Joel 2:20

The northern army] or, 'the northerner,' i.e. the locusts, which might possibly have come from the N., although usually in Palestine from the S. or SE. Probably they are idealised as typical of the enemies of Israel, who are frequently spoken of as coming from the N (Jeremiah 1:14; Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 10:22; Ezekiel 38:6; Ezekiel 38:15; Ezekiel 39:2). Land barren and desolate] the deserts S. and SE. of Judah. With his face] RV 'his forepart.' The east sea] i.e. the Dead Sea. The utmost sea] RV 'the western sea,' i.e. the Mediterranean.

And his stink, etc.] See Intro. Hath done, etc.] i.e. in destruction. The same phrase is used of the beneficent acts of Jehovah in Joel 2:21.

21. Introduces the promise of renewed prosperity.