Joel 2:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Blow {H8628} ye the trumpet {H7782} in Zion {H6726}, and sound an alarm {H7321} in my holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}: let all the inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} tremble {H7264}: for the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} cometh {H935}, for it is nigh at hand {H7138};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Blow the shofar in Tziyon! Sound an alarm on my holy mountain!" Let all living in the land tremble, for the Day of ADONAI is coming! It's upon us!

Berean Standard Bible

Blow the ram’s horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near—

American Standard Version

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 Jehovah cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:1 issues an urgent and dramatic summons to the people of Judah, calling for an immediate and widespread alert through the blowing of a trumpet and the sounding of an alarm in Zion. This prophetic declaration serves to awaken the inhabitants of the land to a profound sense of trepidation, for it heralds the imminent arrival of "the Day of the LORD," a pivotal time of divine intervention that is portrayed as being very near. The verse sets a tone of divine urgency and impending judgment, compelling all who hear to prepare for a momentous encounter with God's sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:1 marks a sharp transition from the vivid description of a devastating locust plague in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague and Call to Repentance") to a more direct and intensified warning about the impending "Day of the LORD." While the locust invasion in [Joel 1:4-7](/joel/1-4-7 "Joel 1:4-7 - Description of the Locust Plague") served as a tangible, immediate judgment and a precursor, Joel 2:1 escalates the crisis, presenting the "Day of the LORD" not merely as an ecological disaster but as a comprehensive divine reckoning that will impact all aspects of life. The prophet uses the imagery of military alarm to underscore the gravity and imminence of this greater, spiritual judgment, preparing the reader for the subsequent calls to repentance and promises of restoration found later in [Joel 2](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord and Restoration").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the blowing of the *shophar* (trumpet) was deeply ingrained in both religious and civic life. It was used to announce new moons and festivals ([Numbers 10:10](/numbers/10-10 "Numbers 10:10 - Trumpets for Festivals")), to gather the assembly ([Numbers 10:3](/numbers/10-3 "Numbers 10:3 - Trumpets for Assembly")), and crucially, to sound an alarm for war or impending danger ([Judges 3:27](/judges/3-27 "Judges 3:27 - Ehud Blows the Trumpet")). Blowing the trumpet "in Zion" and on God's "holy mountain" (referring to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount) specifically targeted the spiritual and political heart of the nation. This act was a direct command to the people of God, signaling that the divine judgment would begin with them, as hinted in [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins with the House of God"). The call for all inhabitants to "tremble" reflects the profound fear and awe that such a divine intervention would inspire, indicating a widespread and unavoidable impact.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes that permeate the book of Joel and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is **The Day of the LORD**, a concept referring to a specific, decisive period when God directly intervenes in human history to execute judgment upon sin and to establish His righteous rule. While often depicted as a time of darkness and wrath for the wicked, as seen in [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the Lord as Darkness"), it also paradoxically contains the promise of ultimate deliverance and restoration for God's faithful people, as promised in [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Deliverance in the Day of the Lord"). Another key theme is **Urgency and Imminence**, highlighted by phrases like "nigh at hand," which emphasizes that this divine reckoning is not a distant future event but an immediate, pressing reality requiring a swift and decisive response. Finally, the verse embodies a **Call to Awareness and Repentance**, as the trumpet blast serves as a summons to spiritual alertness, urging the people to recognize the gravity of their situation and to prepare for divine encounter, a call further elaborated in [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Call to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tremble (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, this primitive root signifies to quiver with any violent emotion, particularly anger or fear. In this context, it denotes a profound, visceral fear and awe in the face of impending divine judgment. It is not merely a physical shaking but an inward disquiet and dread, compelling a response from the "inhabitants of the land."
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this word typically refers to a literal day (from sunrise to sunset or one sunset to the next) but is also used figuratively to denote a defined space of time or period. In the phrase "the Day of the LORD," it signifies a specific, decisive period of divine intervention, not necessarily a 24-hour period, but a time marked by God's direct action in history.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-existent or eternal name of God, often rendered as Jehovah or Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes that the "Day" is not a random event but a deliberate act of the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, underscoring His authority, justice, and ultimate control over human history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain:"** This opening command uses two strong verbs, "blow" (tâqaʻ) and "sound an alarm" (rûwaʻ), to convey an urgent, piercing call to attention. The "trumpet" (shôwphâr, a ram's horn) and "alarm" signify a military or catastrophic warning. The specific location, "Zion" and "my holy mountain" (Jerusalem and the Temple Mount), indicates that the warning is directed at God's own people, highlighting that judgment begins at the house of God. It's a call for spiritual and physical readiness.
* **"let all the inhabitants of the land tremble:"** This imperative extends the warning to everyone residing in the land. The command to "tremble" (râgaz) conveys a deep, fearful reverence and awe in response to the impending divine intervention. It suggests that the coming event is so profound and terrifying that it demands a universal, visceral reaction.
* **"for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand;"** This clause provides the crucial reason for the alarm and trembling. The "Day of the LORD" (yôwm Yᵉhôvâh) is presented as the ultimate cause. The verb "cometh" (bôwʼ) signifies an active, purposeful approach, while the phrase "nigh at hand" (qârôwb) emphasizes its immediate proximity and inevitability. This dual emphasis on coming and nearness underscores the urgency and certainty of God's decisive intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:1 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly auditory and sensory. The vivid depiction of blowing a **trumpet** and sounding an **alarm** immediately conjures a sense of urgency and impending crisis. The phrase "holy mountain" evokes sacred space, contrasting with the impending judgment. The command "let all the inhabitants of the land tremble" creates powerful sensory imagery of widespread fear and physical reaction. The verse also employs **Imperative Mood** ("Blow ye," "sound," "let...tremble"), which directly conveys the prophet's authoritative and urgent command. The concept of "the Day of the LORD" functions as a significant **Theological Motif** and a **Metaphor** for a decisive period of divine reckoning, transcending a literal day to represent a time of profound divine intervention. The repetition of the reason ("for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand") serves as an **Emphasis** and a **Foreshadowing** of the detailed descriptions of this day that follow in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:1 introduces the central theological concept of "the Day of the LORD," a multifaceted theme prevalent throughout the prophetic literature. This "Day" is not merely a chronological period but a decisive epoch in which God decisively intervenes in human history to execute His righteous judgment upon sin and to establish His sovereign rule. While it often brings darkness, destruction, and wrath for the unrepentant, it simultaneously holds the promise of ultimate deliverance, restoration, and blessing for those who turn to Him. The urgency conveyed in Joel 2:1 calls for immediate spiritual readiness, highlighting God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His unwavering commitment to justice and covenant fidelity. This foundational understanding of God's active presence and ultimate authority is crucial for comprehending His plan of redemption and judgment throughout salvation history.

* [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - Woe to those who desire the Day of the Lord")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-15](/zephaniah/1-14-15 "Zephaniah 1:14-15 - The Great Day of the Lord")
* [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:1 serves as a timeless spiritual alarm, echoing through the ages to call believers to a posture of constant readiness and profound reverence. The "trumpet" of God's Word continues to sound, urging us to be attentive to the signs of the times, both in the broader world and within our own hearts. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to tremble, we too are invited to cultivate a holy fear of the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and the certainty of His ultimate intervention in history, whether through personal challenges, global events, or the final consummation of His plan. This verse compels us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are living in alignment with God's will, responding to His warnings with humility and genuine repentance, and actively preparing for His presence. It's a call not to panic, but to purposeful living, knowing that the Lord's day, in its various manifestations, is always at hand, demanding our spiritual alertness and faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "trumpets" or "alarms" is God sounding in my life or in the world today that I might be ignoring?**
* **How does the concept of "the Day of the LORD" (both as judgment and salvation) shape my daily living and priorities?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "tremble" before the Lord, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty with greater reverence?**

### FAQ
**What is "the Day of the LORD" and why is it so significant?**

Answer: "The Day of the LORD" is a profound theological concept found throughout the Old Testament prophets, including Joel. It refers to a specific, decisive period in which God directly intervenes in human history to execute His righteous judgment upon sin and to establish His sovereign rule. It is not necessarily a single 24-hour day, but rather a significant epoch or event where God's power and justice are unmistakably demonstrated. For the wicked and unrepentant, it is a day of darkness, wrath, and destruction, as described in passages like [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the Lord as Darkness"). However, for God's faithful people, it also holds the promise of deliverance, restoration, and the establishment of His kingdom, as seen in [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Deliverance in the Day of the Lord"). Its significance lies in its demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, His commitment to justice, and His ultimate control over all of history, culminating in the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:1, with its urgent call to prepare for "the Day of the LORD," finds its ultimate and multifaceted fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context points to a coming judgment on Israel, the prophetic concept of the Day of the Lord expands to encompass both the first and second comings of Christ. His first advent initiated a new era, bringing salvation and judgment to the world, fulfilling prophecies of a new covenant and a spiritual outpouring, as quoted by Peter in [Acts 2:17-21](/acts/2-17-21 "Acts 2:17-21 - Peter's Sermon on the Day of Pentecost") directly from Joel. Yet, the full, terrifying "Day of the LORD" described in Joel awaits Christ's glorious return, when He will come as the righteous Judge to execute final judgment upon the earth and establish His eternal kingdom ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The "trumpet" of alarm in Joel foreshadows the trumpet call that will accompany Christ's second coming ([1 Thessalonians 4:16](/1_thessalonians/4-16 "1 Thessalonians 4:16 - The Lord's Descent with a Trumpet Call")), signaling the resurrection and the final gathering of His people. Thus, Joel's warning to "tremble" finds its ultimate response in repentance and faith in Christ, who is both the one who brings the "Day of the LORD" and the one who offers salvation from its wrath, ensuring that those in Him will experience it as a day of joyous deliverance, not dreadful judgment ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through 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

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Joel 2:15

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

Joel 1:15

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

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

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 3:11

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.