Wednesday 28 January 2026
Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near. (v. 1)
Background
Chapter one of the book of Joel described a massive locust invasion, and today's passage describes the same event in terms of the imagery of an invading army, and also (developing an idea introduced in Joel 1:19-20) that of a ravaging fire sweeping through the land. Also notice that the devastation of the farms and orchards in the first chapter is now developed with the overrunning of the cities (verse 9). The wingbeats and jaw crunching of millions of locusts creates large volumes of strange noise, not unlike the rumbling of chariots and crackling of flames referred to in verse 5.
The people's natural response to the locust plague should not merely be fear at being overwhelmed by insects and losing their crops, but they should recognise this as the Lord executing judgement as he leads this army in their destructive mission (verse 11).
The invasion is a harbinger of the day of the Lord (verse 1). Belief was widespread that God would intervene in world affairs for the blessing of people and for God's own credibility. But like the prophet Amos (Amos 5:18-20), Joel wants God's people to realise that this apocalyptic day will involve first and foremost judgement on them (verse 2).
Verse 12 marks a change of tone, however, with its use (the only one in this book) of the prophetic oracle formula "says the LORD", where God speaks directly, calling for repentance that might even result in the avoidance of the judgement.
To Ponder:
- Verse 11 describes the ‘Day of the Lord’ as both great and terrible. How can a day of divine intervention be both a blessing and terrifying?
- When do you think the ‘Day of the Lord’ might come?
Prayer
Heavenly God, may we heed the trumpet’s call from Zion and find refuge in your overwhelming mercy and grace. Amen.
(Originally published in 2020)