Joel 3:15

KJV

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sun {H8121} and the moon {H3394} shall be darkened {H6937}, and the stars {H3556} shall withdraw {H622} their shining {H5051}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sun and moon have grown black, and the stars have stopped shining.

Berean Standard Bible

The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine.

American Standard Version

The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 3:15 delivers a profound prophetic image of cosmic disruption, declaring that "The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining." This striking verse serves as a powerful sign of the impending "Day of the Lord," a time of decisive divine judgment and intervention against the nations that have oppressed God's people, simultaneously heralding the ultimate restoration and vindication of Israel. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, signaling a radical shift in the established order as His righteous purposes are brought to fruition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 3:15 is situated within the climactic section of Joel's prophecy, specifically addressing the "Day of the Lord" in the "valley of Jehoshaphat" (meaning "the Lord judges"). The preceding verses, [Joel 3:9-14](/joel/3-9-14 "Joel 3:9-14 - Call to War and Judgment"), describe God's summons for all nations to gather for judgment, portraying a scene of divine reckoning against those who have harmed Israel. The cosmic signs in [Joel 3:15](/joel/3-15 "Joel 3:15 - Cosmic Disturbances") immediately precede the Lord's roaring from Zion and the shaking of heaven and earth in [Joel 3:16](/joel/3-16 "Joel 3:16 - The Lord Roars from Zion"), emphasizing the imminence and overwhelming nature of God's intervention. This verse marks a peak in the prophetic crescendo, signaling the profound disruption that accompanies God's final, decisive action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars were often associated with deities or seen as stable, unchanging elements of the cosmos, vital for life and order. Prophetic declarations of their darkening or withdrawal of light, as seen in [Joel 3:15](/joel/3-15 "Joel 3:15 - Cosmic Disturbances"), were universally understood as portents of immense catastrophe, divine wrath, and the collapse of the established order. Such imagery was not merely meteorological but conveyed a profound theological message: the very foundations of the world were being shaken by the direct intervention of a sovereign God, demonstrating His power over all creation and His ability to dismantle human kingdoms and their perceived stability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Joel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **Cosmic Disturbances as Divine Signs**, a recurring motif where the disruption of the natural order signifies God's direct and powerful intervention in human history, often preceding or accompanying major acts of judgment or salvation. Secondly, it underscores the **Magnitude of the Day of the Lord**, portraying it as a cataclysmic event so profound that even the most constant elements of creation—the sun, moon, and stars—are affected, emphasizing its universal impact and the overwhelming presence of God. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over creation and His unwavering power to execute His righteous will, bringing darkness and chaos upon those who oppose Him, while ultimately paving the way for the light of His salvation for His people, as hinted in the broader context of [Joel 2](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord and God's Mercy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **darkened (Hebrew, _qâdar'_):** From H6937, a primitive root meaning "to be ashy, i.e. darkcolored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments); be black(-ish), be (make) dark(-en), [idiom] heavily, (cause to) mourn." This word conveys more than a mere dimming; it implies a profound, almost mournful, blackening or obscuring, suggesting a complete cessation of light and a state of deep distress or judgment.
* **stars (Hebrew, _kôwkâb'_):** From H3556, probably from the same as כַּבּוֹן (in the sense of rolling) or כָּוָה (in the sense of blazing); "a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince; star(-gazer)." This term refers to the celestial bodies that provide light at night, often associated with guidance or even divine order. Their darkening signifies a disruption of this order.
* **withdraw (Hebrew, _ʼâçaph'_):** From H622, a primitive root meaning "to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.); assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw." This word implies a deliberate and complete removal or cessation, not a gradual fading. The shining is actively taken away, emphasizing God's direct agency in this cosmic event.
* **shining (Hebrew, _nôgahh'_):** From H5051, from נָגַהּ; "brilliancy (literally or figuratively); bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining." This refers to the inherent light or radiance of the celestial bodies. Its withdrawal signifies a loss of their fundamental purpose and nature, plunging the world into a profound and unnatural darkness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sun and the moon shall be darkened":** This clause describes a catastrophic event where the two most prominent sources of light in the heavens, essential for human life and orientation, lose their radiance. The verb "darkened" (qâdar) suggests a deep, ominous blackness, implying not just an eclipse but a supernatural, permanent obscuring. This signifies the disruption of the natural order and the onset of divine judgment, where the very elements that bring light and life are plunged into gloom.
* **"and the stars shall withdraw their shining":** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the imagery of the first. The "stars," which provide light in the absence of the sun and moon, are also affected. The verb "withdraw" (ʼâçaph) indicates a deliberate and complete removal of their light, rather than a mere fading. This comprehensive darkening of all celestial bodies underscores the totality and universality of the impending divine intervention, leaving no source of natural light or hope for those facing God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 3:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is central, with the sun, moon, and stars symbolizing the stability, order, and natural rhythms of creation. Their darkening and withdrawal of shining thus symbolize the complete disruption of this order, the cessation of life and hope for the unrighteous, and the overwhelming nature of divine judgment. This is not merely a meteorological event but a theological statement about God's power to shake the very foundations of the cosmos. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident; while such events may have literal fulfillment, the language is intensified to convey the immense, unprecedented scale of God's intervention. The imagery suggests a cosmic catastrophe that transcends ordinary human experience. Finally, vivid **Imagery** creates a palpable sense of dread and awe. The mental picture of a world plunged into absolute darkness, devoid of any celestial light, powerfully communicates the severity and finality of the "Day of the Lord," leaving the audience with a profound sense of God's terrifying majesty and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 3:15 is a potent declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over creation and history, serving as a stark reminder that the natural order is subservient to His divine will. The darkening of the celestial bodies is a recurring prophetic motif, consistently signaling a time of profound divine intervention, often associated with judgment against the wicked and the vindication of God's people. This imagery emphasizes the cosmic scope of God's authority, indicating that when He acts, the entire created order responds. It highlights the terrifying aspect of God's holiness and justice, where even the most stable elements of the universe are shaken by His presence. Yet, within the broader context of Joel, these signs of judgment also precede a time of restoration and blessing for those who belong to God, underscoring the dual nature of the "Day of the Lord" as both a day of wrath and a day of salvation.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment Against Babylon")
* [Ezekiel 32:7-8](/ezekiel/32-7-8 "Ezekiel 32:7-8 - Cosmic Darkness for Egypt's Fall")
* [Revelation 6:12-13](/revelation/6-12-13 "Revelation 6:12-13 - The Sixth Seal and Cosmic Upheaval")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 3:15 stands as a powerful reminder that God is not merely a passive observer of human history but an active, sovereign Lord who intervenes decisively. The image of the sun, moon, and stars losing their light compels us to consider the ultimate source of all light, hope, and order: God Himself. For those who place their trust in Him, this verse, while depicting judgment, also implicitly points to a future where God's light will ultimately prevail, as seen in the promised restoration in Joel. For those who do not know Him, it serves as a profound warning of impending accountability, urging repentance and a turning to the one true God before the "great and dreadful Day of the Lord" arrives. It challenges us to live with an awareness of God's impending judgment and His ultimate reign, fostering a sense of urgency for righteous living and evangelism, knowing that the stability we often take for granted in the world is entirely dependent on His sustaining power and can be altered by His decree.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of cosmic darkness in Joel 3:15 challenge my perception of stability and security in the world?**
* **What does this verse reveal about God's power and sovereignty, and how should that impact my trust in Him?**
* **In what ways does the "Day of the Lord" motif, as highlighted by these cosmic signs, call me to a deeper sense of urgency in my faith and witness?**
* **How can I live in light of God's ultimate judgment and restoration, finding hope even amid prophecies of darkness?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the Lord" that Joel 3:15 refers to?**

Answer: The "Day of the Lord" is a prominent prophetic theme throughout the Old and New Testaments, signifying a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history. It is characterized by divine judgment against unrighteousness and the vindication and salvation of His people. In Joel, particularly in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Cosmic Signs Before the Day of the Lord") and [Joel 3](/joel/3 "Joel 3 - God's Judgment on the Nations"), it encompasses both a period of severe judgment upon the nations who have oppressed Israel and a time of restoration and blessing for Israel itself. The cosmic disturbances described in [Joel 3:15](/joel/3-15 "Joel 3:15 - Cosmic Disturbances") are portrayed as unmistakable signs accompanying this momentous divine intervention, signaling its universal and cataclysmic nature.

**Is Joel 3:15 a literal prophecy, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: Prophetic language often employs both literal and symbolic elements, and [Joel 3:15](/joel/3-15 "Joel 3:15 - Cosmic Disturbances") is likely a blend of both. While the darkening of the sun, moon, and stars could refer to actual astronomical phenomena (like extreme eclipses, volcanic ash clouds, or other natural disasters on a grand scale), the hyperbolic and dramatic nature of the language also points to a profound spiritual and theological reality. It symbolizes the collapse of human systems, the withdrawal of divine favor from the wicked, and the overwhelming presence of God's judgment. New Testament passages, such as [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Cosmic Signs of the End Times"), echo this imagery in the context of the end times, suggesting that these signs will indeed be visible and unmistakable, whether through literal events or divinely orchestrated phenomena that convey the same profound message of cosmic upheaval.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 3:15, with its imagery of cosmic darkness preceding divine judgment and restoration, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. At His crucifixion, the ultimate act of divine judgment against sin and the ultimate display of God's love, the sun was indeed supernaturally darkened for three hours ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion")), a cosmic sign echoing the prophetic warnings of the Day of the Lord. This darkness symbolized the profound spiritual judgment Christ bore on behalf of humanity, and the withdrawal of God's light from Him as He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Looking forward, Joel's prophecy points to the ultimate "Day of the Lord" when Christ returns in glory. Jesus Himself spoke of similar cosmic disturbances accompanying His second coming ([Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")), where He will come "with power and great glory" to judge the nations and gather His elect. Thus, the terrifying darkness of Joel 3:15, initially a harbinger of judgment for the unrighteous, is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's work, both in bearing the darkness of sin on the cross and in His future return to establish His eternal kingdom, where He Himself will be the everlasting light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - God and the Lamb as the City's 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 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 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Luke 21:25

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Luke 21:26

Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;