Joel 3:16

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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 on Joel 3:16 (KJV)

Joel 3:16 is a powerful prophetic declaration, concluding a section that details God's judgment upon the nations and His ultimate vindication and restoration of Israel. This verse vividly portrays the Lord's active involvement in the world, serving as both a fearsome judge and a faithful protector.

Context

The Book of Joel largely focuses on the "Day of the LORD," a recurring biblical theme signifying a time of divine judgment and salvation. Prior to this verse, Joel describes a devastating locust plague, which serves as a metaphor or a precursor to a coming judgment on the nations gathered in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" (Joel 3:2). In contrast to the judgment poured out on hostile nations, Joel 3:16 highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel, offering them hope and strength amidst global upheaval.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The imagery of the LORD "roaring out of Zion" and "uttering his voice from Jerusalem" signifies God's absolute authority and His active intervention in human history. The subsequent shaking of "the heavens and the earth" underscores the cosmic impact and terrifying power of His judgment upon His adversaries. This divine roar is a declaration of war against the wicked and a sign of impending justice.
  • God as Refuge and Hope: In stark contrast to the shaking and terror experienced by the nations, the latter part of the verse reveals God's steadfast character towards His people. He is presented as "the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel." This provides immense comfort and assurance that even amidst the most cataclysmic events, those who belong to Him will find security and solace in His presence.
  • Zion's Centrality: The declaration that the LORD will roar "out of Zion" and "from Jerusalem" emphasizes the special status of Jerusalem as God's chosen dwelling place and the center from which His divine decrees and power emanate. This reinforces its significance in God's redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "roar" (sha'ag) is typically used for a lion, symbolizing power, authority, and a terrifying display of strength. It evokes an image of a mighty, predatory force, bringing judgment. This same imagery is used in Amos 1:2.
  • The word "shake" (ra'ash) describes a violent tremor or trembling, often associated with the manifestation of God's presence or His judgment, as seen in Isaiah 2:19 and Haggai 2:6.
  • "Hope" (miqveh) in this context refers to a firm expectation or a secure source of reliance, emphasizing God's reliability. "Strength" (ma'oz) denotes a fortress or stronghold, signifying a place of safety and defense.

Practical Application

Joel 3:16 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning for all generations. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that while the world may experience turmoil and judgment, God remains an unshakable refuge and strength. Our hope is not placed in human institutions or fleeting circumstances, but in the sovereign Lord who controls all things. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He will always be the protector and provider for His people, even when the very foundations of the earth seem to shake. For those who do not know God, it serves as a solemn warning of His ultimate judgment and a call to seek Him while there is still time to find hope and strength in Him, as highlighted in Jeremiah 17:7.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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