Joel 3:16

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/isaiah/2-19-21 "Isaiah 2:19-21 - The Day of the LORD's Terror") and [Haggai 2:6-7](/haggai/2-6-7 "Haggai 2:6-7 - God Shakes Heaven and Earth"). 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](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). 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](/psalms/9-11 "Psalm 9:11 - Sing Praises to the LORD, who Dwells in Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Isaiah 2:19-21](/isaiah/2-19-21 "Isaiah 2:19-21 - The Day of the LORD's Terror")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The LORD is Good, a Stronghold in the Day of Trouble")

### 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](/joel/3-14-16 "Joel 3:14-16 - The Valley of Decision and God's Presence").

**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](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the End of the Age") and [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal")). 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](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). 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](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Has Fixed a Day to Judge the World")). 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](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). 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](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")), our refuge in times of trouble ([Hebrews 6:18-19](/hebrews/6-18-19 "Hebrews 6:18-19 - We Have This Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), and our unfailing strength through the power of His resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit")). In Christ, the terrifying judge of the nations is simultaneously the compassionate Savior who draws us into His unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:26-29](/hebrews/12-26-29 "Hebrews 12:26-29 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")), making Him the true Zion from whom salvation and strength flow for all eternity.

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

Amos 1:2

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

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 2:11

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Haggai 2:6

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];

Isaiah 42:13

¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

Proverbs 18:10

¶ The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Jeremiah 25:30

¶ Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth.