautiful, like a garden full of life and fruit. After they have gone through, everything is stripped bare and empty, like a desert with no comfort and no food. It is a warning that people should not feel safe just because life is going well. In a short time, at God’s command, plenty can turn into lack. This picture is meant to shake people out of false security and move them to repent.

Why does the prophet describe the locusts like horses and soldiers?

The prophet uses pictures people would know from battle. He says the locusts look and move like war horses and horsemen. Their sound is like chariots on the hills and like fire eating dry stubble. They run, climb walls, march in order, and do not break rank, like a trained army. This shows their speed, power, and the fear they bring. It also teaches that when God sends judgment, it is not weak or careless. It comes in a way no human strength or weapon can truly resist.

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

This passage shows that God is not blind to sin or empty religion. He is patient, but when people keep ignoring Him, He brings real judgment. He rules over nature and nations, so locusts, armies, and even the shaking of earth and sky are under His command. At the same time, He sends a clear warning before the disaster fully comes. That shows He does not act without speaking first. His day is called great and very terrible, which reminds us that His power is far beyond ours and should lead to holy fear and humble hearts.

Why does it say the sun, moon, and stars grow dark?

The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars paints a picture of deep trouble and sorrow. When judgment comes, it is as if the lights in the sky stop giving joy. The locust clouds themselves may have dimmed the light, and invading armies bring such fear that it feels like the whole world is shaking. This language is used in other parts of Scripture to speak about God’s anger against sin. It shows that when God frowns, even good gifts like sunlight seem small, and people feel the weight of their guilt and danger.

How should believers today respond to this warning of God’s army and judgment?

This passage is meant to wake people up. The right response is not to argue with God or trust in our own strength, but to humble ourselves. When God warns of coming judgment, He is calling people to turn from sin, stop relying on outward religion only, and seek Him with honest hearts. For believers today, that means taking sin seriously, listening when God exposes our pride or coldness, and running to Him in prayer. Instead of shrugging off warnings, we should confess our need, ask for mercy, and live in respectful fear of God.

Why does this verse say "who can abide" the day of the LORD?

The question “who can abide it?” shows how overwhelming this day will be. No one can stand proudly when God comes to judge. The army is unstoppable, the land is ruined, people are terrified, and even the sky seems to respond. The point is not that there is no hope at all, but that there is no hope in ourselves. On our own we cannot endure God’s anger against sin. This sharp question is meant to push hearers to seek shelter in God Himself, to repent, and to throw themselves on His mercy before that day fully arrives.

Joel.2.1

Joel 2:1

KJV GOD

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

The Army of Locusts

Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Cross References

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