Joel 2:19

KJV

Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, the LORD {H3068} will answer {H6030} and say {H559} unto his people {H5971}, Behold, I will send {H7971} you corn {H1715}, and wine {H8492}, and oil {H3323}, and ye shall be satisfied {H7646} therewith: and I will no more make {H5414} you a reproach {H2781} among the heathen {H1471}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is how ADONAI will answer his people: "I will send you grain, wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy you; and no longer will I make you a mockery among the Goyim.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah answered and said unto his people, Behold, I will send you grain, and new wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:19 presents a profound divine promise of restoration and abundant provision to the people of Judah, marking a pivotal shift from judgment to grace. Following a period of devastating locust plague and national humiliation, the Lord responds to sincere repentance by assuring His people of renewed agricultural prosperity and the removal of their reproach among surrounding nations, thereby restoring their honor and demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:19 serves as the climactic divine response to the nation's sincere repentance, which was passionately called for in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Sincere Repentance"). The preceding chapters vividly depict the severity of the locust plague and drought ([Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Devastating Locust Plague")), portraying it as a foretaste of the impending "Day of the Lord" and a catalyst for spiritual awakening. After the prophet urges the people to return to the Lord with all their heart, rending their hearts and not their garments, [Joel 2:18](/joel/2-18 "Joel 2:18 - The Lord's Jealousy and Pity") states that "the LORD will be jealous for his land, and pity his people." Verse 19 is the direct, compassionate, and tangible fulfillment of that pity, transforming the narrative from one of desolation and fear to one of hope, restoration, and divine favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, heavily reliant on the productivity of its land. "Corn (grain), wine, and oil" were not merely commodities but the foundational staples of their diet, economy, and religious life. A lack of these indicated divine displeasure and brought famine, sickness, and national weakness. Conversely, their abundance signified God's blessing and covenant faithfulness, as promised in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings of Abundance"). Furthermore, in the ancient Near East, national calamities were often interpreted by surrounding "heathen" nations as a sign of a deity's weakness or abandonment of their people, leading to "reproach" or public shame. Thus, God's promise to remove this reproach was not just about internal well-being but also about vindicating His name and demonstrating His supreme power and faithfulness to His covenant people before the eyes of the world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout the book of Joel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Abundance**, transforming the earlier scenes of famine and desolation into a vision of overflowing plenty. The promise of "corn, and wine, and oil" signifies God's comprehensive care for His people's physical needs, ensuring they will be "satisfied therewith," which contrasts sharply with the gnawing hunger of the plague. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Restoration of Honor and Dignity**. The phrase "I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen" directly addresses the deep shame and humiliation Israel suffered. God pledges to reverse their fortunes, not only alleviating their suffering but also restoring their reputation and demonstrating His power to the surrounding nations, as seen in [Isaiah 61:7](/isaiah/61-7 "Isaiah 61:7 - Double Honor for Shame"). Finally, Joel 2:19 beautifully illustrates **God's Responsive Mercy and Faithfulness to Repentance**. It demonstrates that God's judgments are often calls to return, and His character is one of readiness to forgive and restore when His people genuinely turn to Him, echoing the call to repentance in [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - Rend Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (YHWH), emphasizing His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. When used in this context, it highlights God's personal commitment to His people and His sovereign authority to fulfill His promises. It is the God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel who now speaks.
* **answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This word implies more than a mere verbal reply; it denotes a practical, effective response. God's "answer" is not just a pronouncement but a tangible intervention that brings about a reversal of fortune and a restoration of blessings. It signifies His attentive ear and active hand in the affairs of His people.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** This term conveys deep shame, disgrace, humiliation, or taunt. It speaks to the public scorn and contempt that Israel endured due to their calamities, which were seen by other nations as evidence of their God's inability or abandonment. God's promise to remove this "reproach" signifies a complete vindication and restoration of dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the promise. The "Yea" (or "then") signals a direct and affirmative response from God Himself, following the people's repentance and His own "jealousy for his land" ([Joel 2:18](/joel/2-18 "Joel 2:18 - God's Jealousy and Pity")). It underscores God's personal engagement and communication with His covenant people.
* **"Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil,"**: This is the core of God's tangible provision. "Corn (grain)," "wine," and "oil" represent the fundamental agricultural blessings and staples of life in ancient Israel. Their abundance symbolizes prosperity, sustenance, joy, and health. God's promise to "send" them signifies His direct intervention to reverse the famine and desolation that previously afflicted the land.
* **"and ye shall be satisfied therewith:"**: This phrase emphasizes the completeness and generosity of God's provision. It's not just a bare minimum for survival, but an abundance that leads to full satisfaction. This contrasts sharply with the hunger and scarcity described earlier in the book, highlighting God's restorative power and overflowing goodness.
* **"and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:"**: This final clause addresses the restoration of Israel's honor and reputation. The "reproach" refers to the public shame and humiliation they suffered in the eyes of surrounding nations, who likely mocked their God's perceived inability to protect them. God's promise to remove this reproach signifies a complete reversal of their fortunes, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to the world and restoring His people's dignity.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:19 employs several powerful literary devices. **Personification** is evident as "the LORD will answer and say," attributing human communication and responsiveness to God, emphasizing His active engagement with His people. **Symbolism** is central, with "corn, and wine, and oil" serving as potent symbols of divine blessing, agricultural prosperity, and comprehensive provision, representing the restoration of all that was lost. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the promised future of abundance and honor against the recent past of famine and "reproach," highlighting the dramatic reversal brought about by God's intervention. Finally, the direct **Divine Speech** ("I will send you," "I will no more make you") imbues the promise with absolute certainty and authority, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:19 stands as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His redemptive character. It illustrates that divine judgment, while severe, is often a means to call His people to repentance, and His ultimate desire is to restore and bless. The provision of "corn, wine, and oil" speaks to God's holistic care, addressing not only spiritual needs but also the tangible, physical well-being of His people. Moreover, the removal of "reproach" underscores God's commitment to His people's honor and His own glory among the nations, demonstrating that His power is supreme and His promises are true. This verse beautifully portrays the dynamic relationship between human repentance and divine mercy, revealing a God who is eager to restore what was lost and to vindicate those who turn to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings of Abundance")
* [Isaiah 61:7](/isaiah/61-7 "Isaiah 61:7 - Double Honor for Shame")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:19 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that our God is a God of restoration, even after periods of hardship, spiritual barrenness, or the consequences of our own straying. It teaches us that genuine repentance, a turning of the heart back to God, unlocks His boundless mercy and provision. Just as He promised to restore material abundance to ancient Israel, He promises to provide for our needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—when we humbly seek Him. This verse calls us to trust in His generous nature, knowing that He desires our satisfaction and well-being. Furthermore, it assures us that God is able to remove the "reproach" of our past failures, shame, or the condemnation of the world, replacing it with His honor and dignity. We are invited to live with confidence in His unfailing love, knowing that He is always ready to answer, to send His blessings, and to restore our standing, both before Him and before others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel a sense of "reproach" or lack, and how might Joel 2:19 encourage you to seek God's restoration?**
* **What does "satisfaction" mean to you, and how does God's promise to "satisfy therewith" challenge your understanding of true contentment?**
* **How does the sequence of repentance followed by divine answer and provision in Joel 2:19 inform your approach to prayer and seeking God's will?**
* **Considering God's promise to restore "corn, wine, and oil," what spiritual "staples" do you need God to replenish in your life today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "corn, wine, and oil" in Joel 2:19?**

Answer: "Corn (grain), wine, and oil" were the three primary agricultural products and staple foods in ancient Israel. Their abundance symbolized prosperity, sustenance, and divine blessing, representing the very foundation of life and well-being. "Corn" (or grain) provided bread, the basic food; "wine" brought joy and refreshment; and "oil" was used for cooking, anointing, light, and medicine. Therefore, God's promise to send these three commodities signifies a comprehensive and complete restoration of physical provision, economic stability, and overall flourishing, directly reversing the famine and desolation described earlier in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague"). It speaks to God's holistic care for His people.

**How did God "make you a reproach among the heathen"?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, national well-being and prosperity were often seen as indicators of a deity's power and favor. Conversely, national calamities, like the devastating locust plague and drought described in Joel, were interpreted by surrounding "heathen" (Gentile) nations as a sign that Israel's God was either weak, absent, or had abandoned His people. This brought immense shame, mockery, and "reproach" upon Israel, undermining their standing and the reputation of their God among other peoples. God's promise in [Joel 2:19](/joel/2-19 "Joel 2:19 - God's Promise of Restoration") to remove this reproach signifies His active intervention to vindicate His name and restore His people's dignity and honor before the world, demonstrating His supreme power and faithfulness.

**Is this promise of restoration only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate historical context of [Joel 2:19](/joel/2-19 "Joel 2:19 - God's Promise of Restoration") is specific to ancient Israel, the theological principles embedded within it are timeless and apply to believers today. The verse beautifully illustrates God's character: He is responsive to genuine repentance, abundant in His provision, and committed to restoring His people's honor. For New Testament believers, the "corn, wine, and oil" can be understood not only as physical provision but also as spiritual sustenance and blessings found in Christ. The removal of "reproach" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who takes away our shame and condemnation ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ")) and grants us a new identity and honor as children of God. Thus, while the literal fulfillment was for Israel, the spiritual and thematic fulfillment extends to all who repent and trust in God through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:19, with its promise of abundant provision and the removal of reproach, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the "corn, wine, and oil" represent physical sustenance and prosperity for ancient Israel, Christ is the spiritual "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the "true vine" whose blood brings new covenant life and joy ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"); [Matthew 26:27-28](/matthew/26-27-28 "Matthew 26:27-28 - The Cup of the New Covenant")), and the source of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which brings light and healing ([1 John 2:27](/1_john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing You Received")). Through Him, believers are truly "satisfied" with an abundance that transcends material blessings, receiving "life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Furthermore, the promise to "no more make you a reproach among the heathen" is perfectly realized in Christ's atoning work. He bore our shame and condemnation on the cross, removing the spiritual reproach of sin that separated us from God ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"); [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory")). Through faith in Him, we are no longer defined by our past failures or the world's judgment, but are given a new identity as co-heirs with Christ, clothed in His righteousness and honor before God and the world ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Righteousness in Christ")). Thus, Joel 2:19 points forward to the comprehensive spiritual and relational restoration offered uniquely through Jesus.

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

Ezekiel 34:29

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.

Ezekiel 36:15

Neither will I cause [men] to hear in thee the shame of the heathen any more, neither shalt thou bear the reproach of the people any more, neither shalt thou cause thy nations to fall any more, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 31:12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Joel 2:24

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.

Haggai 2:16

Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.

Haggai 2:19

Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you].

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: