Joel 2:20

KJV

But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will remove far off {H7368} from you the northern {H6830} army, and will drive {H5080} him into a land {H776} barren {H6723} and desolate {H8077}, with his face {H6440} toward the east {H6931} sea {H3220}, and his hinder part {H5490} toward the utmost {H314} sea {H3220}, and his stink {H889} shall come up {H5927}, and his ill savour {H6709} shall come up {H5927}, because he hath done {H6213} great things {H1431}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, I will take the northerner away, far away from you, and drive him to a land that is waste and barren; with his vanguard toward the eastern sea and his rearguard toward the western sea, his stench and his rottenness will rise, because he has done great things."

Berean Standard Bible

The northern army I will drive away from you, banishing it to a barren and desolate land, its front ranks into the Eastern Sea, and its rear guard into the Western Sea. And its stench will rise; its foul odor will ascend. For He has done great things.

American Standard Version

but I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive it into a land barren and desolate, its forepart into the eastern sea, and its hinder part into the western sea; and its stench shall come up, and its ill savor shall come up, because it hath done great things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:20 presents a powerful divine promise of deliverance and restoration following a period of devastating judgment, likely a locust plague described as a "northern army." God assures His people that He will decisively remove this destructive force, driving it into barren lands and scattering its remnants across the seas, signifying a complete and irreversible eradication. The lingering stench of the defeated "army" serves as a tangible testament to its demise and the finality of God's judgment against that which ravaged His land and people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:20 is a pivotal verse within the book of Joel, marking a dramatic shift from pronouncements of judgment to promises of restoration. The preceding chapters, particularly [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Devastating Locust Plague") and the early verses of [Joel 2](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord and God's Mercy"), vividly describe a calamitous locust plague, portrayed with military imagery as an invading "northern army" ([Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Locust Army and the Day of the Lord")). This plague serves as a terrifying precursor to the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine reckoning. Following a fervent call to national repentance and lamentation in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Repentance and God's Compassion"), God responds with compassion and a promise to "pity his people" ([Joel 2:18](/joel/2-18 "Joel 2:18 - God's Pity and Promise")). Verse 20, therefore, is the direct fulfillment of this divine compassion, demonstrating God's immediate action to reverse the devastation and restore the land and its productivity, setting the stage for further blessings in [Joel 2:21-27](/joel/2-21-27 "Joel 2:21-27 - Restoration and Abundance").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, including Judah, was an agrarian society heavily reliant on agricultural yields for survival. Locust plagues were a common and utterly devastating natural disaster, capable of stripping entire regions bare, leading to famine, economic collapse, and widespread suffering. Such events were often interpreted through a theological lens as divine judgment for sin or as a call to repentance. The "northern army" could refer primarily to the locusts, given the detailed descriptions of their destructive power in [Joel 1:4-7](/joel/1-4-7 "Joel 1:4-7 - The Locusts' Devastation") and [Joel 2:2-9](/joel/2-2-9 "Joel 2:2-9 - The Locusts as a Mighty Army"). However, the term "northern" also frequently denoted the direction from which human invaders (like Assyrians or Babylonians) came to attack Israel, adding a layer of potential dual prophecy or symbolic depth to the "army." The geographical references—the "east sea" (the Dead Sea) and the "utmost sea" (the Mediterranean Sea, which lay to the west and was considered the "hinder" or "western" sea from an Israelite perspective)—underscore the complete and widespread nature of the enemy's expulsion from the land of Judah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Joel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, demonstrating God's absolute power over nature and all forces, whether natural (locusts) or human (armies). He is not merely a distant observer but actively "removes" and "drives" the destructive power. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Repentance and Restoration**. It is a direct consequence of the people's turning back to God, illustrating that divine judgment can be averted or reversed through sincere contrition, leading to God's compassionate intervention and the promise of a bountiful future, as further elaborated in [Joel 2:25-27](/joel/2-25-27 "Joel 2:25-27 - God's Promise of Full Restoration"). Lastly, it speaks to **Judgment and Deliverance**, showing that while God brings judgment upon sin and rebellion, He also provides complete deliverance and vindication for His repentant people, utterly defeating their oppressors and removing the very memory of their devastation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remove far off (Hebrew, _râchaq'_):** H7368, a primitive root meaning "to widen (in any direction), i.e. (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)." This word emphasizes God's active and decisive action to distance the threat. It suggests a complete separation, not just a temporary retreat, ensuring the enemy is put "far away" from Judah. The divine initiative is paramount here, indicating God's direct intervention to create distance between His people and the destructive force.
* **drive (Hebrew, _nâdach'_):** H5080, a primitive root meaning "to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)." This term reinforces the forceful and compelling nature of God's action. It's not a gentle leading away but a powerful expulsion, akin to banishing or thrusting out. This signifies the enemy's lack of agency in its departure; it is utterly subject to God's will and power.
* **great things (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** H1431, a primitive root meaning "to twist... to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." In this context, "great things" refers ironically to the immense destruction and devastation wrought by the "northern army." While the locusts (or invaders) may have considered their actions "great" in terms of their destructive power, the divine perspective highlights the negative, prideful, and ultimately futile nature of their "greatness" when confronted by God's sovereign power. This sets up the irony of their "stink" as the ultimate outcome of their "great deeds."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate":** This clause initiates God's direct promise of intervention. The "northern army" is identified as the source of the recent devastation. God declares His intent to actively and forcefully remove this threat, pushing it into an uninhabitable, desolate region. This signifies not just a retreat but an utter banishment to a place where it can no longer cause harm, emphasizing the finality of its expulsion from Judah's fertile land.
* **"with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea":** This vivid geographical description illustrates the complete dispersal and destruction of the "northern army." The "east sea" refers to the Dead Sea, and the "utmost sea" (or "hinder part" from an Israelite perspective facing east) refers to the Mediterranean Sea. This imagery implies that the remnants of the army will be scattered and annihilated across the entire breadth of the land, from east to west, leaving no possibility of regrouping or return. It underscores the totality of God's judgment and the thoroughness of the enemy's eradication.
* **"and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things":** This final clause provides a grim, sensory detail of the enemy's ultimate fate. The "stink" and "ill savour" refer to the putrefaction of the immense number of dead locusts (or fallen invaders). This foul odor serves as a tangible, undeniable sign of their complete defeat and annihilation. The phrase "because he hath done great things" is deeply ironic. The "great things" were destructive acts against God's people and land. Now, the "greatness" of their destruction is reversed, culminating in their own ignominious and putrid end, a powerful testament to God's justice and the consequences of opposing His will.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, as the "northern army" functions as a vivid representation of the locust plague, yet its military description also allows for a broader interpretation as any destructive force or invading army. This dual imagery enhances the sense of threat and the power of God's deliverance. **Personification** is evident in describing the "army" with a "face" and "hinder part," attributing human-like or animal-like directional qualities to the collective force, making its defeat more visceral. The phrase "his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up" utilizes potent **Imagery**, appealing directly to the sense of smell to emphasize the overwhelming and undeniable reality of the enemy's destruction. Finally, the concluding phrase, "because he hath done great things," is a profound example of **Irony**. The "great things" refer to the immense devastation caused by the "army," but their ultimate outcome is a putrid, ignominious end, highlighting the reversal of their power and the divine judgment upon their destructive "greatness." This irony underscores God's ultimate triumph over all forces that oppose Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:20 stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign power to deliver His people from even the most overwhelming threats. It illustrates a fundamental biblical principle: that divine judgment, though severe, is often a precursor to a deeper demonstration of God's mercy and restorative power, especially in response to genuine repentance. This verse shows that God not only removes the immediate threat but utterly eradicates it, ensuring its complete disappearance and leaving no residual power to harm. The "stink" of the defeated enemy serves as a permanent, unpleasant reminder of the consequences of opposing God and the finality of His judgment. This divine act of cleansing the land and removing the blight foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and restoration that God promises for His creation and His people.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3-5 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - God's Promise of Restoration After Exile") - God promises to restore His people from captivity and bring them back to the land, mirroring the reversal of fortune in Joel.
* [Isaiah 14:24-27](/isaiah/14-24-27 "Isaiah 14:24-27 - The Lord's Unstoppable Plan") - God declares His unalterable purpose to break Assyria and trample them on His mountains, demonstrating His sovereign control over nations and their armies, similar to His control over the "northern army" in Joel.
* [Revelation 19:17-21](/revelation/19-17-21 "Revelation 19:17-21 - The Feast of the Birds and the Defeat of the Beast") - This passage describes the complete and final destruction of God's enemies, with their flesh consumed by birds, leading to a similar imagery of utter annihilation and a "stink" of defeat, albeit on a cosmic scale.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:20 offers profound encouragement for believers facing overwhelming challenges today. It reminds us that no matter how devastating the "locusts" or "armies" in our lives may seem—whether they are literal hardships, spiritual attacks, or personal struggles—God possesses the ultimate power to intervene, remove, and utterly defeat them. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is not passive in our suffering but actively works to deliver and restore. It also underscores the transformative power of repentance; when we turn to God with contrite hearts, His compassion is stirred, and He acts decisively on our behalf. Just as the land of Judah was cleansed of its blight, we can trust God to cleanse our lives, our communities, and our world of destructive forces, leaving behind only the testimony of His victorious power and enduring faithfulness. This should inspire us to pray with confidence for deliverance and to live in hopeful expectation of God's restorative grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "northern armies" or destructive forces are you currently facing in your life, and how does Joel 2:20 encourage you to trust in God's power to remove them?**
* **How does the concept of God "driving" away the enemy, rather than just allowing it to dissipate, deepen your understanding of His active involvement in your deliverance?**
* **In what ways can a "stink" or "ill savour" of past struggles serve as a reminder of God's victory and the finality of His deliverance in your life?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "northern army" mentioned in Joel 2:20?**

Answer: While the immediate and primary referent of the "northern army" in Joel 2 is the devastating locust plague that had ravaged Judah, as described in detail throughout [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague") and [Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Locusts as an Invading Army"), the military language used to depict them (e.g., horses, chariots, soldiers, a disciplined army) suggests a broader symbolic interpretation. Many scholars believe it also foreshadows future human invaders from the north, a common direction for enemies of Israel (e.g., Assyria, Babylon). Thus, the "northern army" can be understood as a dual prophecy, encompassing both the literal locusts and any subsequent hostile forces that threaten God's people.

**What do the "east sea" and "utmost sea" represent in this verse?**

Answer: The "east sea" refers to the Dead Sea (also known as the Salt Sea), which lies to the east of Judah. The "utmost sea" (sometimes translated as "western sea" or "hinder sea") refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which lies to the west. From an Israelite perspective, facing east (the direction of the rising sun) meant the west was behind them, hence "hinder part" or "utmost." By driving the "northern army" with its "face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea," God signifies a complete and total dispersal and destruction of the enemy across the entire breadth of the land, leaving no escape or possibility of return. It emphasizes the thoroughness of God's judgment and deliverance.

**What is the significance of the "stink" and "ill savour" that come up?**

Answer: The "stink" (Hebrew, _bᵉʼôsh_) and "ill savour" (Hebrew, _tsachănâh_) refer to the putrid smell of the immense number of dead locusts (or fallen invaders) after their annihilation. This imagery serves several significant purposes. Firstly, it provides a vivid, sensory detail that underscores the sheer scale of the enemy's destruction and the finality of its defeat. Secondly, it is an ironic consequence of the "great things" the army had done; their destructive "greatness" culminates in their own foul, ignominious end. Thirdly, it acts as a tangible, undeniable sign to the people of Judah that God has indeed intervened and completely removed the threat, leaving behind only the evidence of its demise and the restoration of the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:20, with its powerful imagery of divine deliverance from a devastating "northern army" and the complete eradication of the enemy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "northern army" represents any force of evil, sin, or death that ravages humanity and God's creation. Just as God promised to "remove far off" and "drive" this destructive force from His people, Christ, through His atoning death and glorious resurrection, has decisively defeated the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. The [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") took upon Himself the "great things" (the destructive consequences) of humanity's rebellion, and by His sacrifice, He rendered powerless "him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Christ's victory is not a temporary reprieve but a complete and final triumph, akin to the enemy being driven into a "land barren and desolate," with its remnants scattered and its "stink" rising as a testament to its utter defeat. Through Christ, believers are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). The "stink" of sin and death, once overwhelming, is replaced by the sweet aroma of Christ's sacrifice and the new life He offers ([2 Corinthians 2:15](/2_corinthians/2-15 "2 Corinthians 2:15 - The Aroma of Christ")). Ultimately, in Christ, God's people receive not just physical restoration but eternal life and the promise of a new heavens and new earth where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")).

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

Zechariah 14:8

¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Deuteronomy 11:24

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

Amos 4:10

I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 34:3

Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.

Ezekiel 47:18

And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel [by] Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And [this is] the east side.

Exodus 10:19

And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt.

Jeremiah 1:14

Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.