Joel 2:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

The earth {H776} shall quake {H7264} before {H6440} them; the heavens {H8064} shall tremble {H7493}: the sun {H8121} and the moon {H3394} shall be dark {H6937}, and the stars {H3556} shall withdraw {H622} their shining {H5051}:

Complete Jewish Bible

At their advance the earth quakes, and the sky shakes, the sun and moon turn black, and the stars stop shining.

Berean Standard Bible

Before them the earth quakes; the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars lose their brightness.

American Standard Version

The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble; the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:10 presents a vivid and terrifying depiction of cosmic and terrestrial upheaval, serving as a powerful sign of the impending "Day of the Lord." This verse underscores the overwhelming nature of divine judgment, portraying a world in disarray where the very foundations of creation—earth, heavens, sun, moon, and stars—are profoundly disturbed, signaling the awesome and inescapable presence of God's wrath and sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:10 is situated within a dramatic prophetic oracle concerning the "Day of the Lord," a pivotal eschatological concept in the book. Preceding this verse, Joel 2:1-9 describes an unprecedented and terrifying invasion, initially presented as a devastating locust plague, but swiftly transitioning into a description of a formidable, disciplined army. This force moves with such precision and destructive power that it seems to transcend natural phenomena, leading many scholars to interpret it as a dual prophecy: a literal locust invasion foreshadowing a future, more cataclysmic divine judgment executed through an invading army. Verse 10 escalates the imagery from terrestrial devastation to cosmic disruption, emphasizing the universal scope and profound severity of this divine intervention, indicating that the judgment is not merely local but impacts the very fabric of existence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Joel is traditionally dated to either the early post-exilic period (5th-4th century BCE) or an earlier pre-exilic period (9th century BCE). Regardless of the precise dating, the immediate historical backdrop is a severe locust plague that has ravaged the agricultural land of Judah, causing widespread famine and despair. In ancient Near Eastern thought, natural disasters like plagues, droughts, or earthquakes were often interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or judgment. The prophet Joel, therefore, frames this natural catastrophe within a theological framework, presenting it as a direct manifestation of God's judgment and a harbinger of the greater "Day of the Lord." The imagery of cosmic signs—darkening celestial bodies, quaking earth—was a common prophetic motif in the ancient world, signifying significant political or cosmic shifts, divine wrath, or the end of an era.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 2:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Joel and broader prophetic literature. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating God's absolute control over creation and His capacity to orchestrate both natural phenomena and human events to execute His righteous will. The cosmic disturbances described—the earth quaking, heavens trembling, and celestial bodies darkening—are a dramatic display of His immense power and authority, confirming that no aspect of creation is beyond His reach or unaffected by His judgment. This verse also profoundly develops the theme of **The Day of the Lord**, a central concept in Joel's prophecy, which signifies a divinely appointed time of reckoning for the wicked and vindication for the righteous. The cosmic signs are hallmark characteristics of this eschatological period, as seen in other prophetic texts like [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath") and [Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - God's Judgment on Egypt"). Finally, the verse highlights **Cosmic Disorder**, a recurring motif in prophetic literature that uses the disruption of the natural order to symbolize profound upheaval, the impending end of an era, or a significant historical turning point, suggesting a complete disruption of life as it is known due to the gravity of God's presence and judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **quake (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear); be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth." This word conveys not just a physical shaking of the earth, but also an emotional or psychological terror that grips all creation in the face of divine judgment. It implies a deep disquiet and fear, mirroring the internal turmoil of those experiencing God's wrath.
* **before them (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, meaning "the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)." This phrase, often translated as "in their presence" or "at their approach," emphasizes the direct and immediate impact of the invading force (whether locusts or army) on the earth. It suggests a confrontation, where creation itself reacts with terror and submission to the overwhelming power that God has unleashed.
* **dark (Hebrew, _qâdar'_):** From H6937, meaning "to be ashy, i.e. darkcolored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments); be black(-ish), be (make) dark(-en), [idiom] heavily, (cause to) mourn." This word describes the sun and moon losing their light, but it carries a deeper connotation of gloom, despair, and mourning. The darkening of the celestial bodies is not merely an eclipse but a symbolic expression of the profound sorrow and judgment that envelops the world.
* **withdraw their shining (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_ and _nôgahh'_):** `ʼâçaph` (H622) means "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)." `nôgahh` (H5051) means "brilliancy (literally or figuratively); bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining." The combination vividly portrays the stars actively ceasing to emit light, as if their very brilliance is being collected or removed. This signifies a complete cessation of their natural function, contributing to the pervasive darkness and emphasizing the totality of the cosmic disruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The earth shall quake before them;"**: This clause introduces the terrestrial impact of the divine judgment, emphasizing that the very ground beneath their feet will react with terror and instability in the presence of the formidable force God has sent. The earth's "quaking" signifies a fundamental disruption of order and security.
* **"the heavens shall tremble:"**: Extending the judgment to the celestial realm, this phrase indicates that the heavens themselves, often seen as stable and immutable, will be affected. The "trembling" of the heavens parallels the earth's quaking, emphasizing the universal and all-encompassing nature of God's intervention, affecting both the visible world and the cosmic canopy.
* **"the sun and the moon shall be dark,"**: This signifies a profound loss of light and order. The primary sources of light in the day and night will cease to function, plunging the world into an unnatural gloom. This imagery often symbolizes despair, the absence of divine favor, and the overturning of established cosmic rhythms.
* **"and the stars shall withdraw their shining:"**: Completing the cosmic darkness, this clause describes the stars, even the lesser lights, actively ceasing to emit their brilliance. This reinforces the totality of the celestial disruption, leaving no source of natural light, and intensifying the sense of a world plunged into utter darkness and chaos under divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:10 is rich in powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of cosmic terror and disruption. The descriptions of the earth quaking, the heavens trembling, and the sun, moon, and stars darkening or withdrawing their light create a sense of overwhelming dread and impending doom. **Personification** is evident as the earth is said to "quake" and the heavens to "tremble," attributing human emotions and reactions to inanimate objects, thereby emphasizing the profound and terrifying impact of God's presence on all creation. The verse also employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the scale of the natural phenomena to convey the immense power and severity of God's judgment, suggesting a disruption far beyond typical natural disasters. Furthermore, the pervasive darkness serves as potent **Symbolism**, representing not only physical gloom but also spiritual despair, the withdrawal of divine blessing, and the onset of a time of reckoning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:10 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His unwavering justice. The cosmic signs described are not merely natural occurrences but direct manifestations of His presence and power, signaling the arrival of the "Day of the Lord." This eschatological day is characterized by divine judgment against sin and the vindication of God's righteousness. The disruption of the cosmos underscores the gravity of this day, indicating that no part of creation is untouched by God's holy wrath. It serves as a stark reminder that the created order is subservient to the Creator's will and can be altered or dissolved at His command, ultimately pointing to a time when God will fully establish His kingdom and justice.

* [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")
* [Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - God's Judgment on Egypt")
* [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - The Sun Shall Go Down at Noon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:10 serves as a potent reminder of God's awesome power and the seriousness of His judgment. While its primary focus is on future eschatological events, it holds profound implications for present-day believers. The cosmic disturbances described should evoke a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting us to live in a manner that honors His holiness and righteousness. It calls for spiritual readiness, urging us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and pursue genuine repentance. The impending judgment, though terrifying, is often accompanied in prophetic literature by a call to sincere turning to God, emphasizing that even in the face of overwhelming divine wrath, there is hope and mercy available for those who humble themselves and seek Him with all their heart. This verse compels us to consider the ultimate authority of God over all creation and to align our lives with His eternal purposes, ensuring we are found faithful when His day of reckoning arrives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of cosmic disorder in Joel 2:10 impact your understanding of God's power and sovereignty?**
* **What does the "Day of the Lord" signify for you personally, and how does it influence your daily walk with God?**
* **In what ways might the "quaking" and "darkening" described in this verse serve as a spiritual metaphor for the consequences of unrepentant sin in our lives or in society?**
* **How should the prospect of God's ultimate judgment motivate us to live more faithfully and share the Gospel with urgency?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the Lord" that Joel 2:10 refers to?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" is a prominent theological concept in the Old Testament prophets, including Joel. It refers to a specific time when God intervenes dramatically in human history to execute judgment on His enemies and bring salvation to His people. It is often depicted as a day of darkness, wrath, and cosmic upheaval for the wicked, but also a day of vindication and restoration for the righteous. In Joel, it encompasses both an immediate historical judgment (like the locust plague or an invading army) and a future eschatological judgment that culminates in God's ultimate reign. The cosmic signs in [Joel 2:10](/joel/2-10 "Joel 2:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment") are characteristic markers of this awe-inspiring day, emphasizing its universal scope and divine origin.

**Is Joel 2:10 a literal prophecy, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: Joel 2:10 employs highly symbolic and apocalyptic language to describe a literal event, whether it be a devastating locust plague, an invading army, or the ultimate eschatological judgment. While the "earth quaking" and "heavens trembling" could be literal seismic and atmospheric disturbances, the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars often serves as powerful **symbolism** for profound societal collapse, divine wrath, and the overturning of established order. Prophetic literature frequently uses such vivid imagery to convey the magnitude and terror of God's intervention, making it both a literal foretelling of future events and a symbolic representation of the spiritual and existential dread associated with divine judgment. Many New Testament passages, such as [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming"), echo this imagery, suggesting a future literal fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:10, with its chilling depiction of cosmic disruption, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often spoke of the "Day of the Lord" as a terrifying day of judgment, the New Testament reveals that Christ is the central figure through whom this day will be consummated. The cosmic signs—the sun darkening, the moon not giving its light, the stars falling—are directly referenced by Jesus Himself in His Olivet Discourse as signs preceding His glorious return ([Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming"); [Mark 13:24-25](/mark/13-24-25 "Mark 13:24-25 - The Coming of the Son of Man")). These Old Testament prophecies, therefore, foreshadow the final, decisive intervention of God in history, which will be executed by Christ as the righteous Judge. Moreover, the book of Revelation amplifies this imagery, portraying similar cosmic disturbances during the opening of the sixth seal, directly linked to the wrath of the Lamb ([Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal")). Thus, the terrifying judgment described in Joel is ultimately administered by the very one who also offers salvation. For those who are "in Christ," the terror of the Day of the Lord is transformed into the blessed hope of His appearing, as He is the one who will ultimately bring about a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and a New Earth")).

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

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Mark 13:24

¶ But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,