Joel 2:11

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?

And the LORD {H3068} shall utter {H5414} his voice {H6963} before {H6440} his army {H2428}: for his camp {H4264} is very {H3966} great {H7227}: for he is strong {H6099} that executeth {H6213} his word {H1697}: for the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} is great {H1419} and very {H3966} terrible {H3372}; and who can abide {H3557} it?

ADONAI shouts orders to his forces - his army is immense, mighty, and it does what he says. For great is the Day of ADONAI, fearsome, terrifying! Who can endure it?

The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful. Who can endure it?

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

Joel 2:11 (KJV) powerfully describes the overwhelming might and terrifying nature of the Day of the LORD. This verse is part of a larger prophecy detailing a severe judgment, initially depicted as a devastating locust plague, but quickly expanding to encompass a broader, eschatological day of divine reckoning.

Context

The prophet Joel addresses Judah during a time of national crisis, likely a severe locust infestation and drought. Chapter 2 transitions from a vivid description of this natural disaster, which is portrayed as a mighty army executing God's will, to a prophetic warning about a future, even more terrible "Day of the LORD." Verse 11 serves as a climactic declaration, emphasizing the divine power behind these events and the inevitability of God's judgment. The immediate context of Joel 2:10-11 paints a picture of cosmic disruption accompanying this day, with the heavens trembling before God's powerful presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Power: The verse highlights God's absolute control over creation and history. His "army" (whether locusts, human invaders, or heavenly hosts) is merely an instrument of His will, and He is strong that executeth His word.
  • The Day of the LORD: This central prophetic theme signifies a specific time when God intervenes decisively in human affairs to judge evil and deliver His people. Here, it is portrayed as "great and very terrible," inspiring both fear and awe. For further insight into this concept, see Amos 5:18.
  • Inevitability of Judgment: The rhetorical question, "who can abide it?", underscores the futility of resisting God's judgment. No one can stand against His overwhelming power without His mercy. This question echoes in other prophetic warnings, such as Revelation 6:17 concerning the Lamb's wrath.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "terrible" in "very terrible" is yare (יָרֵא), which carries the dual meaning of "fearful" or "dreadful" and also "awe-inspiring" or "reverential." This nuance suggests that while the Day of the LORD is a time of terrifying judgment for the wicked, it is also a day that magnifies God's awesome power and holiness for those who revere Him.

Practical Application

Joel 2:11 serves as a stark warning and a call to introspection. It reminds us that God is not to be trifled with; His judgments are sure and powerful. For believers, it reinforces the importance of living in reverence and obedience, trusting in God's mercy rather than fearing His wrath. For those who do not know Him, it is a sober invitation to consider their standing before a holy God. Following this severe warning, Joel immediately issues a call to repentance and genuine return to the LORD in Joel 2:12-13, offering hope amidst the impending judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Malachi 3:2

    But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he [is] like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

  • Nahum 1:6

    Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

  • Revelation 6:17

    For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

  • Psalms 46:6

    ¶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Revelation 18:8

    Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

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