Joel 2:23
Verse
Context
Restoration Promised
22Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best. 23Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 24The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
B.H. Clendennen
Carter Conlon
Ian Paisley
Colin Peckham
R.E. Carroll
Richard Owen RobertsSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
rejoice in the Lord--not merely in the springing pastures, as the brute "beasts" which cannot raise their thoughts higher (Isa 61:10; Hab 3:18). former rain . . . the rain . . . the former . . . the latter rain--The autumnal, or "former rain," from the middle of October to the middle of December, is put first, as Joel prophesies in summer when the locusts' invasion took place, and therefore looks to the time of early sowing in autumn, when the autumnal rain was indispensably required. Next, "the rain," generically, literally, "the showering" or "heavy rain." Next, the two species of the latter, "the former and the latter rain" (in March and April). The repetition of the "former rain" implies that He will give it not merely for the exigence of that particular season when Joel spake, but also for the future in the regular course of nature, the autumn and the spring rain; the former being put first, in the order of nature, as being required for the sowing in autumn, as the latter is required in spring for maturing the young crop. The Margin, "a teacher of righteousness," is wrong. For the same Hebrew word is translated "former rain" in the next sentence, and cannot therefore be differently translated here. Besides, Joel begins with the inferior and temporal blessings, and not till Joe 2:28 proceeds to the higher and spiritual ones, of which the former are the pledge. moderately--rather, "in due measure," as much as the land requires; literally, "according to right"; neither too much nor too little, either of which extremes would hurt the crop (compare Deu 11:14; Pro 16:15; Jer 5:24; see on Hos 6:3). The phrase, "in due measure," in this clause is parallel to "in the first month," in the last clause (that is, "in the month when first it is needed," each rain in its proper season). Heretofore the just or right order of nature has been interrupted through your sin; now God will restore it. See my Introduction to Joel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be glad then, ye children of Zion,.... The people of the Jews, and especially the spiritual and believing part of them; such as were born again, that were born of Zion, and born in Zion, and brought up by her, and in her; the children of that Zion or Jerusalem that is the mother of us all; and who were looking for the Messiah, and to whom it would be good news and glad tidings to hear of his coming, Zac 9:9; and rejoice in the Lord your God; not in any creature or creature enjoyment, but in the Lord. The Targum is, "in the Word of the Lord your God;'' in Christ the essential Word; see Phi 3:3; though rather Jehovah the Father, the giver and sender of Christ, is here meant, because of what follows; and who is to be rejoiced in by his people, not as an absolute God, but as in Christ, and as their covenant God and Father in him; who has chosen them for himself, and is their portion and inheritance; which are reasons sufficient why they should rejoice in him, and others follow: for he hath given you the former rain moderately; or rather, "for he hath given you the teacher of righteousness" (g); to which agrees the Targum, "for he hath returned to you your teacher in righteousness;'' and so Jarchi paraphrases the words, and interprets them of the prophets in general, "your prophets that teach you to return unto me, that I may justify you;'' and R. Japhet says that signifies a prophet that should teach them in the way of righteousness; not Isaiah, as Grotius; but the King Messiah as Abarbinel interprets it; who is the teacher sent from God, and given by him, as his presence with him, and the miracles done by him, sufficiently prove, Joh 3:2; for which he was abundantly qualified, being the omniscient God, and the Son of God that lay in the bosom of his Father; is the Wisdom of God, as Mediator; had the Spirit of wisdom on him, and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in him; and who is able to make his teachings effectual, and to qualify others for such work. This office he performed personally on earth, both in a doctrinal way, and by way of example; and now executes it by his Spirit, and by his ministers: and a "teacher of righteousness" he may be truly said to be; since he not only taught the Gospel, the word of righteousness in general; but in particular directed men to seek in the first place the righteousness of God, which is no other than his own; and pronounced those happy that hungered after it: he declared he came to fulfil all righteousness, even the law for righteousness; and taught men to believe in him for it, and to live righteously and godly. Aben Ezra observes, that the phrase is the same with "the sun of righteousness", Mal 4:2; which is said of Christ the author of righteousness, who is our righteousness made so by imputation, the Lord our righteousness: or, as here, "a teacher unto, or for righteousness" (h), all which is matter of joy and gladness; see Isa 61:10; and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month; alluding to the two seasons of the year in which rain was given to the Jews; the former rain fell in Marchesvan, which answers to our September and, October, part of each, at their seedtime; and the latter in Nisan, the first month of their ecclesiastical year, and answers to part of March and April, and fell some time before their harvest; and these former and latter rains now fall about the same time. So Dr. Shaw (i) observes, that "the first rains in these countries (Syria, Phoenicia, and the Holy Land) usually fall about the beginning of November; the latter sometimes in the middle, sometimes toward the end, of April:'' and elsewhere he says (k), "in Barbary the first rains fall some years in September, in others a month later; the latter rains usually fall in the middle of April:'' and the same traveller relates (l), that "upon the coast (of Egypt) from Alexandria, all along to Damiata and Tineh, they have their former and latter rains as in Barbary and the Holy Land.'' This rain spiritually designs the doctrine of the Gospel, which is sometimes compared to rain, Deu 32:2; because as rain it comes from God, descends from heaven, is a divine gift, both as to the ministry and experience of it; it tarries not for man, neither for his desires nor deserts; falls according to divine direction, sometimes here, and sometimes there; is a great blessing, and brings many with it, revives, refreshes, and makes fruitful. Jerom interprets these two rains of the first receiving of doctrine, and of a more perfect knowledge of it; as also of the two Testaments, the Old and New: but it may be better interpreted of the preaching of the Gospel by John the Baptist, and by Christ; or by Christ, and then by his apostles; or of the first and second ministration of apostles, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles; or of the coming of Christ in the flesh, for the same word is used here as in the former clause, and of his spiritual coming in the latter day, both which are compared to rain, Hos 6:3. (g) "doctorem justitiae", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Munster. (h) "Doctorem ad justitiam", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Castalio, Drusius, Cocceius, Burkius. (i) Travels, tom. 2. par. 2. c. 1. p. 335. Ed. 2. (k) Ib. tom. 1. part 3. sect. 2. p. 137. (l) Ib. tom. 2. part 2. c. 2. sect. 3. p. 377.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:23 autumn rains . . . rains of spring: God would once again restore the regular pattern of rainfall, and the drought (1:12, 20) would be reversed.
Joel 2:23
Restoration Promised
22Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best. 23Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. 24The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Will Resore All Your Wasted Years
By David Wilkerson11K1:02:07RestorationISA 61:3ISA 61:7JOL 1:4JOL 2:10JOL 2:23MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of two verses from the book of Joel in the Bible. These verses describe the destructive power of worms and insects that devour crops and vegetation. The preacher encourages believers to underline and read these verses daily as a reminder of their past sinful state and the restoration they have received through Jesus Christ. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God's mercy and the joy that comes from having the years of wasted time and sin restored by the Lord of the Harvest.
The Early and Latter Rain
By B.H. Clendennen4.7K49:00Spiritual AwakeningECC 1:9JOL 2:23ACT 2:19JAS 5:7REV 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment and not being deceived by glamorous image advertising. He believes that we are living in a time where image advertising is prevalent and can easily distract us from the truth. The preacher also discusses the significance of biblical prophecies and how they point to the coming of the Lord and the final move of God. He urges the audience to focus on the message of God rather than the messenger, emphasizing that Jesus may not be appealing to this generation but his message is crucial for salvation.
Beware When You Are Full
By Carter Conlon4.5K56:36BewareDEU 8:11PSA 74:12ISA 58:6JOL 2:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and mercy of God in difficult situations. He references the book of Esther, where the people of God fasted and prayed in desperation before God, leading to their deliverance from a wicked decree. The preacher also highlights the importance of fasting as a means to seek God's intervention and to help those in need. He commends the church for their numerous ministries that serve the hungry, poor, oppressed, and marginalized. The sermon concludes with a call to have a revelation of God's power and faithfulness, citing the example of Jonah and the city of Nineveh, where repentance and fasting led to God's mercy and deliverance.
Revival Is the Answer
By Ian Paisley1.4K20:51JOL 1:1JOL 2:23JOL 2:25JOL 2:32JOL 3:17MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses 25 to 27 of the Book of Joel, where God promises to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. The sermon emphasizes the devastating impact of the locusts and other pests on the land, turning it into a barren and desolate place. However, the preacher highlights the power of God to perform miracles and reverse the laws of nature. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's ability to restore what has been lost and to experience abundance and satisfaction. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence among His people and the assurance that they will never be ashamed.
1.5 the Secret of Revival
By Colin Peckham74706:12RevivalJOL 1:2JOL 2:12JOL 2:15JOL 2:23JOL 2:25JOL 2:28JOL 2:32In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Joel and the importance of Joel's ministry. He speaks about the locust plague that devastated the land, causing a lack of food and drink. The preacher urges the people to lament and mourn over the destruction, comparing it to a virgin mourning for her husband. He also encourages the priests to intercede for the people and ask God to spare them from reproach. The sermon ends with a call to blow the trumpet in Zion and gather the people for a solemn assembly, as God promises to provide for them and protect them from their enemies.
The Promise of the Father
By R.E. Carroll68135:07LEV 6:13NUM 14:8DEU 4:1JOL 2:23LUK 3:16LUK 24:49JHN 7:37In this sermon, the speaker discusses the promise of the Father, which is a theme that runs throughout the scriptures. They mention testimonies of people who have experienced wholeness and salvation, but emphasize that there is more to it than just that. The speaker then reads various scriptures that point to this promise, including passages from the Old Testament and the New Testament. They highlight the importance of being baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire, and encourage the listeners to wait in Jerusalem for the power from on high.
Isaiah 44 - Unbelief, Faithlessness and Revival
By Richard Owen Roberts6501:27:13ISA 44:3JER 2:13JOL 2:23AMO 8:11MAT 5:6JHN 7:37REV 22:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of thirsting for God and the need for revival. It challenges believers to have a deep hunger and thirst for God, to pray with urgency and faith for revival, and to intercede for the salvation of the lost and the unborn children. The message highlights the impact of spiritual dryness, the necessity of repentance, and the power of faith-filled, passionate prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the glory of God's name.
The Real Christian
By John G. Lake1PSA 51:10JOL 2:23JHN 3:2JHN 14:17ACT 19:21CO 6:19John G. Lake preaches about the uniqueness of a true Christian, emphasizing the unparalleled character and standing of a believer who seeks to embody Christ's spirit and character. He shares remarkable incidents from South Africa, illustrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in individuals' lives, leading to extraordinary manifestations of God's power and healing. Lake highlights the necessity of being born again and attaining a consciousness of sinlessness to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to experience divine presence and power. He envisions a revival of the Spirit, where modern Christians surpass the early disciples in manifesting God's glory and ushering in a new era of divine consciousness.
Psalms 102:16
By Chuck Smith0ProphecyRestorationPSA 102:16ISA 31:5ISA 60:1JER 30:3EZK 36:24DAN 9:26JOL 2:23ZEC 13:7MAT 24:30ROM 11:25Chuck Smith discusses the desolation of Zion as a consequence of rejecting the Messiah, emphasizing that God scattered His people and left the land barren. However, he highlights God's promise to restore Zion, bringing His people back and revitalizing the land, which has seen a remarkable transformation in recent history. Smith points out that the return of the Jews to their homeland, despite initial unbelief, is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, leading to Israel's rebirth as a nation in 1948. He concludes with the assurance of Christ's second coming in glory, contrasting it with His first coming in humility, and the future role of the Jewish people in God's plan.
Returning for Revival
By Hyman Appelman02CH 7:14HOS 6:1JOL 2:23ACT 3:19JAS 4:8Hyman Appelman preaches about the need for America to return to the Lord in repentance and seek revival, emphasizing that the nation was founded and blessed by God. He highlights the prevalent conditions of infidelity, intemperance, and impurity that have plagued the land, stressing the necessity for a spiritual awakening through penitence, prayer, and obedience. Appelman urges for a revival that brings healing, revival, and the outpouring of God's presence like rain upon the dry ground.
Personal Meditations on Powerful Texts-Spring
By Byron Paulus02CH 7:14PSA 85:6HOS 10:12JOL 2:23MAT 13:23Byron Paulus delivers a powerful sermon based on Hosea 10:12, urging believers to sow in righteousness, break up their fallow ground, and seek the Lord urgently to experience revival. He emphasizes that revival starts with believers taking responsibility for their spiritual condition and obedience to God's Word. Paulus highlights the importance of not just knowing the truth, but obeying it, and warns against spiritual complacency that hardens hearts. Urgency in seeking the Lord is crucial, as indicated by Hosea's declaration that it is time to seek God. The promise of revival brings blessings likened to a rain of righteousness, signifying a refreshing outpouring of God's grace and mercy.
The Coming Revival Prophecy - Charles S. Price
By Charles S. Price0JOL 2:23ACT 2:1JAS 5:16Charles S. Price preaches about the imminent full restoration of apostolic gifts and the power of Pentecost before the return of the Lord. He emphasizes that God will pour out His power on those who are faithful, true, and fully consecrated to Him, performing miracles of healing and supernatural manifestations to touch even the hardest hearts. Price believes in a forthcoming outpouring of the latter rain, supported by both spiritual discernment and biblical evidence, encouraging his listeners to remain steadfast in God's hand for the wonderful things He has in store.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
rejoice in the Lord--not merely in the springing pastures, as the brute "beasts" which cannot raise their thoughts higher (Isa 61:10; Hab 3:18). former rain . . . the rain . . . the former . . . the latter rain--The autumnal, or "former rain," from the middle of October to the middle of December, is put first, as Joel prophesies in summer when the locusts' invasion took place, and therefore looks to the time of early sowing in autumn, when the autumnal rain was indispensably required. Next, "the rain," generically, literally, "the showering" or "heavy rain." Next, the two species of the latter, "the former and the latter rain" (in March and April). The repetition of the "former rain" implies that He will give it not merely for the exigence of that particular season when Joel spake, but also for the future in the regular course of nature, the autumn and the spring rain; the former being put first, in the order of nature, as being required for the sowing in autumn, as the latter is required in spring for maturing the young crop. The Margin, "a teacher of righteousness," is wrong. For the same Hebrew word is translated "former rain" in the next sentence, and cannot therefore be differently translated here. Besides, Joel begins with the inferior and temporal blessings, and not till Joe 2:28 proceeds to the higher and spiritual ones, of which the former are the pledge. moderately--rather, "in due measure," as much as the land requires; literally, "according to right"; neither too much nor too little, either of which extremes would hurt the crop (compare Deu 11:14; Pro 16:15; Jer 5:24; see on Hos 6:3). The phrase, "in due measure," in this clause is parallel to "in the first month," in the last clause (that is, "in the month when first it is needed," each rain in its proper season). Heretofore the just or right order of nature has been interrupted through your sin; now God will restore it. See my Introduction to Joel.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be glad then, ye children of Zion,.... The people of the Jews, and especially the spiritual and believing part of them; such as were born again, that were born of Zion, and born in Zion, and brought up by her, and in her; the children of that Zion or Jerusalem that is the mother of us all; and who were looking for the Messiah, and to whom it would be good news and glad tidings to hear of his coming, Zac 9:9; and rejoice in the Lord your God; not in any creature or creature enjoyment, but in the Lord. The Targum is, "in the Word of the Lord your God;'' in Christ the essential Word; see Phi 3:3; though rather Jehovah the Father, the giver and sender of Christ, is here meant, because of what follows; and who is to be rejoiced in by his people, not as an absolute God, but as in Christ, and as their covenant God and Father in him; who has chosen them for himself, and is their portion and inheritance; which are reasons sufficient why they should rejoice in him, and others follow: for he hath given you the former rain moderately; or rather, "for he hath given you the teacher of righteousness" (g); to which agrees the Targum, "for he hath returned to you your teacher in righteousness;'' and so Jarchi paraphrases the words, and interprets them of the prophets in general, "your prophets that teach you to return unto me, that I may justify you;'' and R. Japhet says that signifies a prophet that should teach them in the way of righteousness; not Isaiah, as Grotius; but the King Messiah as Abarbinel interprets it; who is the teacher sent from God, and given by him, as his presence with him, and the miracles done by him, sufficiently prove, Joh 3:2; for which he was abundantly qualified, being the omniscient God, and the Son of God that lay in the bosom of his Father; is the Wisdom of God, as Mediator; had the Spirit of wisdom on him, and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in him; and who is able to make his teachings effectual, and to qualify others for such work. This office he performed personally on earth, both in a doctrinal way, and by way of example; and now executes it by his Spirit, and by his ministers: and a "teacher of righteousness" he may be truly said to be; since he not only taught the Gospel, the word of righteousness in general; but in particular directed men to seek in the first place the righteousness of God, which is no other than his own; and pronounced those happy that hungered after it: he declared he came to fulfil all righteousness, even the law for righteousness; and taught men to believe in him for it, and to live righteously and godly. Aben Ezra observes, that the phrase is the same with "the sun of righteousness", Mal 4:2; which is said of Christ the author of righteousness, who is our righteousness made so by imputation, the Lord our righteousness: or, as here, "a teacher unto, or for righteousness" (h), all which is matter of joy and gladness; see Isa 61:10; and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month; alluding to the two seasons of the year in which rain was given to the Jews; the former rain fell in Marchesvan, which answers to our September and, October, part of each, at their seedtime; and the latter in Nisan, the first month of their ecclesiastical year, and answers to part of March and April, and fell some time before their harvest; and these former and latter rains now fall about the same time. So Dr. Shaw (i) observes, that "the first rains in these countries (Syria, Phoenicia, and the Holy Land) usually fall about the beginning of November; the latter sometimes in the middle, sometimes toward the end, of April:'' and elsewhere he says (k), "in Barbary the first rains fall some years in September, in others a month later; the latter rains usually fall in the middle of April:'' and the same traveller relates (l), that "upon the coast (of Egypt) from Alexandria, all along to Damiata and Tineh, they have their former and latter rains as in Barbary and the Holy Land.'' This rain spiritually designs the doctrine of the Gospel, which is sometimes compared to rain, Deu 32:2; because as rain it comes from God, descends from heaven, is a divine gift, both as to the ministry and experience of it; it tarries not for man, neither for his desires nor deserts; falls according to divine direction, sometimes here, and sometimes there; is a great blessing, and brings many with it, revives, refreshes, and makes fruitful. Jerom interprets these two rains of the first receiving of doctrine, and of a more perfect knowledge of it; as also of the two Testaments, the Old and New: but it may be better interpreted of the preaching of the Gospel by John the Baptist, and by Christ; or by Christ, and then by his apostles; or of the first and second ministration of apostles, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles; or of the coming of Christ in the flesh, for the same word is used here as in the former clause, and of his spiritual coming in the latter day, both which are compared to rain, Hos 6:3. (g) "doctorem justitiae", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Munster. (h) "Doctorem ad justitiam", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Castalio, Drusius, Cocceius, Burkius. (i) Travels, tom. 2. par. 2. c. 1. p. 335. Ed. 2. (k) Ib. tom. 1. part 3. sect. 2. p. 137. (l) Ib. tom. 2. part 2. c. 2. sect. 3. p. 377.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:23 autumn rains . . . rains of spring: God would once again restore the regular pattern of rainfall, and the drought (1:12, 20) would be reversed.