4 views of interpretation:
(NET) The interpretation of 2:1–11 is very difficult. Four views may be mentioned here. (1) Some commentators understand this section to be describing a human invasion of Judah on the part of an ancient army. The exact identity of this army (e.g., Assyrian or Babylonian) varies among interpreters depending upon issues of dating for the book of Joel. (2) Some commentators take the section to describe an eschatological scene in which the army according to some is human, or according to others is nonhuman (i.e., angelic). (3) Some interpreters argue for taking the section to refer to the potential advent in the fall season of a severe east wind (i.e., Sirocco) that would further exacerbate the conditions of the land described in chapter one. (4) Finally, some interpreters understand the section to continue the discussion of locust invasion and drought described in chapter one, partly on the basis that there is no clear exegetical evidence in 2:1–11 to suggest a shift of referent from that of chapter one.
If this is (2) a description of an eschatological event, like 2:2b said,
(ESV) their like has never been before,
nor will be again after them
through the years of all generations.
then does it mean that God will not let this happen if Israel return to Him v.12-14?
Contextually, perhaps (4) is favorable.
Ob and In:
1. Phrases in the beginning of the section v.1, 15
Blow the trumpet in Zion
(NET) The shophar was a wind instrument made from a cow or ram’s horn and used as a military instrument for calling people to attention in the face of danger or as a religious instrument for calling people to occasions of communal celebration.
Summary: The use of the instrument has already hinted that this is an event related to the military and religious. How could Israel prepare for the "invasion" depends on their "religious" response.
2. The judgement carrying out by the huge army was from the LORD. Repeated phrase: of the LORD
the day of the LORD v.1, 11
A day of darkness and clouds, blackness over the mountains v.2 (NET) This picture recalls the imagery of the supernatural darkness in Egypt during the judgments of the exodus (Exod 10:22).
v.10 The earth quakes before them;
the sky reverberates.
The sun and the moon grow dark;
the stars refuse to shine.
(Only God has the ability to do these. Alternative interpretation of v.10 (NET) Witnesses of locust invasions have described the visual effect of large numbers of these creatures crawling over one another on the ground. At such times the ground is said to appear to be in motion, creating a dizzying effect on some observers. The reference in v. 10 to the darkening of the sun and moon probably has to do with the obscuring of visibility due to large numbers of locusts swarming in the sky.)
v.11 The voice of the LORD thunders
He leads His army
His warriors
is Command
Summary: When the LORD was the one who attacked then the LORD was the One people needed to deal with. Surrendering is a must. There would be no hope to win. Any preparation to battle would be a effort in vain.
3. The vivid description of the judgment emphasized the horrible result if this message is ignored or the appeal to return to the LORD is turned down.
a. the similarity to the army v.2,
b. their destructive forces v.3
c. their power v.4
(NET) The fact that a locust’s head resembles a miniature replica of a horse’s head has often been noticed. For example, the German word for locust (Heupferd, “hay horse”) and the Italian word as well (cavaletta, “little horse”) are based on this similarity in appearance.
d. their sounds v.5 made people afraid v.6
e. their procession and organization v.7-9
4. The way to prepare has already be given us by the LORD: Return to the the LORD your God with genuine repentance.
v.12 “Yet even now,” the LORD says,
“return to me with all your heart—
with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Tear your hearts,
not just your garments.”
(NET) The figurative language calls for genuine repentance, and not merely external ritual that goes through the motions.
Reflection: We love to be well prepared and get ahead of time. However, do we know the source of our calamity? If the LORD made it this clear to us do we surrender to Him? Or we do not believe what the LORD said and try to figure out other ways to deal with it?
The LORD has already told us the result if we surrender to Him- He is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love-often relenting from calamitous punishment. Why not surrender?
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