Joel 2:2

KJV

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

A day {H3117} of darkness {H2822} and of gloominess {H653}, a day {H3117} of clouds {H6051} and of thick darkness {H6205}, as the morning {H7837} spread {H6566} upon the mountains {H2022}: a great {H7227} people {H5971} and a strong {H6099}; there hath not been {H1961} ever {H5769} the like, neither shall be any more {H3254} after {H310} it, even to the years {H8141} of many {H1755} generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick fog; a great and mighty horde is spreading like blackness over the mountains. There has never been anything like it, nor will there ever be again, not even after the years of many generations.

Berean Standard Bible

a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come.

American Standard Version

a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:2 vividly portrays the impending "Day of the Lord" as an epochal event marked by profound, oppressive darkness and the advance of an unparalleled, overwhelming force. This verse establishes a chilling and unique tone, underscoring the severity, pervasiveness, and historical singularity of the divine judgment about to unfold upon Judah, serving as a stark warning of God's formidable power and righteous wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:2 immediately follows the prophet's urgent call to sound the alarm on Mount Zion in [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - The Trumpet Call for the Day of the Lord"), announcing the imminent arrival of the "Day of the Lord." This verse serves to elaborate on the terrifying nature of this day, building upon the vivid imagery of the devastating locust plague described in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague"). The locust invasion, in its immediate context, acts as a tangible, terrifying harbinger and a microcosm of the greater, more comprehensive judgment of the "Day of the Lord." Joel 2:2 uses language that initially describes the locusts ("a great people and a strong") but elevates the event to an unprecedented, eschatological scale, setting the stage for the subsequent call to sincere repentance in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Repentance and Prayer").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Joel addresses the people of Judah, likely in a period following a severe drought and a catastrophic locust plague. In the ancient Near East, locust invasions were a common, yet utterly devastating, natural disaster capable of stripping entire landscapes bare and causing widespread famine. Such events were often interpreted as direct acts of divine judgment or curses for covenant disobedience, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:38-42](/deuteronomy/28-38-42 "Deuteronomy 28:38-42 - Curses for Disobedience"). The concept of the "Day of the Lord" was a well-established prophetic theme, signifying a future time when God would decisively intervene in history, bringing judgment upon His enemies and, at times, upon His own people for their unfaithfulness, as well as salvation for the righteous remnant. The imagery of darkness and an overwhelming force would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with both natural calamities and the threat of powerful invading armies.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 2:2 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of Joel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **The Overwhelming Nature of Divine Judgment**, portraying the "Day of the Lord" not merely as a temporal event but as a pervasive, terrifying experience of divine wrath, where light and hope seem extinguished. The repeated imagery of "darkness," "gloominess," "clouds," and "thick darkness" underscores the comprehensive and inescapable quality of this judgment. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Unprecedented Calamity** that is unfolding. The declaration "there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations" powerfully conveys the singular and unparalleled severity of this event, whether referring to the immediate locust plague or the ultimate eschatological judgment. This language sets it apart from all other historical or future calamities. Lastly, the description of "a great people and a strong" vividly portrays **An Unstoppable and Pervasive Force**, initially referring to the disciplined and destructive swarms of locusts, but expanding to symbolize any overwhelming force God employs for His purposes, including invading armies. The simile "as the morning spread upon the mountains" further illustrates the rapid, inescapable, and all-encompassing advance of this instrument of divine will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Darkness (Hebrew, _chôshek'_ - H2822):** Derived from a root meaning "to be dark," this term literally refers to the absence of light. However, as seen in its broader usage, it figuratively denotes misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, and wickedness. In Joel 2:2, _chôshek_ signifies not merely a lack of sunlight but a profound spiritual and existential gloom, indicative of divine disfavor and the dire consequences of sin.
* **Thick darkness (Hebrew, _ʻărâphel'_ - H6205):** This word describes a dense, impenetrable gloom, often associated with the awe-inspiring and sometimes terrifying presence of God, as seen at Mount Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 20:21](/exodus/20-21 "Exodus 20:21 - God in Thick Darkness at Sinai")). Its inclusion here elevates the described event beyond a mere natural phenomenon, emphasizing the direct, overwhelming, and unapproachable nature of God's intervention in judgment.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_ - H1755):** This term primarily signifies a "revolution of time," encompassing an age or a generation. When paired with "many generations," it underscores the unparalleled and enduring impact of the event described in Joel 2:2, suggesting that its severity will be remembered and will serve as a benchmark for all subsequent ages, marking it as a truly unique and historically significant judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the oppressive atmosphere of the "Day of the Lord." The repetition and accumulation of terms for darkness (Hebrew: _chôshek_, _ʼăphêlâh_, _ʻânân_, _ʻărâphel_) emphasize its pervasive and absolute nature. It is not just a lack of light but a spiritual and physical oppression, symbolizing divine judgment, despair, and the withdrawal of God's favor and blessing. The "clouds" and "thick darkness" further evoke a sense of foreboding and the mysterious, often terrifying, manifestation of God's presence in judgment.
* **"as the morning spread upon the mountains":** This striking simile illustrates the rapid, inescapable, and pervasive nature of the approaching force. Just as the dawn swiftly and inevitably covers the mountain peaks, so too will this "great people" spread across the land, leaving no place untouched. It conveys a sense of overwhelming speed and an all-encompassing advance that cannot be halted or escaped.
* **"a great people and a strong":** This phrase identifies the instrument of God's judgment. While immediately referring to the locust swarms, whose immense numbers and destructive power are likened to a disciplined army, it also prophetically foreshadows other formidable forces (like invading armies) that God might employ. The Hebrew words for "great" (_rab_) and "strong" (_ʻâtsûwm_) emphasize not only numerical superiority but also inherent might, power, and an unstoppable resolve.
* **"there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations":** This powerful declaration underscores the unprecedented and singular nature of the calamity. It is an event of such unparalleled severity and impact that it stands alone in history, both past and future. This hyperbole emphasizes the profound and lasting impression this judgment will leave, serving as a stark warning and a unique benchmark for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:2 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a world plunged into an ominous, suffocating darkness and overrun by an unstoppable force. The recurring terms for darkness—"darkness," "gloominess," "clouds," and "thick darkness"—constitute powerful **Repetition** and **Accumulation**, intensifying the sense of dread and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. The **Simile** "as the morning spread upon the mountains" is particularly effective, illustrating the overwhelming speed and pervasiveness of the invading force. Just as dawn inevitably covers the landscape, so too will this "great people" engulf everything in its path. The phrase "a great people and a strong" employs **Personification** or **Metaphor**, attributing human military characteristics to the locusts, thereby enhancing their terrifying and disciplined nature. Finally, the declaration "there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, used to underscore the unparalleled and unique severity of this divine intervention, ensuring its profound and lasting impact on the collective memory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:2 stands as a potent reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. The "Day of the Lord" is a recurring prophetic motif, signifying a time when God decisively intervenes in human history to judge sin and bring about His righteous purposes. This verse portrays divine judgment not as a distant or abstract concept, but as a tangible, overwhelming reality, characterized by a profound, almost palpable, darkness that symbolizes the withdrawal of God's favor and the consequences of rebellion. It underscores that God can and does use various instruments—from natural phenomena like locusts to human armies—to execute His will, demonstrating His control over all creation and the affairs of nations. The unparalleled nature of the described event serves to highlight the seriousness of sin and the severity of God's holy wrath, urging humanity to consider their ways and turn to Him in repentance.

* [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the Lord is Darkness")
* [Zephaniah 1:14-15](/zephaniah/1-14-15 "Zephaniah 1:14-15 - The Great Day of the Lord")
* [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:2 serves as a profound and sobering call to spiritual reflection for believers today. The vivid imagery of overwhelming darkness and an unstoppable force compels us to confront the reality of God's righteous judgment and the seriousness of sin. It reminds us that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a holy and just God who will hold humanity accountable. This understanding should foster a deep sense of humility and urgency, prompting us to examine our own lives and communities for areas of spiritual complacency or disobedience. The unparalleled nature of the described event should impress upon us the unique and decisive interventions of God in history, both past and future, and motivate us to live in a state of spiritual preparedness. Recognizing God's absolute sovereignty over all forces, even destructive ones, encourages us to place our trust fully in Him, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His ultimate purposes, including our sanctification and redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the intense imagery of "darkness" in Joel 2:2 challenge my comfortable assumptions about God's character and His dealings with humanity?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to prepare spiritually for "unprecedented" challenges or judgments in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **How does recognizing God's absolute sovereignty over all forces, even those that bring judgment, deepen my trust in His ultimate plan and my commitment to obedience?**

### FAQ

**Does "a great people and a strong" refer to locusts or a human army?**

Answer: In its immediate context, the phrase "a great people and a strong" (Hebrew: _ʻam rab v'atzum_) primarily refers to the devastating locust plague that had ravaged Judah, as described in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague"). The prophet uses anthropomorphic language to describe the locusts' disciplined, overwhelming, and destructive advance, likening them to a formidable army. However, in prophetic literature, such imagery often has a dual fulfillment or broader symbolic meaning. The locust plague serves as a type or foreshadowing of a greater, more comprehensive "Day of the Lord," which could involve invading human armies (such as the Assyrians or Babylonians, who often served as God's instruments of judgment) or even eschatological forces. Thus, while rooted in the literal locust invasion, the language expands to encompass any overwhelming instrument God might use to execute His judgment.

**What is the significance of "darkness" in the "Day of the Lord" as described in Joel 2:2?**

Answer: The "darkness" in Joel 2:2 is profoundly significant, serving as a multifaceted symbol of divine judgment and its consequences. Firstly, it represents a literal, physical obscuring of the sun and sky, akin to the plague of darkness in [Exodus 10:21-23](/exodus/10-21-23 "Exodus 10:21-23 - The Plague of Darkness"). More deeply, it symbolizes the withdrawal of God's favor and blessing, plunging the land and its people into a state of despair and spiritual gloom. Darkness is often associated with chaos, death, and the absence of life, reflecting the destructive power of God's wrath. Furthermore, the "thick darkness" (Hebrew: _ʻărâphel_) specifically evokes the terrifying and unapproachable presence of God in judgment, reminiscent of His appearance on Mount Sinai (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:11](/deuteronomy/4-11 "Deuteronomy 4:11 - God's Voice from the Darkness")). Thus, the darkness in Joel 2:2 signifies not just a lack of light, but a pervasive, oppressive manifestation of divine displeasure and the dire consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 2:2 vividly describes a "day of darkness" as a time of terrifying divine judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The profound darkness that enveloped the land during Christ's crucifixion, from the sixth hour until the ninth hour, as recorded in [Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion"), [Mark 15:33](/mark/15-33 "Mark 15:33 - Darkness Over the Land"), and [Luke 23:44](/luke/23-44 "Luke 23:44 - Darkness at Noon"), was the ultimate "day of darkness and gloominess" for humanity. On the cross, Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment against sin, experiencing the spiritual darkness and separation from the Father that our transgressions deserved. He became the "great people and a strong" in the sense that He alone possessed the strength and purity to endure and overcome this unparalleled divine wrath. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ transformed the "day of darkness" from a condemnation for those who believe into a pathway to light and life. He is the [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World"), who has come to dispel the spiritual darkness of sin and ignorance, offering an escape from the future "Day of the Lord" that will come as a thief in the night for the unrepentant ([1 Thessalonians 5:2-3](/1_thessalonians/5-2-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The Day of the Lord Comes Like a Thief")). Thus, Joel's terrifying vision of judgment ultimately points to the one who endured it for us, providing salvation and eternal light.

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

Joel 1:6

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth [are] the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

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 1:15

That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

Joel 2:10

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:

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?

Amos 5:18

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light.

Amos 5:20

[Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?