Joel 3:16

Translation
King James Version
The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
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KJV (with Strong's)
The LORD H3068 also shall roar H7580 out of Zion H6726, and utter H5414 his voice H6963 from Jerusalem H3389; and the heavens H8064 and the earth H776 shall shake H7493: but the LORD H3068 will be the hope H4268 of his people H5971, and the strength H4581 of the children H1121 of Israel H3478.
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Complete Jewish Bible
ADONAI will roar from Tziyon, he will thunder from Yerushalayim, the sky and the earth will shake. But ADONAI will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Isra'el.
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Berean Standard Bible
The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.
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American Standard Version
And Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.
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World English Bible Messianic
The LORD will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but the LORD will be a refuge to his people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord also shall roare out of Zion, and vtter his voyce from Ierusalem, and the heauens and the earth shall shake, but the Lord wil be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah from Zion doth roar, And from Jerusalem giveth forth His voice, And shaken have the heavens and earth, And Jehovah is a refuge to his people, And a stronghold to sons of Israel.
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See also
Amos 1:2Joel 2:10Joel 2:11Haggai 2:6Isaiah 42:13Proverbs 18:10Jeremiah 25:30
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In the KJVVerse 22,360 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Joel 3:16 serves as a climactic declaration within Joel's prophetic vision, portraying the Lord's dual role as both a formidable judge and a steadfast protector. It vividly depicts God's sovereign intervention from Zion, causing cosmic upheaval among the nations, while simultaneously affirming His unwavering commitment to be the ultimate source of hope and strength for His covenant people, Israel, amidst the global shaking of the "Day of the LORD."

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Joel 3:16 stands as a powerful conclusion to Joel's extended prophecy concerning the "Day of the LORD." The preceding verses (Joel 3:1-15) detail God's impending judgment upon the nations who have oppressed Israel and divided His land. The prophet describes a divine summons for the nations to gather in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" for judgment, where God will execute His righteous wrath. This verse, therefore, directly follows the pronouncement of judgment, serving as a stark contrast: while the earth and heavens shake for the nations under judgment, God's people find refuge and strength in Him. It transitions from the global, destructive aspect of God's intervention to His particular, redemptive care for Israel.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Joel is traditionally dated to a post-exilic period, though some scholars argue for an earlier date. Regardless, the imagery of a devastating locust plague (Joel 1) and subsequent drought would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society dependent on agricultural prosperity. This natural disaster is then used as a prophetic metaphor or precursor to a greater, eschatological "Day of the LORD" – a time of divine reckoning. Jerusalem and Zion, as the capital city and the holy mountain where the Temple stood, held immense theological and cultural significance as the dwelling place of God and the center of Israel's worship and identity. The concept of God roaring from Zion would evoke images of a powerful, protective lion guarding its territory, a familiar and potent symbol in the ancient Near East.
  • Key Themes: This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout Joel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, emphasizing God's absolute control over creation and history, and His righteous intervention to judge wickedness. The shaking of the heavens and earth underscores the cosmic scale of His authority, a theme seen in passages like Isaiah 2:19-21 and Haggai 2:6-7. Secondly, it powerfully conveys God's Covenant Faithfulness and Protection of Israel. In contrast to the terror experienced by the nations, God remains a steadfast "hope" and "strength" for His people, affirming His enduring commitment to His covenant. This echoes the promise of God's presence and protection found in Psalm 46:1-3. Finally, the verse underscores the Centrality of Zion and Jerusalem as God's chosen dwelling place and the source of His divine pronouncements and power, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Psalm 9:11.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H3068): This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His promises. Its repetition in the verse emphasizes His sovereign agency in both judgment and salvation, distinguishing Him as the one true, active deity amidst the chaos.
  • hope (Hebrew, machăçeh', H4268): Derived from a root meaning "to take refuge," this word denotes a shelter, a place of refuge, or a secure trust. It speaks to a firm expectation and reliance on God, indicating that in times of global upheaval and judgment, God Himself is the ultimate sanctuary and source of confident expectation for His people.
  • strength (Hebrew, mâʻôwz', H4581): This term refers to a fortified place, a fortress, or a defense. It conveys the idea of an unassailable stronghold and signifies God's powerful ability to defend and sustain His people. Coupled with "hope," it paints a picture of God as an impregnable refuge and an unfailing source of power for Israel.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem": This powerful imagery depicts God's active and authoritative intervention. The "roar" (Hebrew sha'ag) is typically associated with a lion, symbolizing immense power, authority, and the terrifying sound of a sovereign declaration or judgment. That it emanates "out of Zion" and "from Jerusalem" underscores Jerusalem's status as God's chosen dwelling place and the center from which His divine decrees and power are unleashed upon the world. It signifies a public, undeniable manifestation of His presence and will.
  • "and the heavens and the earth shall shake": This phrase describes the cosmic impact of God's voice and presence. The shaking of the entire creation—both celestial and terrestrial—emphasizes the overwhelming and universal nature of God's power and the profound effect of His judgment. It signifies a radical disruption of the established order, a sign of divine intervention that affects all realms of existence.
  • "but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.": This clause introduces a stark contrast, marked by the conjunction "but." Despite the cosmic shaking and the terrifying judgment unleashed upon the nations, the same formidable LORD becomes the source of unwavering security and support for His covenant people. "Hope" (a secure refuge) and "strength" (a fortified place) convey God's protective and sustaining character, assuring Israel that they will find safety and empowerment in Him, even amidst the greatest global turmoil.

Literary Devices

Joel 3:16 is rich in Imagery, particularly the vivid portrayal of the LORD as a roaring lion, a symbol of divine power, authority, and judgment. This Symbolism is potent, evoking both fear in His enemies and security in His people. The phrase "the heavens and the earth shall shake" employs Hyperbole to emphasize the cosmic scale and overwhelming impact of God's intervention, suggesting an event of unparalleled magnitude. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Contrast as a primary literary tool, juxtaposing the terror and shaking experienced by the nations with the hope and strength provided to Israel. This highlights God's differentiated response based on covenant relationship. The Anthropomorphism of God "roaring" and "uttering His voice" attributes human-like actions to God, making His divine intervention more relatable and impactful for the audience.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Joel 3:16 profoundly articulates the dual nature of God's sovereignty: His terrifying judgment upon the wicked and His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant people. This divine paradox, where the same God who causes the heavens and earth to tremble is also the secure refuge for His elect, is a recurring theological truth throughout Scripture. It underscores that God's power is not arbitrary but is always exercised in accordance with His righteous character and His redemptive purposes. For those in covenant with Him, His power is a source of unfailing hope and an unshakeable stronghold, demonstrating that ultimate security is found not in worldly stability but in the Person of God Himself.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Joel 3:16 speaks directly to the human experience of fear and uncertainty in the face of global upheaval. In a world often characterized by political instability, natural disasters, and societal unrest, this verse offers a profound anchor for the soul. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that our ultimate hope and security are not found in human institutions, economic stability, or even personal strength, but solely in the sovereign Lord. When the "heavens and the earth shake" in our own lives or in the world around us, we are called to remember that the same powerful God who orchestrates cosmic events is also our personal refuge and strength. This should inspire unwavering trust and confident reliance on His faithfulness, encouraging us to seek Him as our primary source of stability and peace. For those who do not yet know Him, the verse serves as a solemn warning of His ultimate judgment and a gracious invitation to find hope and strength in Him before the final "shaking" occurs.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of God "roaring" and the earth "shaking" impact your understanding of His power and sovereignty?
  • In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your hope and strength in something other than the Lord?
  • How can the promise that the LORD is the "hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel" encourage you in times of personal or global turmoil?
  • What practical steps can you take to more fully rely on God as your refuge and strength daily?

FAQ

What is the "Day of the LORD" mentioned in Joel?

Answer: The "Day of the LORD" is a recurring prophetic theme in the Old Testament, signifying a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history to execute judgment upon His enemies and to bring salvation and restoration to His people. It is often depicted as a day of darkness, terror, and cosmic upheaval for the wicked, but also a day of vindication, light, and deliverance for the righteous. In Joel, it encompasses both an immediate judgment (like the locust plague) and a future, eschatological judgment on all nations, culminating in God's ultimate reign from Zion, as described in Joel 3:14-16.

How does Joel 3:16 relate to the New Testament understanding of God's judgment and salvation?

Answer: Joel 3:16 foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's ultimate judgment and salvation, particularly through Jesus Christ. The shaking of the heavens and earth finds its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological events described in the New Testament, such as the return of Christ and the final judgment (e.g., Matthew 24:29-30 and Revelation 6:12-17). Crucially, the promise of God being the "hope" and "strength" for His people finds its fullest expression in Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and salvation from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9-10). The New Testament clarifies that this hope and strength are available to all who believe, transcending ethnic Israel to include the spiritual Israel, the Church.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Joel 3:16, with its dramatic portrayal of God's roaring judgment and steadfast protection, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "roar" of the LORD from Zion, causing cosmic shaking, prefigures the ultimate divine judgment that will be executed through Christ, who is appointed by God to judge the living and the dead (Acts 17:31). The shaking of the heavens and earth points to the eschatological upheaval that will accompany Christ's glorious return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Philippians 2:10-11). Yet, for those who are "his people," the promise that the LORD will be their "hope" and "strength" is fully realized in Christ. He is our living hope (1 Peter 1:3), our refuge in times of trouble (Hebrews 6:18-19), and our unfailing strength through the power of His resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). In Christ, the terrifying judge of the nations is simultaneously the compassionate Savior who draws us into His unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 12:26-29), making Him the true Zion from whom salvation and strength flow for all eternity.

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Commentary on Joel 3 verses 9–17

What the psalmist had long before ordered to be said among the heathen (Psa 96:10) the prophet here will have in like manner to be published to all nations, That the Lord reigns, and that he comes, he comes to judge the earth, as he had long been judging in the earth. The notice here given of God's judging the nations may have reference to the destruction of Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Antiochus, and to the Antichrist especially, and all the proud enemies of the Christian church; but some of the best interpreters, ancient and modern (particularly the learned Dr. Polock), think the scope of these verses is to set forth the day of the last judgment under the similitude of God's making war upon the enemies of his kingdom, and his gathering in the harvest of the earth, both which similitudes we find used in the Revelation, Rev 19:11; Rev 14:18. Here we have,

I. A challenge given to all the enemies of God's kingdom to do their worst. To signify to them that God is preparing war against them, they are called upon to prepare war against him, Joe 3:9-11. When the hour of God's judgment shall come effectual methods shall be taken to gather all nations to the battle of that great day of God Almighty, Rev 16:14; Rev 20:8. It seems to be here spoken ironically: "Proclaim you this among the Gentiles; let all the forces of the nations be summoned to join in confederacy against God and his people." It is like that, Isa 7:9, "Associate yourselves, O you people! and gird yourselves, but you shall be broken to pieces. Prepare war; muster up all your strength; wake up the mighty men; call them into your service; excite them to vigilance and resolution; let all the men of war draw near. Let them come and enter the lists with Omnipotence if they dare; let them not complain for want of weapons, but let them beat their ploughshares into swords and their pruning-hooks into spears. Let them resolve, if they will, never to return to their husbandry again, but either to conquer or die; let none plead unfitness to bear arms, but let the weak say, I am strong and will venture into the field of battle." Thus does a God of almighty power bid defiance to all the opposition of the powers of darkness; let the heathen rage, and the kings of the earth take counsel together, against the Lord and his Christ; let them assemble, and come, and gather themselves together; but he that sits in heaven shall laugh at them, and, while he thus calls them, he has them in derision, Psa 2:1, Psa 2:4. The heathen must be wakened, must be raised from the dead, that they may come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, to receive their doom (Joe 3:12), may come up out of their graves, come up into the air, to meet the Lord there. Jehoshaphat signifies the judgment of the Lord. Let them come to the place of God's judgment, which perhaps is the chief reason for the using of this name here, but it is put together as a proper name for the sake of allusions to the place so called, which we observed before; let them come thither where God will sit to judge the heathen, to that throne of glory before which shall be gathered all nations (Mat 25:32), for before the judgment-seat of Christ we must all appear. The challenge (Joe 3:9) is turned into a summons, Joe 3:12. It is not only, Come if you dare, but You shall come whether you will or no, for there is no escaping the judgments of God.

II. A charge given to the ministers of God's justice to appear and act against these daring enemies of his kingdom among men: And therefore cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord! Joe 3:11. When they bring their forces into the field, let God bring his, let the archangel's trumpet sound a charge, to call together his mighty ones, that is, his angels. Perhaps it is with reference to this that Christ's coming from heaven at the last day is said to be with his mighty angels, Th2 1:7. These are the hosts of the Lord, that shall fight his battles when he shall put down all opposing rule, principality, and power when he shall judge among the heathen, Psa 110:6. Some think these words (Joe 3:9, Joe 3:10), Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, are not a challenge to the enemies' hosts, but a charge to God's hosts; let them draw near, and come up. When God's cause is to be pleaded, either by the law or by the sword, he has those ready that shall please it effectually, witnesses ready to appear for him in the court of judgment, soldiers ready to appear for him in the field of battle. They shall beat ploughshares into swords, if need be. However, it is plain that to them the charge in given (Joe 3:13), Put you in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; that is, their wickedness is great, the measure of it is full, and they are ripe for ruin. Our Saviour has expounded this, Mat 13:39. The harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. And they are commanded to thrust in their sickle. their sharp sickle, and gather in both the harvest and the vintage, Rev 14:15, Rev 14:18. Note, The greatness of men's wickedness makes them ripe for God's judgment.

III. The vast appearance that shall be in that great and solemn day (Joe 3:14): Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision, the same which before was called the valley of Jehoshaphat, or of the judgment of the Lord, for the day of the Lord is near in that valley. Note, 1. The judgment-day, that day of the Lord, has all along been looked upon, and spoken of, as nigh at hand. Enoch said, Behold, the Lord comes, as if the Judge were then standing before the door, because it is certain that that day will come and will come according to the appointment, and a thousand years with God are but as one day; things are ripening apace for it; we ought always to be ready for it, because our judgment is at hand. 2. The day of judgment will be the day of decision, when every man's eternal state will be determined, and the controversy that has been long depending between the kingdom of Christ and that of Satan shall be finally decided, and an end put to the struggle. The valley of the distribution of judgment (so the Chaldee), when every man shall receive according to the things done in the body. The valley of threshing (so the margin), carrying on the metaphor of the harvest, Joe 3:13. The proud enemies of God's people will then be crushed and broken to pieces, and made as the dust of the summer threshing-floors. 3. Innumerable multitudes will be gathered together to receive their final doom in that day, as in the destruction of Gog we read of the valley of Hamon-Gog, and the city of Hamonah (Eze 39:15, Eze 39:16), both signifying the multitude of the vanquished enemies; it is the word here used, Hamonim, Hamonim, expressed by the way of admiration - O what vast multitudes of sinners will divine justice be glorified in the ruin of at that day! A multitude of living (says one of the rabbin) and a multitude of dead, for Christ shall come to judge both the quick and the dead.

IV. The amazing change that shall then be made in the kingdom of nature (Joe 3:15): The sun and moon shall be darkened, as before, Joe 2:31. Their glory and lustre shall be eclipsed by the far greater brightness of that glory in which the Judge shall then appear. Nay, they shall themselves be set aside in the dissolution of all things; for the damned sinners in hell shall not be allowed their light, for God himself will be their everlasting light, Isa 60:19. Those that fall under the wrath of God in that day of wrath shall be cut off from all comfort and joy, signified by the darkening not only of sun and moon, but of the stars also.

V. The different impressions which that day will make upon the children of this world and the children of God, according as it will be to them. 1. To the wicked it will be a terrible day. The Lord shall then speak from Zion and Jerusalem, from the throne of his glory, from heaven, where he manifests himself in a peculiar manner, as sometimes he has done in the glorious high throne of his sanctuary, which yet was but a faint resemblance of the glory of that day. He shall speak from heaven, from the midst of his saints and angels (so some understand it), the holy society of which may be called Zion and Jerusalem; for, when we come to the heavenly Jerusalem, we come to the innumerable company of angels; see Heb 12:22, Heb 12:25. Now is speaking in that day will be to the wicked as roaring, terrible as the roaring of a lion (for so the word signifies); he long kept silence, but now our God shall come, and shall not keep silence, Psa 50:3, Psa 50:21. Note, The judgment of the great day will make the ears of those to tingle that continue the implacable enemies of God's kingdom. God's voice will then shake terribly both heaven and earth (Isa 2:21), yet once more, Hag 2:6; Heb 12:26. This denotes that the voice of God will in the great day speak such terror to the wicked as were enough to put even heaven and earth into a consternation. When God comes to pull down and destroy his enemies, and make them all his footstool, though heaven and earth should stand up in defence of them and undertake their protection, it shall be all in vain. Even they shall shake before him and be an insufficient shelter to those whom he comforts forth to contend with. Note, As blessings out of Zion are the sweetest blessings, and enough to make heaven and earth sing, so terrors out of Zion are the sorest terrors, and enough to make heaven and earth shake. 2. To the righteous it will be a joyful day. When the heaven and earth shall tremble, and be dissolved and burnt up, then will the Lord be the hope of his people and the strength of the children of Israel (Joe 3:16), and then shall Jerusalem be holy, Joe 3:17. The saints are the Israel of God; they are his people; the church is his Jerusalem. They are in covenant and communion with him; now in the great day, (1.) Their longings shall be satisfied: The Lord will be the hope of his people. As he always was the founder and foundation of their hopes, so he then will be the crown of their hopes. He will be the harbour of his people (so the word is), their receptacle, refuge, and home. The saints in the great day shall arrive at the desired haven, shall put to shore after a stormy voyage; they shall go to be for ever at home with God, to their Father's house, the house not made with hands. (2.) Their happiness shall be confirmed. God will be in that day the strength of the children of Israel, enabling them to bid that day welcome and to bear up under the weight of its glories and joys. In this world, when the judgments of God are abroad, and sinners are falling under them, God is and will be the hope and strength of his people, the strength of their heart, and their portion, when other men's hearts fail them for fear. (3.) Their holiness shall be completed (Joe 3:17): Then shall Jerusalem be holy, the holy city indeed; such shall the heavenly Jerusalem be, such the glorious church, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Jerusalem shall be holiness (so the word is); it shall be perfectly holy; there shall be no remainder of sin in it. The gospel-church is a holy society, even in its militant state, but will never be holiness itself till it comes to be triumphant. Then no stranger shall pass through her any more; there shall not enter into the New Jerusalem any thing that defiles or works iniquity; none shall be there but those who have a right to be there, none but its own citizens; for it shall be an unmixed society. (4.) God shall in all this be manifested and magnified: So shall you know that I am the Lord your God. By the sanctifying and glorifying of the church God will be known in his holiness and glory, as the God that dwells in his holy mountain and makes it holy by dwelling in it; and those that are sanctified and glorified are so through the knowledge of him that called them. The knowledge which true believers have of God is, [1.] An appropriating knowledge. They know that he is the Lord their God, yet not theirs only, but theirs in common with the whole church, that he is their God, but dwelling in Zion his holy mountain; for, though faith appropriates, it does not engross or monopolize the privileges of the covenant. [2.] It is an experimental knowledge. They shall find him their hope and strength in the worst of times, and so they shall know that he is the Lord their God. Those know best the goodness of God who have tasted and seen it, and have found him good to them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–17. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Joel
(Ver. 16, 17.) And the Lord will roar from Zion, and from Jerusalem He will give His voice, and the heavens and the earth will be moved. And the Lord is the hope of His people and the strength of the children of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem will be holy, and strangers will not pass through it anymore. LXX: But the Lord will cry out from Zion, and from Jerusalem He will give His voice, and the heavens and the earth will be moved. And the Lord will spare His people, and will strengthen the children of Israel. And you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. And Jerusalem will be holy, and foreigners will not pass through it anymore. When the brightness of the sun, moon, and all the stars will be changed into darkness, the Lord will roar from Zion like a lion, or he will cry out, and his voice will be so loud and terrifying that the pillars of the heavens and the foundations of the earth will shake. And when he is so severe towards those who deserve punishment, he will be merciful towards his people, and he will give strength to those who are called the children of Israel, namely the ones who see God with their minds; or the most upright of God, whom we can rightly call the most righteous God: those who have not walked on crooked paths, but have walked in the path of Christ, have done all things righteously. Then those who are punished and those who are taken up into glory will know that the Lord dwells in His watchtower in Zion, and on His holy mountain in Christmont, or in the one who has prepared himself as a worthy dwelling for God. Then there will be the holy vision of Jerusalem, the vision of peace, from which Solomon received his name, and no foreigners will pass through it any longer. By foreigners, understand demons who are external to God, or all wicked thoughts and sins, of which the prophet speaks: 'From foreigners spare your servant' (Psalm 18:24), which would no longer find a way in us if we have the peace of God and our heart is not open to our adversaries. The Jews and our people, as we have said, who follow Jewish practices, recount a story of a thousand years, when they believe that Christ will dwell in Zion, and in Jerusalem adorned with gold and jewels, gathering the people of the saints, so that those who have been oppressed in this age by all nations may reign over all nations in this same age.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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