Understanding Joel 2:20

Verse Text: "But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea and his hinder part toward the utmost sea; and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things."

Contextual Overview

The book of Joel is a prophetic text that emphasizes themes of judgment, restoration, and the sovereignty of God over nations. In this specific passage, God is communicating His intention to deliver His people from the impending threat of invasion, symbolized by the "northern army." The language of "removing" signifies not just physical distance but also divine action in favor of His people.

Interpretation from Commentaries

The interpretations of Joel 2:20 by various commentators provide a deeper understanding of its meaning:

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes God's sovereignty and His power to deliver as a comforting assurance to the Israelites. He notes that the "northern army" can represent not only a physical enemy but also God's judgment against sin, suggesting a duality in prophetic messages — both warning and hope.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes focuses on the geographical significance of the “northern army,” likely referring to ancient Babylon or Assyrian forces. He stresses that the desolate land to which they are driven symbolizes their complete defeat and the inability of such enemies to have lasting power over God's kingdom.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets the “ill savour” as the stench of decayed armies, metaphorically representing the repercussions of sin and rebellion against God. He calls attention to the ultimate triumph of God over evil, which reassures believers of their divine protection.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

This verse finds several connections within the Bible that echo its themes of judgment, deliverance, and divine sovereignty. Understanding these connections can enhance the interpretation of Joel 2:20:

• Psalm 68:1: "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered." This verse parallels the theme of God driving away adversaries, akin to the removal of the northern army.
• Isaiah 14:25: "That I will break the Assyrian in my land." It illustrates God’s power over foreign invaders, linking God’s protection to His people.
• Jeremiah 50:29: "Call together the archers against Babylon." This verse underscores God's sovereignty and the divine orchestration of judgment upon nations that oppose His people.
• Ezekiel 39:2: "I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee." This demonstrates God’s promise to defeat enemies and provide refuge for His people.
• Zephaniah 3:15: "The Lord hath taken away thy judgments." This connects the deliverance theme, emphasizing that God delivers His people from oppression and punishment.
• Revelation 19:11-21: The portrayal of Christ as a warrior against the enemies of God parallels the ultimate victory foretold in Joel 2:20.
• Romans 8:31: "If God be for us, who can be against us?" This New Testament affirmation assures believers of God’s protection against all adversarial forces.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

Cross-referencing Biblical texts is essential for comprehensive theological study. Below are some key themes and methods employed when analyzing Joel 2:20 in relation to other verses:

• Thematic Links: Identifying themes such as deliverance, judgment, and divine sovereignty can lead to profound insights across different texts.
• Comparative Analysis: Noting similarities between verses can enrich understanding. For example, the concepts of divine protection in both Psalms and prophetic texts enhances the interpretation of events in Joel.
• Old and New Testament Connections: Understanding how Joel's themes resonate with New Testament promises about God’s kingdom can provide a fuller picture of biblical prophecy.
• Historical Context: Exploring the historical setting of both Joel and referenced scriptures reveals deeper meanings related to God's deliverance.

Conclusion

Joel 2:20 serves as a profound reminder of God's capacity to protect and deliver His people, echoing through various scriptures that reinforce this message. Engaging with commentaries and cross-referencing can illuminate the richness of Scripture and enhance our understanding of the interconnectedness of biblical themes. Through careful study, we can appreciate the hope and assurance contained in this powerful verse.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For further study, consider utilizing the following resources and tools available for comprehensive Bible cross-referencing:

• Bible concordance
• Bible cross-reference guide
• Cross-reference Bible study
• Bible reference resources
• Bible chain references
• Cross-referencing Bible study methods