Joel 1:15

KJV

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Alas {H162} for the day {H3117}! for the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} is at hand {H7138}, and as a destruction {H7701} from the Almighty {H7706} shall it come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Oh no! The Day! The Day of ADONAI is upon us! As destruction from Shaddai it is coming!

Berean Standard Bible

Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

American Standard Version

Alas for the day! for the day of Jehovah is at hand, and as destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:15 issues a profound lament and urgent warning regarding the imminent "Day of the LORD," portraying it not merely as a future event but as a present and destructive force. The prophet declares that this day, characterized by desolation and judgment, is at hand and will come with the overwhelming power of the Almighty, serving as a stark reminder of divine sovereignty and the certainty of reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:15 is strategically placed within the prophet's initial lament over a devastating locust plague and severe drought that has ravaged Judah. Chapters 1 and 2 describe this ecological catastrophe in vivid detail, interpreting it as a direct precursor and a microcosm of the greater, more terrifying "Day of the LORD." The preceding verses (e.g., [Joel 1:4-12](/joel/1-4-12 "The Devastating Locust Plague")) detail the destruction of crops and vineyards, leading to widespread famine and despair. Joel's call to lamentation, fasting, and repentance in [Joel 1:13-14](/joel/1-13-14 "Joel's Call to Lament and Repentance") immediately precedes this verse, setting the stage for the declaration of the Day's imminence. This verse serves as the climax of Joel's initial warning, transitioning from the immediate physical devastation to the ultimate divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joel does not provide specific historical markers, making its precise dating challenging. However, the vivid description of an unprecedented locust plague and drought suggests a real historical event that deeply impacted the agrarian society of Judah. In ancient Israelite culture, such natural disasters were often interpreted not as random occurrences but as signs of divine displeasure or judgment for covenant unfaithfulness. The "Day of the LORD" was a well-established theological concept in prophetic tradition, referring to a time when Yahweh would decisively intervene in history, often bringing judgment upon His enemies and salvation to His people. The prophet's call for national lament and assembly at the temple (e.g., [Joel 1:14](/joel/1-14 "Assemble the Elders and all Inhabitants")) reflects the communal response to crisis within Israelite religious practice, where public repentance and prayer were seen as means to avert or mitigate divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 1:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Joel and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **The Day of the LORD**, which is presented as both a present reality (manifested in the plague) and a future eschatological event, emphasizing God's decisive intervention in history (e.g., [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "The Day of the LORD is Coming!") and [Joel 3:14](/joel/3-14 "The Day of the LORD is Near in the Valley of Decision")). Another key theme is the **Imminence of Divine Judgment**, underscored by the phrase "is at hand," conveying a sense of urgency and demanding an immediate response from the people. The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, particularly through the reference to "the Almighty," emphasizing God's absolute power to bring about both natural calamities and ultimate judgment. Finally, the opening cry, "Alas for the day!", introduces the theme of **Lament and Repentance**, urging the people to recognize the gravity of their situation and turn back to God (e.g., [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Return to the LORD with All Your Heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alas (Hebrew, _ʼăhâhh'_):** This is a primitive word expressing intense pain, grief, or dread. It functions as an interjection, conveying a profound sense of sorrow and alarm. In Joel 1:15, it sets the tone of urgency and lament, reflecting the prophet's anguish over the impending judgment and his desire to awaken the people to the gravity of their situation. It is a cry of despair, anticipating the severity of what is to come.
* **Day of the LORD (Hebrew, _yôwm Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This crucial theological phrase refers to a specific time when God (Yahweh, the self-existent, covenant God of Israel) decisively intervenes in human history. While it can encompass both judgment upon the wicked and deliverance for the righteous, in Joel's immediate context, it primarily signifies a time of divine reckoning and destruction. The "day" (yôwm) here is not merely a 24-hour period but a defined period of God's active involvement, often marked by significant historical or eschatological events. Its use here underscores the divine origin and purpose behind the impending catastrophe.
* **Destruction (Hebrew, _shôd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to devastate" or "to ravage," this word denotes violence, desolation, oppression, or plunder. It describes the nature of the coming "Day of the LORD" as one that brings ruin and devastation. The use of "destruction" emphasizes the severe and comprehensive nature of God's judgment, which will leave nothing untouched. It highlights the destructive power inherent in God's intervention when He acts in judgment against sin.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This is one of the ancient names for God, emphasizing His omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and absolute power. Often translated as "Almighty," it conveys God's ability to fulfill all His purposes, including His judgments. The phrase "from the Almighty shall it come" unequivocally attributes the source and irresistible force of the "destruction" to God Himself, reinforcing His sovereignty over all events and His capacity to execute His will without hindrance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Alas for the day!"**: This opening exclamation, rooted in deep sorrow and dread, immediately conveys the prophet's anguish and the dire nature of the message. It is a lament, a cry of woe, signaling that the day being announced is one of profound suffering and judgment, not celebration. It aims to evoke a similar sense of urgency and despair in the hearers, preparing them for the solemn declaration that follows.
* **"for the day of the LORD is at hand,"**: This clause reveals the specific object of the lament: the "Day of the LORD." The conjunction "for" indicates that the imminence of this day is the reason for the prophet's lamentation. The phrase "is at hand" (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_) emphasizes the proximity and urgency of this divine intervention. It signifies that the time for God's decisive action is not distant but immediate, demanding an urgent response of repentance and preparation from the people.
* **"and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come."**: This final clause describes the nature and source of the "Day of the LORD." It will come "as a destruction," meaning it will be characterized by devastation, ruin, and violence. The simile "as a destruction" highlights the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of this coming event. Crucially, this destruction is not random or accidental but originates "from the Almighty" (Hebrew, _Shadday'_), underscoring God's absolute power, sovereignty, and deliberate intent in bringing about this judgment. It signifies that this is a purposeful act of divine reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its urgent message. The opening **Exclamation**, "Alas for the day!", immediately establishes a tone of profound lament and distress, drawing the reader into the prophet's emotional state and signaling the gravity of the impending event. The **Repetition** of "day" ("day! for the day of the LORD") serves to emphasize the central theme and its imminence, creating a sense of inescapable focus on this crucial period. The phrase "as a destruction from the Almighty" employs a **Simile**, likening the coming Day to an overwhelming force of ruin, vividly portraying its devastating impact. This also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the destructive power to impress upon the audience the severity of God's judgment. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Prophetic Language** characterized by a direct, declarative tone and an emphasis on divine intervention, typical of Old Testament prophetic warnings of judgment. The very concept of the "Day of the LORD" is a **Theological Motif** that carries significant weight and expectation for the original audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:15 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of divine judgment and sovereignty. It underscores the truth that God is not a passive observer of human history but an active, righteous judge who will decisively intervene to address sin and establish His justice. The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring theme throughout the prophets, symbolizing a time when God's holiness and power are unmistakably revealed, often bringing about a cataclysmic reckoning for those who have rebelled against Him. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's patience has limits and that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to His just wrath. It highlights the serious consequences of spiritual apathy and disobedience, calling for a radical reorientation towards God in light of His impending judgment. The power attributed to "the Almighty" reinforces the absolute certainty and irresistible force of this divine intervention.

* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near!")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-15](/zephaniah/1-14-15 "The Great Day of the LORD is Near")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "The Day is Coming, Burning Like a Furnace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:15 serves as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance and genuine repentance. While the immediate context was a physical plague foreshadowing a future judgment, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: God is sovereign, and He will indeed bring all things to account. This verse challenges us to consider our own lives in light of God's ultimate justice. Are we living in a way that acknowledges His authority and anticipates His return, or are we complacent, ignoring the signs of His sovereign hand in the world? The "Alas!" is a lament that should echo in our hearts, prompting us to examine our spiritual posture. It is a reminder that the time for turning to God is always "at hand" and that genuine transformation is a matter of urgent necessity, not future convenience. This urgency should not breed fear in believers, but rather a deeper commitment to holiness and a greater passion for sharing the hope found in Christ with a world that desperately needs it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life might indicate a spiritual complacency that needs to be addressed in light of God's ultimate judgment?**
* **How does the concept of the "Day of the LORD" shape my understanding of God's character and His ongoing work in the world?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to live with a greater sense of urgency for God's kingdom and His righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the LORD" and how does it relate to Joel 1:15?**

Answer: The "Day of the LORD" is a pivotal theological concept in Old Testament prophecy, referring to a specific time when God (Yahweh) decisively intervenes in human history to execute His judgment and/or bring about salvation. In Joel 1:15, it signifies a time of impending divine judgment and destruction. Joel interprets the devastating locust plague and drought (described in [Joel 1:4-12](/joel/1-4-12 "The Locust Plague")) as a foretaste or a present manifestation of this "Day," emphasizing its imminence ("is at hand") and its destructive power, which comes "from the Almighty." While it had immediate implications for Judah, it also points to a future, ultimate day of reckoning that will encompass all nations, as seen in later prophecies like [Joel 3:14](/joel/3-14 "Multitudes in the Valley of Decision").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 1:15, with its urgent declaration of the "Day of the LORD" and its coming "as a destruction from the Almighty," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often spoke of this Day as a time of terrifying judgment, the New Testament reveals that Jesus is both the one who inaugurates this Day and the one who delivers from its wrath. His first coming, though marked by grace, initiated a new era of God's decisive intervention, fulfilling prophecies and bringing judgment upon sin through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. The "destruction" spoken of in Joel is ultimately borne by Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), allowing those who believe in Him to escape the condemnation of that Day. Furthermore, the "Day of the LORD" points powerfully to Christ's second coming, when He will return not as a suffering servant but as the righteous Judge and King, bringing final judgment upon the ungodly and establishing His eternal kingdom in its fullness (e.g., [Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "The Son of Man Judges the Nations")). Believers are called to live in readiness for this Day, not in fear of destruction, but in joyful anticipation of their Savior's glorious return and the full consummation of their salvation (e.g., [Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Looking for the Blessed Hope")). Thus, Joel's warning serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the profound need for the saving work of Christ, who transforms the "Day of destruction" into a "Day of salvation" for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Isaiah 13:9

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

Zephaniah 1:14

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Zephaniah 1:18

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Jeremiah 30:7

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Ezekiel 7:2

Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land.

Ezekiel 7:12

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath [is] upon all the multitude thereof.