Joel 2:27

And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel, and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.

And ye shall know {H3045} that I am in the midst {H7130} of Israel {H3478}, and that I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, and none else: and my people {H5971} shall never {H5769} be ashamed {H954}.

You will know that I am with Isra'el and that I am ADONAI your God, and that there is no other. Then my people will never again be shamed.

Then you will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.

And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am Jehovah your God, and there is none else; and my people shall never be put to shame.

Commentary

Joel 2:27 is a powerful declaration of God's covenant faithfulness and His promise of restoration to Israel after a period of judgment and repentance. It serves as a cornerstone verse in the book of Joel, sealing the promises of blessing and renewed relationship following a devastating locust plague and a call to national repentance.

Context

This verse arrives at a pivotal moment in Joel's prophecy. Chapter 1 vividly describes a catastrophic locust invasion, interpreted as divine judgment, leading to widespread desolation. Chapter 2 opens with a call for solemn assembly, fasting, and heartfelt repentance, urging the people to "rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God" (Joel 2:13). In response to this sincere turning, God promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25), pour out His Spirit (Joel 2:28), and establish their security. Verse 27 is the assurance that undergirds these promises, confirming God's presence and exclusive sovereignty.

Key Themes

  • God's Immanent Presence: The phrase "And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel" signifies God's active, undeniable presence among His people. This isn't just a theological concept but an experiential truth that they will "know" through His restorative acts. It harkens back to the covenant relationship where God promised to dwell with His people, a theme that culminates in the Incarnation of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
  • Exclusive Sovereignty: "and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else." This powerful declaration emphasizes God's unique and unchallenged authority. It is a foundational tenet of Israelite faith, central to the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), and a direct refutation of any idolatry or reliance on foreign gods. It underscores the covenant relationship where Yahweh alone is their deliverer and provider.
  • Assurance of No Shame: "and my people shall never be ashamed." This promise addresses the profound humiliation and disgrace that resulted from the judgment and national suffering. To be "ashamed" implies public disgrace, disappointment, or having one's hopes utterly dashed. God's restoration reverses this. Their trust in Him will be vindicated, their honor restored, and their future secured. This resonates with the broader biblical promise that those who believe in Him will not be put to shame.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "know" (yada) is not merely intellectual understanding but implies an experiential, intimate recognition. The people will "know" God's presence and power through His tangible acts of deliverance and blessing.
  • "Ashamed" (Hebrew: bosh) conveys a sense of disgrace, humiliation, or disappointment, particularly when expectations or trust are betrayed. The promise that God's people "shall never be ashamed" means their hope in God will be fulfilled, and their reputation will be vindicated.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joel 2:27 offers enduring hope and stability. It reminds us that even when we experience consequences for disobedience or periods of spiritual barrenness, God's promise of restoration and His faithful presence remain. We are assured that our God is sovereign and that our trust in Him will ultimately lead to vindication, not shame. Just as God restored Israel, He promises to be in our midst, guiding us and ensuring that our hope in Christ will not disappoint (Romans 5:5). This verse encourages us to turn to God in repentance, confident in His unwavering commitment to His people and His ultimate plan for our well-being and glory.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 37:26

    Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

  • Ezekiel 37:28

    And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

  • Leviticus 26:11

    And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.

  • Leviticus 26:12

    And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

  • Isaiah 45:5

    ¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

  • Ezekiel 39:28

    Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.