CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter still urges repentance, directs for a meeting of the people, and assures that God will have compassion. JOEL 2:1. BLOW] Priests must sound an alarm, as if foreign invasion nigh. JOEL 2:2. DARKNESS] Four terms used to indicate the intense calamity (Exodus 10:22; Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 2:12. THEREFORE] repent with HEART undivided, and with FASTING, for heinous sins demand extraordinary penitence. MOURNING] Lit. beating on the breast, like the publican (Luke 18:13; Luke 23:48). JOEL 2:13. NOT GARMENTS] as customary in great sorrow (Genesis 37:29; Job 1:20). E... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 2:15. BLOW] Convene the people. JOEL 2:16.] No age and condition exempted, for all deserve punishment; the joy of the bride and bridegroom even must give place to penitential mourning. JOEL 2:17.] The priests must take their position, and pray to God on behalf of his covenan... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 2:18. THEN] No longer threatenings, but promises. JEALOUS] of dishonour to them, love and pity for their welfare. JOEL 2:19.] Renewed fertility and removal of the cause of desolation; answer to prayer and bestowment of GREAT THINGS (Psalms 126:2); expressive of a universal tr... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 2:21. FEAR NOT] as in ch. 1, on account of judgments, but rejoice in the destruction of the hosts. JOEL 2:22.] Verdant pastures and trees laden with fruit shall be given. Beasts of the field shall no longer want. JOEL 2:23. RAIN] The FORMER MODERATELY, lit. according to right... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 2:28. AFTERWARD] These outward things are only a type of spiritual gifts, a prospect of richer blessings; and a grander dispensation is held out, a dispensation remarkable for the Holy Spirit, as its sign and substance. This gift shall be POURED OUT in copious and refreshing s... [ Continue Reading ]