Joel 2:32

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call {H7121} on the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} shall be delivered {H4422}: for in mount {H2022} Zion {H6726} and in Jerusalem {H3389} shall be deliverance {H6413}, as the LORD {H3068} hath said {H559}, and in the remnant {H8300} whom the LORD {H3068} shall call {H7121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time, whoever calls on the name of ADONAI will be saved. For in Mount Tziyon and Yerushalayim there will be those who escape, as ADONAI has promised; among the survivors will be those whom ADONAI has called.

Berean Standard Bible

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be delivered; for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those that escape, as Jehovah hath said, and among the remnant those whom Jehovah doth call.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:32 stands as a pivotal prophetic declaration, extending a universal promise of deliverance and salvation to all who genuinely seek the LORD. Amidst warnings of impending judgment and the unfolding of the "Day of the LORD," this verse shines as a beacon of divine grace, assuring that refuge and rescue are found exclusively through calling upon God's name, with Mount Zion and Jerusalem symbolizing the ultimate source of this spiritual salvation and the preservation of a faithful remnant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:32 serves as the climactic conclusion to a significant prophetic segment in the Book of Joel. The preceding verses (Joel 2:28-31) detail the glorious outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh, accompanied by awe-inspiring celestial signs that herald the "great and dreadful Day of the LORD." This outpouring of the Spirit enables the very "calling on the name of the LORD" that verse 32 describes, linking divine empowerment directly to human response and salvation. The entire chapter transitions from a dire warning of judgment (Joel 2:1-11) and a fervent call to repentance (Joel 2:12-17) to a profound promise of restoration, blessing, and ultimately, salvation for those who turn to God. Thus, Joel 2:32 provides the ultimate hope and a way of escape from the very judgments previously described.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Joel was likely delivered during a period of significant agricultural devastation, possibly a severe locust plague, which the prophet interprets as a harbinger of the "Day of the LORD"—a recurring Old Testament theme signifying a time of divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. For ancient Israel, Mount Zion and Jerusalem were not merely geographical locations but held immense theological significance as the chosen dwelling place of God, the site of the Temple, and the spiritual heart of the nation. The promise of deliverance "in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem" would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity and security were intrinsically linked to God's presence in their sacred city. The concept of a "remnant" was also a familiar one in Israelite prophecy, referring to a faithful portion of God's people preserved through periods of judgment or exile, demonstrating God's unwavering covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 2:32 encapsulates several profound theological themes central to the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **universality of salvation**, extending the offer of deliverance to "whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD," transcending national or ethnic boundaries. This theme is echoed powerfully in the New Testament, as seen in [Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost") and [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **sovereignty of God in salvation**, particularly through the mention of the "remnant whom the LORD shall call," indicating divine initiative and election alongside human response. This concept of a preserved remnant is a recurring motif, found in passages like [Isaiah 10:21-22](/isaiah/10-21-22 "Isaiah 10:21-22 - The Remnant Shall Return") and [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - The Remnant of Israel"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **centrality of Jerusalem and Mount Zion** as the locus of God's redemptive activity, symbolizing the spiritual source from which deliverance flows. Finally, it powerfully portrays God's **faithfulness to His promises**, as indicated by "as the LORD hath said," reinforcing the certainty of His word and His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This word (H7121) is a primitive root meaning "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." In the context of "calling on the name of the LORD," it signifies more than a mere utterance; it implies an act of sincere invocation, an appeal to God's character, authority, and power, and a public declaration of reliance upon Him. It encompasses worship, prayer, and a turning to God in faith.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." It emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His covenant faithfulness, and His absolute sovereignty. To call upon the name of "the LORD" is to appeal to the one true God who reveals Himself and acts on behalf of His people.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H4422) means "to escape," "to save oneself," or "to be rescued." It conveys a sense of urgent flight from danger and being brought to safety, often implying a narrow escape or a swift rescue. In Joel 2:32, it highlights that salvation is an active, decisive rescue by God from impending peril and judgment.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _sârîyd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to survive," this word (H8300) refers to a survivor or an escaped portion. In prophetic literature, it often denotes a faithful group preserved by God's grace through judgment, highlighting God's sovereign choice and preservation of a people for Himself, even when the majority may fall away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered:"** This opening clause presents a universal and conditional promise. The phrase "it shall come to pass" emphasizes the certainty of the prophetic declaration. The inclusive "whosoever" transcends ethnic or national boundaries, extending the offer of salvation to all humanity. The core action, "call on the name of the LORD," signifies a personal, active, and faith-filled invocation of God, acknowledging His identity and authority. The promised outcome, "shall be delivered," assures rescue, preservation, and salvation from the impending judgment and peril.
* **"for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said,"** This clause provides the geographical and theological locus of this promised deliverance. Mount Zion and Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of Israel, are identified as the source or place from which salvation emanates. This signifies that deliverance is not a random occurrence but is rooted in God's established plan and presence. The phrase "as the LORD hath said" underscores the divine origin and absolute certainty of this promise, grounding it in God's immutable word and covenant faithfulness.
* **"and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call."** This final clause clarifies the recipients of this deliverance, identifying them as "the remnant whom the LORD shall call." This highlights God's sovereign election and preservation of a faithful few who respond to His divine summons. It suggests that while the offer is universal, only those who are divinely drawn and respond in faith will ultimately experience this promised deliverance. This concept of a remnant is crucial throughout prophetic literature, indicating God's ongoing work to preserve a people for Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:32 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the entire verse is a future-oriented declaration of God's certain action and promise. The phrase "it shall come to pass" explicitly marks its prophetic nature. There is also significant **Symbolism** in "Mount Zion and Jerusalem," which are not merely literal locations but represent the spiritual dwelling place of God, the center of His redemptive activity, and the ultimate source of salvation for His people. The phrase "call on the name of the LORD" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire character, authority, and being of God, implying a full reliance on Him. Finally, the verse exhibits **Inclusivity** ("whosoever") alongside **Exclusivity** ("the remnant whom the LORD shall call"), creating a tension that highlights both the broad offer of grace and the specific nature of God's chosen people who respond to His divine summons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:32 is a profound theological statement that bridges the Old Testament understanding of God's covenant faithfulness with a New Testament anticipation of universal salvation. It reveals God as both a righteous judge and a merciful deliverer, always providing a way of escape for those who turn to Him. The emphasis on "calling on the name of the LORD" underscores the active, personal nature of faith and reliance on God, while the mention of Zion and Jerusalem roots salvation in God's specific redemptive plan centered on His chosen place and people. The concept of the "remnant" further highlights God's sovereign preservation and calling, ensuring that His purposes will always be fulfilled through a faithful few. This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the process of salvation.

* [Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:32 offers timeless truths that resonate deeply with believers today, providing both profound comfort and a clear call to action. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and impending crises—whether personal, societal, or global—this verse serves as an unwavering anchor of hope. It assures us that no matter the depth of the challenge or the severity of the judgment, there is always a path to deliverance available through God. The simplicity of the requirement—to "call on the name of the LORD"—is a powerful reminder that salvation is not earned through complex rituals or arduous works, but is freely offered to all who genuinely turn to God in faith and dependence. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies and encourages us to continually invoke God's name in every circumstance, knowing that He is faithful to His word and will surely deliver those who seek Him. It also reminds us of our responsibility to share this liberating truth with others, inviting them into the same hope and deliverance we have found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "calling on the name of the LORD" practically mean in your daily life, beyond mere words?**
* **How does the promise of deliverance in Joel 2:32 offer hope in the face of personal or global challenges today?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of the "remnant whom the LORD shall call," and what responsibility does that entail?**

### FAQ
**What does "calling on the name of the LORD" truly entail?**

Answer: "Calling on the name of the LORD" (Hebrew: _qara' b'shem YHWH_) is far more than a casual mention or a simple utterance. It signifies a profound act of faith, trust, and dependence. It involves acknowledging God's true identity, His authority, His power, and His character as revealed in Scripture. It implies a turning to Him in prayer, repentance, and sincere reliance for salvation and help. It's an act of worship and submission, recognizing Him as the only one who can deliver. This concept is foundational in the Old Testament, seen from [Genesis 4:26](/genesis/4-26 "Genesis 4:26 - People Began to Call on the Name of the LORD") to the prophets, and is carried into the New Testament as the means of salvation, as highlighted in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe for Salvation").

**Why are Mount Zion and Jerusalem mentioned as places of deliverance?**

Answer: Mount Zion and Jerusalem hold deep symbolic and theological significance in the Bible. Historically, Jerusalem was the capital city of Israel, and Mount Zion was the hill within it where the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence, was located. Therefore, they represent the very heart of God's covenant relationship with His people and the place from which His salvation and blessings emanate. Prophetically, they symbolize the spiritual dwelling place of God, His ultimate kingdom, and the source of divine deliverance. While the physical locations were important, the emphasis is on the fact that deliverance originates from God Himself, who is uniquely associated with these sacred places. In the New Testament, this symbolism expands to represent the heavenly Jerusalem and the Church as God's spiritual dwelling, as seen in [Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - You Have Come to Mount Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:32 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that "whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered" is directly applied to Jesus in the New Testament, most notably by Peter on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21")) and by Paul in his exposition of salvation ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13")). Jesus Himself is revealed as the "LORD" (Greek: _Kyrios_) upon whose name one must call for salvation. His atoning death and resurrection are the means by which this deliverance is secured, offering escape from the judgment of sin and death. Furthermore, the concept of deliverance originating from "Mount Zion and in Jerusalem" foreshadows Christ's redemptive work, which was accomplished in Jerusalem through His crucifixion and resurrection, establishing a new, spiritual Jerusalem—the Church—as the dwelling place of God's Spirit and the source of salvation for all nations ([Galatians 4:26](/galatians/4-26 "Galatians 4:26"); [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24")). The "remnant whom the LORD shall call" finds its fulfillment in those whom the Father draws to Christ ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44")) and who, by faith, become part of God's chosen people, the Church, Jew and Gentile alike ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22")). Thus, Joel 2:32 is a powerful Old Testament prophecy pointing directly to the universal and inclusive salvation offered uniquely through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29")) and the true Deliverer.

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

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Acts 2:20

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.