APATRISTICCOMMENTARY

The Book
of

FR.TADROSY.MALATY
2007
Translatedby
DR.GEORGEBOTROS
EnglishTextrevisedby
ST.MARKCOPTICORTHODOXCHURCH
WashingtonD.C.USA
COPTICORTHODOXCHRISTIANCENTER
Orange California
InthenameoftheFather,theSonand
theHolySpirit
OneGod.
Amen
Title: ThebookofJoel.
Author: Fr.TadrosYacoubMalaty.
Translatedby:Dr.GeorgeBotros.
Edition: 2007(inEnglish).
Publishedby: St.George'sCopticOrthodoxChurch,Sporting,Alexandria.
St.MarkCopticOrthodoxChurch,
WashingtonD.C.USA
A CALL TO RENEWAL
ThisbooklikealltheotherbooksoftheHolyBible,isaddressedpersonallytoyoutoread,digest,andlivewithjoyandpleasure.
Itisthebookofrepentance,thatgrantsacontinuousspiritualrenewal.
ThisbookbringsusovertothethroneofthegraceofGod,toexperiencethedivineplanforourchastisement,andtoenjoythegiftofthe
HolySpiritdwellinginus,andworkinginourlife.
TheprophetJoelwasacontemporarytotheattacksofthelocusts,andsawhowtheyturnedtheskyintoadarkcloud.Yetbyhisinner
insight,herealizedthatthesunisbehind thatcloudandthatGodisverycompassionatetowardHispeople,evenduringthemostbitter
momentsofchastisement.
WhilemostoftheprophetsprophesiedaboutthePersonoftheLordChrist,aboutHisattributesandHisministryJoelconcentratedonthe
giftoftheHolySpirit,WhomtheLordChristsentonthedayofthePentecost(Joel2:29Acts2:16)totransformthewildernessofour
heartsintothefruitfulparadiseofGod.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOEL
ThewordJoel inHebrew,means (JehovahisGod)acommonnameintheHolyBook(1Samuel8:21Chronicles4:35435:4,126:
367311:3815:727:202Chronicles29:12Ezra10:43Nehemiah11:9)
Aboutthisprophet,weonlyknowwhatcameinthisbook.HewasintroducedtousbysomeonebythenameofPseudoEpiphanius,inhis
workLifeoftheprophets,asbeingreferredtothetribeofReubenAndbornandburiedinBethHoronorBethOr,about10milesnorth
westofJerusalem.Themajorityofscholars, however,believethatJoelwasaninhabitantofJerusalem,andmostprobablyreferredtothe
tribeofJudahonaccountofthefactthatallhistalkconcentratedonJerusalemonthesoundofthehornsofthepriestsandonthe
meetingsofthepriests withthepeople,inthehouseoftheLord,etcthatrepresentaclearandprominentlineinthewholebook.
HISTORY OF THE BOOK:
WhiletheearlyJewishscholarsbelievethatJoelwasoneoftheprecaptivityprophetsthelaterJewishscholars,ontheotherhand,find
greatdifficultyinfixingtheexactdateoftheprophet,andconsequentlyofhisbookitself.
FatherTheodoret,andSt.Jerome,believethatJoelwasacontemporarytotheearlydaysoftheprophetHoseanamelybeforethe
captivity However,thereisagreatcontroversyamongthelaterscholarssomeofwhomreferhimtotheperiodbeforethecaptivity,while
othersreferhimtothatafterit.
TherearesomescholarswhoevenbelievethatJoelwasoneoftheveryearlyprophetswho wasfamiliarinhisyouthwiththeprophets
ElijahandElisha.
KnabenbauercollectedtheviewsofthescholarswhobelievethatJoelwasoneofthepostcaptivityprophetsthatcouldbesummarized
asfollows:
(1) Theprophettalksaboutthepriestsandtheeldersasbeingtheleadershipsofthepeople(1:2,13,142:17)Yetwith
nomentionoftheking,asaleader,orevenasapartakerofthecongregationintheircollectiverepentanceWhich
indicatethathistalkconcernstheperiodafterthecaptivity,whenIsraelandJudahwerewithoutaking.
(2) TheprophetaddresseshistalktoJudahandJerusalem,withnomentiontothenorthernkingdomofIsrael.
(3) TheprophetdoesnotmentionanythingaboutanaltaroutsideJerusaleminSamariah,thecapitalofIsrael.Hedoesnot
aswell,refertotheidolworship,andthatofBaal,thathasprevailedinIsraelandJudah,duringandafterthecaptivity.
(4) TheprophetcallsthepriestsTheministersofJehovah,anameknownonlymuchlaterafterthecaptivity.
AgroupofscholarsconfirmthatthebookofJoelwaswrittenabout400BC,afterthefallofBabylon(539BC)havingnotmentionedits
nameBeforethetimeofAlexandertheGreathaving notmentionedtheGreeksasamightyopponentcountry,butonlyasonewhotraded
inslaves(3:3)BeforethedesolationofSidon(3:4)AndafterNehemiahbuiltthewallofJerusalemintheyear445BC(2:9).
Those,ontheotherhand,whosaythatJoelappearedbeforethecaptivity,believethatthepreviouslymentionedproofsareallweakand
introducetheirownproofstocontradictthem,ofwhicharethefollowing:
(1) Theprophetdidnotrefertotheking,norcalledonhimtojointhepriestsandthe eldersinrepentanceEitherbecause
theking,atthattime,wasunderage(Jehoashwassevenyearsoldwhenhebecameaking(2Kings11:21)Or
becausethekingdidnotconcernhimselfwiththeissuesofagriculture asthelargestpartofthebook concentratedon
thelocustattacksthatmadethelandbarrenanddryOrbecausethecalltorepentancewasacalloftheinnerheart,
andtheprophetintendedtobindthepeopletoritualspiritualwork,ratherthantopreoccupythemwithpolitics.
(2) Not mentioningtheidolworship,andthatofBaalinparticular,doesnotmeanthattheprophetwrotehisbookafterthe
captivityAsalthoughtheritualsconcerningBaalhavebeenabolishedbyconformersYet,afterthecaptivity,therewas
anotherdiversionthroughthenewoccupationalauthority.Thusdisregardingtheold,aswellasthenewone,mightbe
onaccountthattheprophetwaswritinginashortandconciseway,caringonlyforthepositiveaspectnamely,the
worshipofthelivingGod,withaspiritualthoughtandsoundrituals.
(3) SeveralscholarsconfirmthatsomeprophetslikeIsaiah,Ezekiel,Jeremiah,andAmosinparticular,havequotedcertain
phrasesfromJoel,andnottheotherwayround.
(4) IfJoelcameafterthecaptivity,WhyhashenotreferredtoitespeciallyinhistalkaboutGodsjudgmentonthenations,
andHischastisementofHisownpeople?!Hisreferencetothereversalofcaptivity,andthejudgmentonthenationsthat
humiliatedIsrael,wasratherasafuturistprophecy,yettocome(3:2,3).
(5) TheprophetreferstoEgypt,asanopponentnationagainstJudah(3:19),whichdoesnotapplytothetimeafter
captivity,buttothatbeforeit.Onanotheraspect,hedoesnotmentiontheSamerites,theEmmonites,andothers,
amongtheopponentnationstobejudgedaftercaptivityButmentionedthePhoenicians,Philistinians,andthe
Edomites,thatwereopponentsbeforethecaptivity.
(6) HedoesnotrefertotheexistenceofanorthernkingdomofIsrael,butspeaksaboutIsraelasonepeople (2:273:2,
16)Ononeaspect,AshisministrywasconcentratedonthekingdomofJudah,hedoesnothavetotalkaboutthe
northernkingdomAndonanotheraspect,bythespiritofprophecy,helooksatIsraelasanauthenticname,notonlyof
thepeopleasawhole(thetwokingdoms),butofthewholechurchoftheNewTestament.
Besides,thereisathirdgroupofscholars,like:Konig,Orelli,Kirkpatrick,andCameron,whodividethebookintotwodivisions:
A Includingthefirsttwochapters1and 2,accordingtotheHebrewdivision(1,2:1 27)claimingthemtobewritten
beforethecaptivity.
B Includingthetwochapters2:(2832)and3writtenafterthecaptivity.
Butthemajorityofthescholarslookatthebookasoneunitinthoughtandlanguagebelievethatitwasnotwrittenintwodifferenterasand
thattheSpiritdidnotinspireitthroughtwoauthors.
FEATURES OF THE BOOK:
(1)WhenJoellistenedtothehorriblesoundofthelocustattacksthatutterlydevastatedJudahWhenhesawhowtheirpitch
darknessfilledtheair,eclipsedthesun,turnedeverythinggloomy,andtransformedthegreenfieldsintoabarrenwilderness
withnotasinglegreenleafWhenhesawhowtheyenteredthroughopeningsintoeveryroom,withnosaviorinsightfrom
thatterriblearmy!!Whenhesawallthat,theprophet,withhisdelicatepoeticsensitivenature,hisflaringzeal,andhis
piercinginsight,recognizedthehiddenhandofGod,movingeverysinglelocusttooccupyits designatedposition,forthesake
ofthechastisementandthejudgmentofevil.
GodrevealedtoHisprophetyetanotherscenario,morebitterandcruelnamelythatofotherattacksbyforeignarmies,allowedby
HimtochastenHispeople.Incasethey couldnotunderstandbythelanguageofthelocustsandthatofthedrought,Hewilltalkto
themwiththatofthekilling,andthecaptivationbyforeignarmies,.ThatisthedayoftheLord,whichwillsooncometojudgetheevil
adayofdarkness forthewicked.
Yet,GodwouldnotleaveHispeoplewithoutaHelperButproclaimsthroughHisprophet,thatHewillpourHisHolySpiriton
everyone,topreparehumanityfortheultimatedayoftheLordTobeaHelperforthemsothatthedayofthe Lordwould
becomeadayofdarknessforthewicked,andadayoflightfortherighteous!!
ThisbookrevealsGodsplanformankindWhenHespeakstothemwitheverylanguagekeepsnothingfromthemandgrants
themevenHisSpirit,topreparethem forthedaywhenHeencountersthem,bringsthemtodwelltogetherwithHim,andtoenjoy
Hisglories.
(2)Thisbook asseenbysomescholars isthebookofpouringtheHolySpiritonmankindIfitisthebookofthedayofthe
Lord,inwhich HejudgesthesinandevilYet,HepresentsHisHolySpiritWhoWillconvicttheworldofsin,ofrighteousness,and
ofjudgment (John16:8).TheLordwhohasjudgedthesininthebodyCarrieditscurseonourbehalf,tograntusHisglorious
lifeinusHavingpaidthewagesofsin,HesenttousHisHolySpirit,inordertoletuslivewithnodebtAndgrantedusthe
righteousnessofJesusChristourLord.
(3)Havingwatchedhowthehorriblelocustsburnedeveryfruitinthefields Theprophetthoughtabouthowthesinhascorruptedthe
vineandfigtreeoftheLord,broughtonastateofgreatdryness,fruitlessnessandvoidanceandhaswitheredawayjoyfromthe
sonsofmen(1:12).Becauseofallthat,therewasagreatneedfortheworkofthefieryHolySpirit,todwellonmankind,tobring
thembacktoastateoffulfillmentwithGod,andofjoyinHimIfthefireofsinhasdevouredtheopenpastures(1:20)thefireof
theHolySpiritwillturnthewildernessintoadivineparadise fruitfulandjoyful.
(4)ThebookofJoelisuniqueamongalltheotherpropheticbooks,inassigningnocertaindateforhisprophecy:Hedidnotmentionthe
namesofthekingsofJudahorofthoseofIsrael,whowerecontemporary tohimHisprophecyconcentratesonthedayoftheLordthatissoonto
come.ItisasthoughthedivineinspirationproclaimsthatthisisaprophecyintendedforallgenerationsThatevery
humansoulwouldanticipatethedayoftheLordasbeingnearathandinordertobepreparedforitbytheHolySpiritdwellingin
herwouldjudgeherself,soasnottobejudgedandwouldreceivethereproachoftheSpirithere,inordertoenjoythegloryon
thatday
(5) Iftheprophetsasawhole havetalkedaboutthechastisementsbyGodonHispeople,tomakethemreturntoHimandtoHis
kingdom,presentingtheMessianicworkofsalvation,andtheappearanceoftheSonofDavid,thespiritualKing,whowouldbring
allnationstothebosomofHisFatherYeteveryprophethavedealtwiththeissueofrepentanceandthereturntoGodfroma
certainangle:
Isaiah,Amos,andMicah,spokeabouttherepentancethroughforsakingoppressionEzraandNehemiah,throughtheconsistent
workinbuildingthetempleofGodandthewallsofJerusalemWhileJeremiahandEzekiel,spokeaboutitthroughthereformof
theinnerheart,andnotjustthroughtheouterformalappearances.Joel,ontheotherhand,beingtheprophetoftheliving
ecclesiasticalritual,thatisnotseparatefromtheinnerspiritualconstructiveoneWhilelookingtowardJerusalem,thetemple,and
thepriestshewasalsolookingtowardtheinnerJerusalem,thehiddentemple,andthescreamsoftheheart!Theritualinhis
eyes,isnotformaldutiestowhichthecongregationarecommittedbutisanintegratedpartofthespiritualconstructivelifeofthe
congregationintheLord
(6) Thisbook,likethepreviousone (oftheprophetHosea),ischaracterizedbyitscarefortherepentance,asacollectivethoughtYet,
withoutdisregardingthepersonalrelationshipthatconnectsthebelievertohisheavenlyGroomaboutwhichItalkedinsomedetailin
theintroductionofthebookofHosea.Thistrendisapparenthere,inthatTheLordiszealousforHisland(heritage),andpityHis
people (2:18)HeseeseveryindividualasamemberinHisbody(thechurch),notonhisown,norselfcentered
Havingcollectivelypartakenoftheevilthepeopleare,aswell,committedtothefellowshipinrepentanceEachoneofthem,beinga
fellowmemberinthesamebody,iscommittedtosupporthisbrother.
(7)Iftheprophet,onaccountofthecircumstancessurroundinghim,ischaracterizedbyaprominentnationalismportrayingtheJewish
society,astherepresentativeoftheKingdomofGodYet,talkingaboutthegiftoftheHolySpirit,hecouldnotconfineittoaspecific
nationorpeoplebeingthegiftofGodtoallmankind(2:28).HeopensthedoorofhopetowhoevercallsonthenameoftheLord
(2:32).
(8)Concerningthestyleofhiswriting,JoelsHebrewlanguageishighlyrefinedandeloquentcharacterizedbysimplicity,smoothness,
clarity,andaccuracy.Mostofitiswritteninadelicatepoetic,allegoric,andpictorialstyle.
(9)Joeliscalled:TheprophetofthefivebooksofMoseshavingquoted25timesfromthem.
(10)Heisalsocalled:TheprophetofthePentecosthavingpresentedusthepromiseoftheHolySpirit.
IfthisbookisTheBookoftheDayoftheLordWe,bytheSpiritofGod,seethatdayasadayofajoyfulwedding,adayofan
eternalresurrection,andofaconquestoverdeathWhereasthe wicked,seeitasadayofdarknessandeternaljudgment.
DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK:
A Thelocustattacks,asapreparationforthedayoftheLord 1
B Theattacksofenemies,asapreparationforthedayoftheLord 2:1 27
C Thedwellingofthe HolySpiritasapreparationforthedayoftheLord: 2:28 32
D ThegreatdayoftheLord 3
CHAPTER1
THEATTACKSOFLOCUSTS
ASAPREPARATIONFORTHEDAYOFTHELORD
Theprophetdescribesthefourattacksoflocuststhathappenedinhisdays,notonlyasnatural
calamities,butasbeingapartofGods
planforoursalvation,throughallowingforchastisementforthesakeofourreturntohimwith
repentance.
1Theattacksoflocusts 14
2Theresultsoftheattacks 512
3Acallforrepentance 1314
4AneedforanIntercessor 1520
1 THEATTACKSOFLOCUSTS:
Theprophetstartshisbookbysaying:ThewordoftheLordthatcametoJoelthesonofPethuel
(1).IfthewordPethuelinHebrew
means(Godopens)hegavebirthtoJoel,awordwhichmeans(JehovahisGod).Itisasthough,
byopeningourinnerinsight,God
proclaimsHimselftous,thatHeisJehovahnamely,(TheBeing)besidewhomallwould
becomeasthough(notbeing)or(naught).
InHisfirstencounterwithMoses,thefirstleaderofthepeople,Godsaidtohim:Thusyoushall
saytotheIsraelites,TheLord,theGod
ofyourancestors,theGodofAbraham,theGodofIsaac,andtheGodofJacob,hassentmeto
you.ThisisMynameforever,and
thisisMytitleforallgenerations(Exodus3:15).
InacommentarybyPhelonofAlexandria,theJewishscholaronthisdivinename,hesays:
[Firsttell themthatIamtheBeing,todraw
theirattentiontothedifferencebetweenHimwhoisBeing,andhimwhoisnot].
Letusthenhaveinsideus,PethuelNamely,letushaveGodopenourinsight,toconceiveHis
secretsLetusgotoHim,andbewithHim,,
theEverlastingBeingLetusnotgiveHimourback,lestwereturntonothingness,accordingto
thewordsofSt.Augustine:[Whoever
takesthedirection,opponenttoGod,wouldbeheadingtonothingness].
Afterthisveryconciseintroduction,hetalkstothemabouttheattacksofthelocust,saying:
Hearthisyoueldersandgiveear,allyouinhabitantsoftheland!Hasanythinglikethis
happenedinyour
days,oreveninthedaysofyourfathers?Tellyourchildrenaboutit.Letyourchildrentell
theirchildren,
Andtheirchildrenanothergeneration.
Whatthechewinglocustleft,theswarminglocusthaseaten
Whattheswarminglocustleft,thecrawlinglocusthaseaten
Andwhatthecrawlinglocustleft,theconsuminglocusthaseaten
(Joel1:24)
IftheprophetseeksfromtheelderstohearthewordoftheLordHe,aswell,seeksfromallthe
inhabitantsofthelandtogiveearGod
wishestotalktoallmankindwithnoexception!!Heseekstoencounterwitheveryman,to
proclaimthedealingsofHisloveforhim.
Theprophetseeksfromthem,aswell,totelltheirchildrenaboutitnamely,aboutthevoiceand
thedealingsoftheLordinordertogive
theirlifeexperiencetothenextgenerationandeverygenerationtogiveittothenextone.Thisis
howtraditionisdelivered,which,in
itsessence,concernsthedealingsofGodwithmankind.ThatiswhytheapostlePaulsays:
thingswhichyoulearned,received,
heard,andsawinme,thesedo(Philippians4:9).AndSt.Gregory,BishopofNyssasays:[This
traditionordelivery,whichwe
successivelyreceivedasaheritagefromourancestors,throughthesaints,sincethetimeofthe
apostles,isenoughtoprovethe
worthinessofourworship]EverygenerationiscommittedtodeliverthegospeloftheLordto
thefollowinggeneration,asasecretofa
practicallifethroughthesounddogma,thelivingworship,andthespiritualbehavior.
AsfarastheattacksofthelocustsmentionedhereareconcernedWhilethemajorityofscholars
believethattheywereactual
phenomena,witnessedbytheprophet.Otherscholarsassumethattheyareonlyvisionary
propheciesofwhattohappenlateron,
especiallyinlatertimes.
Thechewinglocustisthestageoflifehistory,thatemergesfromtheegg,unabletomove.
Theswarminglocustisthestage,whentheystarttomovearound.
Thecrawlinglocust,isthestage,whentwolittlewingsdeveloponthem.
Andtheconsuminglocust,isthestage,astheysetforthtofly.
SeveraloftheJewishscholars,eveninthedaysofSt.Jerome,believethatthosefourattacksby
thelocusts,mightsymbolicallyreferto
fourmilitaryattacks,thatwouldbecarriedoutbySennacherib,kingofAssyriaagainstJudah
(Isaiah36)Ormightrefertofournations
thatwouldprevailagainstIsraelandJudah:Namely,eitherrefertoAssyria,Babylon,Mady,and
PersiaOrtoEgypt,Assyria,Babylon,
andGreeceAnyway,theearlychurchacceptedthissymbolicreference,withoutdenyingtheir
actualoccurrences.
Inthosefourattacksbythechewing,theswarming,thecrawling,andtheconsumingstagesof
locusts,thefollowingshouldbenoticed:
(1) Asweknow,thefigure4,mayrefertotheworld,withitsfourdirections(theEast,the
West,theNorth,andtheSouth)Aswell
astothebody,takenfromtheearthnamelyfromtheworld.
Itisasthough,thoseattacksrepresentthewaroftheloveofthisworldagainstthebeliever
andtheattacksofthebodylusts
againsthisSpirit.Whenmanfallsundersin,Godallowsforhimtobechastisedthrough
hisownsin.Godallowsforthe
believerwhodeviatestowardtheloveoftheworld,andthelustsofthebody,tobeforsaken
forsometime,toattacksbyboth
ofthemtolethimrealizethatsinbearsitscorruptionandbitternessinitselfandallowsfor
himtobechastisedbythesame
faulthehascommitted.
ThisiswhatGodcontinuouslyconfirmtous:thatthechastisementsthatdwellonusarea
naturalfruitofsomethingwehave
committedsaying:Haveyounotbroughtthisonyourself?(Jeremiah2:17)and,Your
waysandyourdoingshave
procuredthesethingsforyou,Thisisyour wickedness,Becauseitisbitter,Becauseit
reachestoyourheart(Jeremiah4:18).
WhenmanforsakesGod,theTruth,andconnectstothevainloveoftheworld,andthe
temporarylustsofthebody,hewould
expecttobecome,himself,vain,andwouldloseeverytruething.
BecauseJudahlovedtheworld,andnotGodthelustsofthebody,andnottheSpirit
Hebecameearthandnotheaven,
andabodywithoutSpirit.
OutofGodsloveforus,Asweconsentthroughourownwill,tobecomeearthandnot
heavenHeallowsforavarietyof
violenttemporalearthlycalamities,likevolcanoes,earthquakes,floods,storms,pestilences,
drought,locustattacks,andsuch
materiallossesInordertoshakeourearthThatwemayforsakeit,andhastentoGod,
whoalonecanrenewourearth
andturnitintoaheavenforHimself!!
Incaseourearth,namely,ourbody,hasgivenitselfuptobodilylustsGodallowsforthe
locustattacks,asnaturalfruit
ofoursins,toconsumewhatweassumetobejoyfulfruitThenwewouldescapeto
God,whoalonecansanctifyus,and
ridusofourevilworksNottodestroyus,buttodestroytheevilthathasdweltinus
andoccupiedthecenterofourheart
todriveitaway,inordertoreigninusinstead,andtograntusbyHisHolySpirit,new
fruit,thatbefitsthenewman.
Henceweshouldnotmarvelthatthebookstartsbythoselocustattacks,toproclaimthe
invasionofourheartsbytheHoly
Spirit(2:2832)Throughwhichwelosethefruitoftheoldman,andhisdeadworksto
enjoythefruitofthenewman,onan
exalteddivinelevel!!
Allow,OLord,forYourchastisementsonme,howeverbittertheymightbeAswhen,
throughthem,Ifeelthebitternessofmy
sins,mysoulwouldthenlongfortheworkofYourHolySpirit,theGrantoroflife,that
dwellsinme.!!
GodclarifiestoHiswiseservantSolomon,Hisintentionsthroughallowingforthelocusts
attacks,bysaying:WhenIcommand
theLocuststodevourtheland,orsendpestilenceamongthepeople,IfMypeoplewho
arecalledbyMynamewill
humblethemselves,andpray andseekMyface,andturnfromtheirwickedways,ThenI
willhearfromheaven,andwill
forgivetheirsinandhealtheland(2Chronicles7:13,14).
Heallowsforthelocusts,nottodestroyus,buttodestroyourwickednesstoletusseekHis
face,andtorespondtoHisHoly
Spiritdwellinginusinordertohaveoursinsforgiven.Yet,unfortunately,wesometimes
actagainstourowninterestsasthe
childrenofIsraeloftendidandrebukedbyGod,sayingtothem:Thelocustshaveofte
devouredyourgardens,your
vineyards,yourfigtrees,andyourolivetreesYetyouhavenotreturnedtoMe,saysthe
Lord(Amos4:9).
(2) GodbeginsHischastisementformanbyallowingfortheattacksofthetinychewing
locusts.Ifwedonotreturn tohim,He
wouldallowforthatoftheswarminglocustsIfwedonotrepent,itwouldbetheturnof
thecrawling,thenofthe
consuminglocustsAndincasewestilldonotrespondtoallthesechastisements,Hewould
allowforthemilitaryhuman
attacksagainstus.ThenthedayoftheLordwouldfinallycome,withitscomplete
darkness.Hechastensusstepbystep
thatifwesubmittoHim,Hewouldhavecompassiononus.
(3) Thesesuccessivestagesoflocustattacks,probablyrefertothewarofsinagainstus,andits
invasionofourhearts.Itstarts
withthetiny(chewing)stage,thatcrawlsecretlyintoourheart,thoughts,andsenses,like
thelittlefoxesthatspoilthevines
(Songs2:15),forwhichmanmaynotpaymuchattention,untiltheyreignontheheartand
corruptit.Afterthetiny(chewing)
stageofsinshaveplayedtheirhiddenrole,thedoorwouldbeopenbeforethe(swarming)
stageofsinstocomeagainstus
Everystageof sinhandsustothenext,forustobecomeliketoysintheirhands.Thenthe
enemywouldultimatelydaretobring
usintothemosthorrible(crawling)stage,thatwouldbringusforth,downtothebottomless
pit,asrevealedinthebookof
Revelation (9:112),darkeningthelightofthesunstrikinglikescorpions,and
producingsoundlikethatofchariotswith
manyhorsesrunningintobattle.
Inotherwords,everyslothfulnessonourpart,wouldleadustoamoredangerousstage,
untilwearebroughtovertothe
destructivelocustsofthebottomlesspit.
St.Markthehermitsays:[Satanpresentstouslittlesinsthatwouldseeminoureyesofno
importanceAsotherwise,he
cannotbringusovertogreatersins].
2 THERESULTSOFTHEATTACKS:
Awake,youdrunkards,andweepAndwail,allyoudrinkersofwine,becauseofthenew
wine.Forithasbeen
cutofffromyourmouth
(Joel1:5)
Atthebeginning,heaskedthemtohear,andtogiveearButnow,beingattackedbythe
locusts,heasksthemtoawakefromtheir
drinkingofthewineoftheworld,whichhascorruptedtheirminds,anddestroyedtheirtrue
wisdomItwouldbefittingforthemtoawake
fromtheirdrinking,toweepandwailonthedeprivationtheyhavereached!!
{Thereisthatkindofdrinkingwhichisdifficultforthesoultoavoidwhen wearecaughtinthe
interestsofthisworld,evenifwearein
solitudeaboutwhichtheprophetsays:Awake,youdrunkards(butnotwithwine).Andanother
prophetsays: Theyaredrunk,butnot
withwine(Isaiah29:9)butwithwhattheprophetcallsthepoisonoftheserpent
Doyouwanttoknowmoreaboutthefruitsofthosevines?Aboutthemitissaid:Theirgrapesare
grapesofpoison,andtheyhave
Bunchesofbitterness.As,Ifwefailtopurifyourselvesofallthosefaults,andtodetestall
thoselusts,Ourheartswouldbecome
heavywithsomekindofmoredangerouswine,withoutbeingdrunkwithregularwine,nor
beingfilledinrichbanquets].
Beingdrunkardsbythewineoftheloveofthisworld,theydenythemselvesthenewwine
namely,theHolySpirit,bywhichthesoul
staggerswiththeloveofGod.
Callingthemdrunkards,heasksthem,atthesametime,toweepandwailbecausethenewwine
hasbeencutofffromtheirmouths
Havingdeniedthemselvesof(thewineoftheHolySpirit),thatthediscipleshaveenjoyedonthe
dayofthePentecostwhentheapostle
Peterstoodandsaid:Forthesearenutdrunk,asyousuppose,sinceitisonlythethirdhourofthe
day.Butthisiswhatwasspokenby
theprophetJoel:Anditshallcometopassinthelastdays,saysGod,thatIwillpouroutofMy
Spiritonallflesh(Acts2:1517).
LettheoldIsraelwail,because,havingrejectedthedwellingoftheSpiritinthemthenew
heavenlywinewillbecutofftheirmouth.
AndletthenewIsrael,menoftheNewTestament,rejoicehavingrejectedthewineoftheworld
namely,theworksoftheoldman,
toenjoythelifegivingwine.
Askingthosedrunkwiththewineoftheworldtoawakeandbereasonable,becausethelocust
attackshavealreadycomeuponthem,
theprophetrevealstheactivityofthoseattacksonmanyaspectsintheirexposureoftheworksof
sininus.
(1) Hesays:ForanationhascomeupagainstMyland,strongandwithoutnumberhisteeth
aretheteethofalion,andhehasthe
fangsofafiercelioness(6).Eventhoughtheindividuallocust,inanyofitsgrowthstages,is
notmorethanatinyinsectthatman
cancrushunderhisfoot,orevenwithhisfinger,Yetwhenthelocustsgatherinswarms,they
mayturnintoverystrongand
dangerousarmies,thataredifficulttoovercome.
InadmonitionHesays:hascomeupagainstmylandAswhatcomesuponusbecauseof
oursins,eventhoughthroughdivine
allowanceforourchastisementHeconsidersanythingthattouchesus,asthoughittouchesHis
own landforweareGodsland,
thatHesetsfortherighteousnesstodwell(2Peter3:13).Thus,thesinwhichwecommit
woulddowrongtoGodinHisownland.
Thesecretofthestrengthofthat(nation),withoutnumber,liesinitsmouth,aboutwhichhe
says:Itsteetharetheteethofalion,
andithasthefangsofafiercelioness(6).Theforeignserpenthasonceopeneditsmouthto
talktoEveandwhenthelatergot
slothful,she,herman,andherdescendantsaswell,haveallcometoperdition.Therefore,let
usbewareofthetalksofthedeceitful
devilLetusfleefromthemasthoughfromtheteethofthelion,andthefangsofthelioness.
ThewiseSolomonsaysthatthewisdom
ofGod:willkeepyoufromtheimmoralwoman,fromtheseductresswhoflatterswithher
words(Proverbs7:5).
Itwouldbefittingforusnottobedeceivedbythesmoothwordsofthedevil,lesttheywould
tearusapartAnditwouldalsobefitting
forustobeaware,lestweourselveswouldbecomehisteeth,thatarelikethoseofalionto
useustotearapartthelifeandfaith
ofothers.Because,if ouradversarythedevilwalksaboutlikearoaringlion,seekingwhom
hemaydevour(1Peter5:8),Letus
notbehistooltotearourbrothersapart.
Whoeverdelivershismouthtothedevil,wouldbecomeliketeethinthemouthofafiercelion
AsaccordingtoSt.JohnChrysostom:
[Peterutteredaword,andthenweptbitterly,becauseheforgotthesaying:Iwillguardmy
ways,lestIsinwithmytongue(Psalm
39:1)and,Aslipfromthepavementisbetterthanaslipfromthetongue(Sirach20:18).
WhereashewhodelivershismouthtotheLord,wouldbecomeliketeethinthemouthofthe
LionwhocomesfromthetribeofJudah,
Wouldbearthespiritofconquest,ofvictory,andoflife,throughtestifyingtoHimHe
wouldnottearthelifeofhisbrothersapart,
butwouldratherteartheworkofthedevil,theadversarytotheTruth.
We,therefore,areteeth:eitherinthemouthofthelion,adversarytotheTruthOrinthemouth
oftheLion,theTruthAccordingto
thewisewords:Amansstomachshallbesatisfiedfromthefruitofhismouth,Andfromthe
produceofhislipsheshallbefilled.
Deathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue(Proverbs18:20,21).
(2) HehaslaidwasteMyvine,andruinedMyfigtree(7).Ifourslothfulnesswiththesinhas
corruptedourlifethelandofGod
tobecomeafieldfortheinvadingadversaryanationwithoutnumberfiercewithteethlike
thoseofalion,andfangsofalioness
ThathaslaidwastetheLordsvineandHisfigtree.
TheLordcallsHispeopleHisvineandfigtreeAsthevinepresentsthegrapesthat,together
withtheLord,passthroughthe
winepress,bearthefeaturesofHispassion,andenterwithHimtothepowerofHis
resurrection.Andthefig,withitssweetouter
coverthatembracesagreatnumberoftinyseeds,referstothework,theloveandunityofthe
sweetHolySpirit,whoembracesthe
memberstogether,withnoisolationorindividuality.
Thesinmakesthevineandthefigtreelosetheirdistinctivefeaturenamely,destroysthework
ofthecrucifiedChrist,andthatofthe
HolySpiritinus.ThesinsodestroysthevineoftheLord,andruinsHisfigtreethatthe
believerswouldnotreceivethewinepress
withjoy,topresentnewwineintheKingdomofGodtheFatherorwouldnotwalkwiththe
spiritofloveandunity,whichisthework
oftheHolySpirit.
GodfeelsjoyasHeseesHispeople,likegrapesinthewildernessasthefirstfruitsonthefig
tree,thatfulfillHisheart(Hosea
9:10)YetthesinlayswastethisvineandruinsthisfigtreeAndasitcameinthebookof
Habakkuk:Thefigtreemaynot
blossom,norfruitbeonthevines(3:17).
(3) HehasstrippeditbareandthrownitawayItsbranchesaremadewhite.Theworkofthe
locustsactsontheoutercuticle ofthestemandthebranches,tomakethembareandlook
white.Itisstrangethatwhitenessusuallyreferstopurity:Inthe
transfiguration,theLordChristappearedwithHisclotheswhiteasthelight(Matthew17:2)
havinginsidethemtheSunof
RighteousnessshiningwithHissplendor.Andattheholytomb,St.MaryMagdalenesawtwo
angelsinwhiteattire(John20:2)
Thissamewhitecolorisusedbytheenemyinhisdeceitasasignofuncleannessincaseof
leprosy(SeeLeviticus13:10,11).
AslongasChrist,theSunofrighteousness,isourrefugeinwhomwehide,andinusHe
dwellsweshallbearHiswhitenessas
lightButifwearetakenawayfromHim throughourrejection,weshallbelikebranches
baredoftheirprotectivecuticlewiththe
uncleanwhitenessofleprosy.ThewhitenessofChristliftsusuptoheaven,wheretheheavenly
secretofourwhitenessisset
Whereasthewhitenessofleprosywoulddriveusoutofthecamptoliveisolated,weartorn
clothes,uncoverourheads,coverour
upperlips,andcryout:Unclean,unclean!(Leviticus13:45).
(4) Enteringintoanearlystateofwidowhoodsaying:Lamentlikeavirgingirdedwithsackcloth
forthehusbandofheryouth
(8).Committingsin,manthinksthatheisfulfillinghisdeprivedsoul,andquenchingthethirst
ofhisbodybycarnalpleasureswhen
heisactuallybringinghissouloverintoastateofwidowhood,toputon sackclothagainsther
willbecauseshehaslostherfirst
Groom God,withwhomshewasboundsinceheryouthAndinplaceofwearingthe
weddingattire,joyfultoherandtothe
heavenlycreatures,sheputsonthesadsackclothofwidowhood.
Yet,herfirstGroomofheryouth,willkeeponflatteringher,willallureher,willbringher
intothewilderness,andspeakcomfortto
her(Hosea2:14)willtakeherwidowhoodattireaway,sayingtoher:Iwillbetrothyouto
meforever(Hosea2: 19).Yet,He
wouldnotbetrothherwhilestillinthebosomofanothermanbutwouldconfirm:Iwill
betrothyoutoMeinrighteousnessand
justice,inlovingkindnessandmercy(Hosea2:19,20).
(5) ThegrainofferingandthedrinkofferinghavebeencutofffromthehouseoftheLordthe
priestsmourn,who
ministertotheLord(9).Theattacksofthedivinechastisementrevealhowthesoulbecame
becauseofthesinhowshelost
herheavenlyGroomandbecameawidow,andhowthepriestsarenolongerabletooffera
grainofferingoradrinkingoffering
totheLord,whodoesnotaccepttheofferingsofthewickedwhogiveHimtheirback.
ReceivingtheofferingsinthehouseoftheLordisasignoftheunionbetweenGodandHis
holypeople,andofGodspleasurein
them.But,asthepeoplefallintoabominations,noofferingwouldbereceivedfromthem
withoutrepentanceandreturningtotheLord
AccordingtothewordsofthePsalmist:ForYoudonotdesiresacrifice,orelseIwouldgive
itYoudonotdelightinburntoffering.
ThesacrificesofGodarebrokenspirit,abrokenandacontriteheartThese,OGod,You
willnotdespise(Psalm 51:16,17).
InourstudyofthesecondepistleoftheapostlePaultoTimothy,wesawhowthedrinking
offeringreferstothecontinuouslifeof
Joy,pouredabundantlybytheHolySpiritamidthesufferingsofthechurch,beingthesacrifice
ofGod,unitedwiththeslainChrist.
Cuttingoffthedrinkingoffering,istakingawaytheperpetualspiritualjoyfromthepeople,to
bereplacedbydepression,whichisthe
naturalfruitofsin.
WeareinneedofGodreceivingthegrainofferingandthedrinkingofferingtobearthe
featureofthecrucifiedChristthe
grainoffering,andthatofthespiritualjoythedrinkingoffering,ifwereturnbyrepentanceto
Him.
(6) Thewasteofthefruits:Thefieldiswasted,thelandmournsForthegrainisruined,the
newwineisdriedup,theoil
fails.Beashamed,youfarmers,Wail,youvinedressers,ForthewheatandbarleyBecause
theharvestofthefieldhas
perished.Thevinehasdriedup,andthefigtreehaswitheredThepomegranatetree,the
palmtreealso,andtheapple
tree AllthetreesofthefieldarewitheredSurelyjoyhaswitheredawayfromthesonsof
men(1012).
IfthesinhaswastedthevineoftheLord,andruinedHisfigtreeIttakesaway,aswell,every
spiritualfruitfromthelifeofthe
believer,whoisthelandoftheLord:
a Thefieldiswasted,thenewwineisdriedup,andtheoilfails.Ifthegrainreferstothe
necessarydailybread,Thenewwine
referstothejoyfulspiritualdrinkAndtheoiltothehealingmedication.Thusthelocusts
ofsindeprivesmanofhisspiritualfood,
aswellasofhisdrinkandofhismedicationtoliveinacondition,wherenoonefulfillshis
hunger,quenchhisthirst,ortodress
hiswounds.
GodletsmaninneedofnothingButinhisignorance,manuseswhatisGods,tothe
accountofHisenemy.Godadmonishes
Hisbride,Forshedidnotknowthat(He)gavehergrain,newwine,andoil,And
multipliedhersilverandgoldwhich
theypreparedforBaal(Hosea2:8).
Iwish,throughthechastisementsofGod,wewouldrealizetheextentofwhatourinner
conditionhasreached,wouldhunger
andthirstfortherighteousness(Matthew5:6),tofindtheLordChristasourlivingBread
(John6:51),aspiritualdrink,andoil
foroursouls.
b Thefarmerswillbeashamed,andthevinedresserswillwail,WhentheLordofthe
harvestcomestofindHisfieldwithout
grainorbarleytofindHisShepherdsandpriests,notpresentingthefoodoftherich(the
grain),noreventhatofthepoor(the
barley).
Ifthegrainisusedasfoodformen,andthebarleyasfoodforbeastssinwasteseverything,
leavingman(thehumansoul),
andbeast(thebody),unfulfilledManwouldliveinastateofspiritual,psychological,a
carnalvoidandhunger.
c Inthesoul thedivinefieldtherewouldbenofruit:neitherpomegranate,norpalmtrees,
norappletrees.Thepomegranate
referstothemeeknatureofChrist,thatreflectsonthefaceofthechurch,Hisbrideto
whomtheLordsays:Yourtemples
behindyourveil,arelikeapieceofpomegranate(Songs4:3).
Thepalmtreereferstothelifeofuprightness,withnodeviation,accordingtothewordsby
whichthedivineGroomaddresses
Hisbride,saying:Thestatureofyoursislikeapalmtree(Songs7:7).
Andtheappletreerefertotheincarnation,bearingthejoyfulfruitforGodandmenwhen
thebridesaystoherincarnateGroom:
Likeanappletreeamongthetreesofthewoods,soismybelovedamongthesons.Isat
downinhisshadewithgreatdelight.
andhisfruitwassweettomytaste(Songs2:3).Likewise,bytheHolySpiritUnitingwith
theappletree,uniqueamongthe
fruitlesstreesinthewildernessWeourselveswouldbeapplesthatbringpleasuretothe
heartsofGodandmenandwould
havethefragranceofourChristThefragranceofyourbreathlikeapples(Songs7:
8).
Inotherwords,beingdeprivedofthepomegranate,palmtrees,andappletrees,wouldonly
meantakingawaythefeatureof
uprightness,andthefragranceofChristfromthehumansoul.
d Ifsinmakesmanloosehisspiritualfood(thegrain),hisdrink(thenewwine),andhis
medication(theoil)Makeshissouland
bodyfruitless(thegrainandthebarley)anddepriveshimofthefeatures,uprightness,and
sweetfragranceoftheLordAll
thatwoulddeprivemanofhisspiritualandhisinnerjoysaying:Surelyjoyhaswithered
awayfromthesonsofmen:(12).
Therearemany,whothinkofthespoiledlifeasbeingalljoyandpleasureandofthelife
withGodasbeingsadnessand
depressionButactually,thespoiledlife,amiditsapparenthappiness,bearsaninner
bitternessanddepressionWhereas
thelifewithGod,ontheotherhand,amidthesufferingsandafflictions,presentsdeep
spiritualjoy.Sinwouldmakemanlose
hisspiritualjoywhilerepentance,despitetheroughwayandthenarrowdoor,wouldgrant
himjoyandinnerpeaceamidthe
tears.
ThatIswhySt.JohnElDargywrotealongarticleonThewailbearingthejoyinwhich
hesays:
[Holdfastto,andneverquithavingthe(joyfulpangs),thatgohandinhandwiththepainin
thehearttobeliftedupabovethe
earthliesandtobepresentedpuretoChrist]And,
[Whoeverisclothedbythe(joyfulwail),grantedtohimasaweddinggarmentwould
experiencethespirituallaugh
ofthesoul]and,
[Tearsthatcomefromthementionofdeath,wouldbringaboutfearAndincasefear,
bringsaboutthepeaceofheart,Joy
wouldshineAndoncejoycalmsandsettlesdown,theflowerofholylovewould
flourishup].
a. ACALLTOREPENTENCE:
ThroughHischastisements,GodrevealsthebitterfruitsofsininthelifeofHispeople:
+ ForanationhascomeagainstMyland,strongandwithoutnumberHisteetharetheteethof
alion(6).
+ HehaslaidwasteMyvine,andruinedMyfigtree(7).
+ HehasstrippeditbareandthrownitawayItsbranchesaremadewhite(7).
+ Hisvirginenteredintoastateofearlywidowhood(8).
+ Thegrainofferingandthedrinkoffering,whichareasignofGodspleasureandjoyforHis
house,havebeencutoff(9)
+ Thegrainisruined,thenewwineisdriedup,andtheoil(themedication)hasfailed(10).
+ ThefeaturesoftheLord,Hisuprightness,andsweetfragrance,havebeenlost(12)
+ Thespiritualjoyhaswitheredawayfromthesonsofmen(12).
Butnow,theLordhastenstoturnthetearsandsadnessintorepentancethatshouldbepracticed
bytheprieststogetherwiththepeople
Saying:Girdyourselvesandlament,youpriestsWail,youwhoministerbeforethealtarCome,
lieallnightinsackcloth,Youwho
ministertomyGodForthegrainoffering,andthedrinkofferingarewitheredfromthehouseof
yourGod(13).HeaddressesHistalk
tothepriests,whoministertothealtar,toperformtheirleadingtasknotbygivingadvisesand
instructions,butforemost,through
practicingrepentanceinorderforthemtojointheirpeople,andnottobeisolatedfromthem.In
thefollowingpoints,hedemonstrated
thesignsofrepentance:
(1) Being girded(13)namelyputtingonsackcloth.Itisnotthetimeforwearingtheprecious
andsplendidattiresofpriesthood
butforputtingonsackcloth,thatGodwouldshowcompassiononhisfallenchildren.
Puttingonsackclothshouldgohandin
handwithinnerhumiliation,andcontritionofthespiritbeforeGodaccordingtothewords
ofSt.JohnElDargy:[Letyour
garment,atleast,showasignofwailingasallthosewhowailontheirdead,putonblack].
(2) Lamentandwail.Itisfittingforthepriest,nottoseekthetearsfromhisspiritual
brethrenandchildren,whilehe,himself,
bearsdryfeelingsButheshouldpracticewhatheseeksfromthemHeshouldsaytogether
withtheprophet:Forthehurtof
thedaughterofmypeople,Iamhurt.IammourningAstonishmenthastakenholdofme
Oh,thatmyheadwerewaters,
andmyeyesafountainoftears,thatImightweepdayandnightfortheslainofthe
daughterofmypeople(Jeremiah8:21
9:1).
St.JohnElDargitalkingtousabouttheactivityofwailingandtears,says:[Likefire
consumingreeds,thepuretearwould
abolisheverycarnalandspiritualuncleanness]and,[Brethren,Goddoesnotneedorwish
formantoweepandlament,but
wouldratherwishhimtorejoice,andhavejoyinhislove.Man!Takeawaythatsinso
thatthepainfultearinthesensual
eye,wouldnotbeneededAstherewouldbenoneedforcleansing,whenthereisno
wound.Beforehisdisobedience,Adam
hadnotears.Andtherewouldbenotearsafterresurrectionwhensin,andwithit,pain,
grief,andsighs,arenomore]
(3) HoldingafastforthispurposeAsrepentancewouldtouchthelifeofeveryman,ofthe
priestinparticularthesighsofhis
heartthescreamsofhismouth,ofhisclothes,andthoseofhisstomach.Manshouldtalkto
God,andproclaimhisrepentance
ineverypossiblewayHisactionsshouldsupporteachother,toproclaimhislongingfor
returningtoGod.
Fastingisthelanguageoftheflesh,interactingwiththespirit,thethought,andthesenses,in
ordertoproclaimthedesirefor
anencounterwithGod,throughalifesanctifiedinHim.
St.JohnElDargysays:[Themindoftheonewhofastswouldpraywithpurethoughts
Whereasthatofthegreedy,wouldbe
Filledwithuncleanimages]and[Fillingthestomachwithfood,driesupthetearsofthe
eyesWhereaswhenthestomach
driesupthroughfasting,Fountainsoftearswouldflowoverfromtheeyes]and
[Controllingourstomach,wouldhumiliateour
heartWhereaswhenspoilingit,ourmindgetshaughty].
Andfather(Mar)IsaactheSyriansays:[Asaintsaid:Theweakerthebodygetsthrough
fasting,thestrongerspirituallythe
soulwouldbecomebyprayers].
(4) Callingasacredassembly.Hesaystothepriests:Consecrateafast,Callasacred
assemblyGathertheeldersandall
theinhabitantsofthelandintothehouseoftheLordyourGod,AndcryouttotheLord
(14).Heretheprophetproclaimsthe
commitmenttocallforasacredassemblynamely,foracollectivecelebrationof
repentance.Aslongasthewholecongregation
havepartakenofevil,theyshouldlikewisepartakeofrepentance.Intheintroductiontothe
bookofHosea,wetalkedaboutthe
collectiverepentance,thatgoeshandinhandwiththeindividualspirituallifeandaboutthe
hiddenrelationshipbetweenthe
soul beingamemberintheholycongregation andGod.
Ifthepriestrepresentstheleadershipinman,Itisfittingfortheleadershiptocallfora
sacredassembly,andforagatheringof
theelders,andofalltheinhabitantsofthelandNamely,manshouldassembleallhis
senses,energies,andpossibilitiesas
thoughtheyaretheeldersoftheland,ortheworkersofthebody.Sothatmanmaypresent
arepentanceoriginatingfromall
hisactionsandhisspiritual,mental,andbodycapabilities.Thepriestsshouldgather
togetherwiththeinhabitantsofthelandin
thehouseoftheLordNamely,thespiritshouldworkwithallherenergies,togetherwith
thebodywithitsenergies,underthe
leadershipoftheLordAndmanshouldcryoutwithhiswholebeingtohisGod.
ThesacredassemblyshouldbeheldinthehouseoftheLordourGodNamely,weshould
fleefromthewrathofGod,by
resortingtoHim,takingrefugeinHiscompassionatelove,andHislongsuffering.Andasit
cameinthebookofIsaiah:Let
HimtakeholdofMystrength,ThathemaymakepeacewithMeAndheshallmakepeace
withMe(Isaiah27:5).
b. THENEEDFORANINTERCESSOR:
Thepriestswiththeelders,assemblingtogetherinthehouseoftheLord,alllamentandwail,
realizingwhatthesinhasdoneinthem
InanticipationoftheOnewho,alone,canintercedeontheirbehalfbyHisatoningblood,tosave
themfromthedivinewrathonthat
horribleday.Theprophetdemonstratesthesetwointegralissues:Therealizationoftheextento
thebitternessandhorrorthatwefeel
towardthedayoftheLordAndtheneedforanIntercessor,capableofreconcilinguswithGod.
Concerningtheextentofhowfarwehavereached,hesays::Alasfortheday!Forthedayofthe
LordisathandItshallcomeas
destructionfromtheAlmighty.IsnotthefoodcutoffbeforeoureyesJoyandgladnessfromthe
houseofGod?Theseedgrainshrivels
undertheclods,StorehousesareinshamblesBarnsarebrokendown,Forthegrainhas
withered.Howthebeastsgroan!Theherdsof
cattlearerestless,becausetheyhavenopastureEventheflocksofsheepsufferyour
punishment(Joel1:1518).
Inshort,wehavebecomeinastateofhungerFoodiscutoffbeforeoureyesWeshallbe
fulfilledbynoonebutGodHimself,inwhose
Image,
andaccordingtowhoselikenesswearecreated.TheLordChrist,theincarnateWordofGod,has
probablybeenborn
inamangerSothatwhenmanbecomeslikeahungrybeast,hewouldheadtowardthemangerto
acquireanewfood,fittoeternally
fulfillhimWhenhelistenstoHimsaying:Iamthebreadoflifewhichcomesdownfrom
heaven,thatonemayeatitandnotdie
ThebreadthatIshallgiveisMyfleshwhichIshallgiveforthelifeoftheworldMost
assuredly,Isaytoyou,unlessyoueattheflesh
OftheSonofMananddrinkHisblood,youhavenolifeinyou(John6:4853).
Becausefoodiscutoffjoyandgladnessaretakenaway,Becausethesoulhasisolatedherself
byherselffromGod,theSourceof
herjoy,Itbecameinastateofdepression,andeveninastateofdeaththatshecannotsay:
rejoiceintheLord,Iwilljoyinthe
Godofmysalvation(Habakkuk3:18)
Thesoulbecameinastateof desolation,withnospiritualfruition.Thegrainshriveledunderthe
clods,thestorehousesinshambles
andbecamewithnohopeEventhebeasts(thebody)groan,andtheherdsofsheeparenomore.
Manwouldloseeventhe
carnalthingsforthesakeof whichhehascommittedthesin.
Inotherwordswecansaythatthroughsin,cursehasdweltuponeverything,evenuponearth
accordingtothewordsoftheLordto
Adam:Cursedistheearthbecauseofyou(Genesis3:17)Thereisnomoreplacefor
blessing.
Now,havingrealizedtheextentofwhatwehavereached,ofthecursethathasdweltuponusand
upontheearth,uponitsplantsandits
beasts,Joel
InterferedasanintercessorOr,moreaccurately,asasymbolofthetrueIntercessor,JesusChrist,
whoalonecriesouttoHisFather,
andHerespondstoHim.Hesays:ToYou,OLord,IcryoutnotforHisownsake,butforthat
ofthepeople,fortheopenpastures
devouredbyfire,andforthewaterbrooksthathavedriedup(19,20).
ThisistheIntercessorwhodwellsintheheart,theinnerJerusalem,toreconcilethesoulandthe
bodywithalltheirenergieswiththe
FatherHeinwhomtheFatherfindsjoy,andwhomHeseeks,saying:Runtoandfrothroughthe
streetsofJerusalemSeenowand
knowAndseekinheropenplacesifyoucanfindaman,Ifthereisanyonewhoexecutes
judgment,whoseeksthetruth,AndIwill
pardonher(Jeremiah5:1).HeisourLordJesusChrist,hiddenintheinnerJerusalem,bywhom
wegettheforgivenessofoursins.

ANINSPIRATIONFROMTHEBOOKOFJOEL
(Chapter1)
INSTEADOFTHELOCUSTATTACKS,
GRANTMEYOURFIERYSPIRIT
+ Countme,OLord,likeJoel,asonofPethoel(Godopens)!
Open,OLord,myheart,tobeholdYouinittorecognizeYouandtoconceiveYourwisdom.
+ ThesinsofJudahbroughtdownontheirlandfourlocustattacks.
Attacksbythechewing,theswarming,thecrawling,andtheconsuminglocusts.
Mysinsbroughtdown onmeYourchastisementsthatwouldgraduallybecomemorecruel,in
hopethatIwouldrepent.
Mysinsturnedmyheartintoabarrenland.
Insteadofthelocustattacks,LetYourHolySpiritblowonthelandofmyheart.
Toturnmywildernessintoafruitfulparadise.
Toturnmylandintoaheaven,wherenosinglelocustcanapproach.
+ Chasten,OLord,StretchYourhand!
But,DonotallowformyperditionButfortheperditionofthecorruptionthatcameonme.
Youmayallowbitternessforme,ButYouseektheeternaljoyofmysalvation.
+ Sinhascausedinmefamineanddrought
Hascorruptedmypeace,andtakenawaymyinternaljoy.
Hasturnedmyweddingintomourning.
HastakenYoursweetfragranceawayfromme.
Hasdeprivedmeofthegrainofferingandthedrinkofferingofjoy.
Hastakentheblessingawayfrommeandbroughtitscurseonme.
WhocansavemeofitbutYou,OSavioroftheworldOMyheavenlyIntercessor!
Youaremyfulfillment.mypeace,myjoy,andthesourceofeveryblessing.
=============================
CHAPTER2
THEATTACKSOFENEMIES
ASANOTHERPREPARATIONFORTHEDAYOFTHE
LORD
Havingnotrespondedtothedivinewarningthroughthelocustattacks,GodspoketoJudahbya
morebittervoicenamely,by
theattacksofenemies.Yet,whilewounding,HepresentstohimHisHolySpirit,togranthimthe
possibilityofbandagingthrough
rebukesonhissins,toreturntohim.
1Destructivedesolation 111
2Acalltorepentance 1217
3GodwillpityHispeople 1827
4AnultimatereformbytheHolySpirit 2832
1 DESTRUCTIVEDESOLATION:
HavingnotbenefitedfromtheattacksbylocustsAssaidbytheprophetAmos:Iblastedyou
withblightandmildew.Whenyourgardens
increased,Yourvineyards,Yourfigtrees,Andyourolivetrees,ThelocustsdevouredthemYet
youhavenotreturnedtoMe(Amos4:
9)Godstartedtospeaktothepeopleaboutanotherformofchastisementnamely,thedestructive
attacksofenemiessaying:
BlowthetrumpetinZion,AndsoundanalarminMyholymountain!Letallthe
inhabitantsofthe
landtrembleForthedayoftheLordiscoming
(Joel2:1)
(1) BlowingthetrumpethasbeenataskofthepriestsAtthestartofthemarchinthe
wildernessForthedeclarationofwar
FortheanointmentofakingForthecelebrationoffeasts,etc.Thetrumpetwere
madeofsilver(Leviticus10)referring
tothedivinecommandment,orthedivineWord,thatworksinthesoulduringherstrife,
andherwaragainstsinfillingherwith
joyandrejoice,witheveryinnerdivinework.
GodcommandsblowingthetrumpetinZionnotonaccountthatacertainnationisgoingto
attackZion,Butbecausetheday
oftheLordisathandandalltheinhabitantsofthelandshouldtremble!
ByblowingthetrumpetinZion,HeintendstoproclaimthatitisGodwhoallowsforthe
attackbytheenemies,tochastenHis
people.IncasetheydonotlistentoHisvoicethroughthecommandment,Hewouldcome
againstthemthroughtheirenemies,
torealizetheirsalvationfromevil.,,,IftheydonotlistenthroughHismeeknessLetthem
anticipateHisfirmness!
Letusthenhearthewarningvoiceofthetrumpet,from themouthsofthepriestsLetus
receivethedivinecommandment
evenifitisbitterforthewicked,destroyingtheeviltheylove,Letalltheinhabitantsof
thelandtremble:Everythingearthly,
Everydisobedienceintheheartofthewicked,wouldshake,andtremblebeforethedivine
commandmentAndasitiswritten:
Ifatrumpetisblowninacity,Willnotthepeoplebeafraid?(Amos3:6).
IfblowingthetrumpetreferstothecomingofthedivineWordtothesoulThiswill
definitely befollowedbyadestructionof
everyinneridol,thathasforlongoccupiedtheheartaccordingtotheprophetIsaiah:
Behold,theLordridesonaswiftcloud,
andwillcomeintoEgyptTheidolsofEgyptwilltotteratHispresence,andtheheartof
Egyptwillmeltinitsmidst(Isaiah
19:1).
(2) Adayofdarknessandgloominess,AdayofcloudsandthickfogLikethemorning
cloudsspread
overthemountains
(Joel2:2)
IfthedayoftheLord,forthebelieversislikeajoyfulandbrightdayofwedding,inwhich
theGroom theSunof
RighteousnessapproachestoencounterHisbride,who,likethemoon,reflectsHislight
Itis,forthewicked,adayof
darknessandgloominess,Adayofcloudsandthickfogduringwhichtheyareunableto
beholdtheLordinHisgloryand
splendor,nortoenjoyHissecrets.
TheprophetJoellooks,toseehowtheday,becauseofthelocustattacks,hasturnedinto
thickdarknessnotbecausethere
wasnosun,butbecauseofthedensewavesoflocuststhatcoveredthewholeland,turning
thedayinmanseyesintonight.
ThatscenewasmentionedinthebookofExodustodescribethedaywhentheplagueof
locustscametocoverthewholeland
ofEgypt,Sothatthelandwasblack(Exodus10:!4,15).
Throughthatscene,theprophetJoelalsoseeswhatwillhappeninJudahby thearmiesand
chariotsoftheenemieswhen,
becauseoftheirgreatnumber,thelandwouldbecoveredbyadensecloudofdust,that
causesdarknessandgloominess.
ThesamethingwillhappenforthewickedonthegreatdayoftheLord,whenHecomes
judgetheworld.Forthem,thatday
willbeadayofdarknessandgloominess,becauseofwhattheybearinsidethemofsin,that
willwoulddenythemofbeholding
itssplendor.
Thedarknessandgloominesswouldalsorefertothebitternessandanguishthatwould
dwelluponthesoulduringthe
chastisementthatcausemanseyesandhislookattheworldtobecomeasdarkand
gloomy.
Astosaying:Likethemorningcloudsspreadingoverthemountains,Itprobablyisa
confirmationofitsoccurrencedefinitely
comingonallmankind:ontheholymountains,aswellasontheuncleanonesThe
holymountainsofZionwillrejoice,
WhilethoseonwhicharethealtarsoftheBaal,willtotter.
(3) Hepresentstousthefollowingbitterandcruelportraitoftheopposingarmy,concerning
thenumberofwarriors,aswellastheir
mightandactivity:
a Apeoplecome,greatandstrong,thelikeofwhomhasneverbeen,norwilltheir
everbeanysuchafter
them,evenformanysuccessivegenerations
(Joel2:2)
bGod,withHislongsuffering,waitsandwaitsButwilleventually,forthesakeofHis
love,andbecauseofourlackof
response,Hewillhavetochasten,althoughHemayseemcruelandharsh.ItisHis
compassionatefatherhoodforthesake
ofthesalvationofthesoul,rebelliouslyconsistentonhersins.
cItdoesnotstopatthegreatnumber,but:
Theirappearanceisliketheappearanceofhorsesandlikeswiftsteeds,sotheyrun
Withanoiselike
chariots,overmountaintopstheyleap
(Joel2:4,5)
Heterrifiesoureyesbytheirappearanceandourearsbytheirnoise.Theeyesthat
becameslothfulintheirspiritualstrife,will
becometerrifiedbythedivinechastisementseeingitlikeswiftsteeds,andlikeleaping
horsemenThereisnotimefor
slothfulnessItsnoiseishorribleandveryterrifying,likethatofunstoppablechariots
overmountaintops!
dChastisementwouldexposetheworkofthesininusturningourinnerparadiseintoa
wilderness:
Afiredevoursbeforethem,andbehindthemaflameburnsThelandislikethe
gardenofEdenbefore
them,andbehindthemadesolatewildernessSurelynothingshallescapethem
(Joel2:3)
Thisfieryinvasion,althoughinitsdepthisadivinechastisement,Yetitisanaturalfruit
oftheworkofsin,thedeadlyfire,
Whoeverpracticesitwouldbeembracingafirethatburnshim.Nothingcouldovercome
thatfire,exceptthefireoftheHoly
Spirit,whoturnsthedesolatewildernessintoajoyfulparadise.BythefireoftheHoly
Spirit,thefireofsinisdestroyedAnd
bythefruitoftheSpirit,theheartwouldreturntoitsformercondition,tobecomethe
joyfulparadiseofGodandthebeliever
wouldthenpraisehisSavior,saying:Letmybelovedcometohisgardenandeatits
pleasantfruits(Song4:16).
Ifthisisthebookofthedayofthelord,horribletothewicked,whoseparadisehasturned
intoawildernessItis,atthesame
time,thebookofthepouringoftheHolySpiritovermankind,Whowillgiveusbackour
nature,aparadiseforGod,insteadof
thewildernessthatwehavebecome.ThatiswhySt.Gregory,BishopofNyssaaddresses
theCatechumens,saying:[You
were,OCatechumens,outsidetheparadise,sharingwithyourfatherAdamhisexileBut
now,thedoorisopenforyoutogo
backtowhereyouhavebeen].
Iftheprophetseesinthesin,aflamingfirethatdevoursthestubble(5)ThefieryHoly
Spiritwouldturntheashesintoa
holytemplefortheLord.St.CyriltheGreatsays:[TheonebaptizedgetstheHolySpirit
inhim,toturnactuallyintoatemple
ofGod].
e Concerningtheplan,itisextremelyelaborate:
Theyrunlikemightymen,theyclimbthewalllikemenofwarEveryonemarchesin
formation,andthey
donotbreakranks.TheydonotpushoneanotherEveryonemarchesinhisown
column.Andwhenthey
lungebetweentheweapons,theyarenotcutdown
(Joel2:7,8)
Theprophetwatchingtheattacksofthelocustsutterlycoveringtheland,todevour
everythinggreenThencominginto
housesthroughwindowswithnothingtostopthemHenoticeshoweveryindividual
locusthasherdesignatedtask,how
itdoesnotcutdownitsfellowlocustandhowitmovesonlywithintherangeallowedto
herbyGod.Itwasnotahaphazard
naturalcatastrophe,butitboreanaccurategoal,bothinitswholeness,orinitsdetails.
ThesamethinghappensagainstJudahwiththeattackoftheenemy.Thedevastationthat
wouldplaceisnotwithoutgoal,but
everythingiselaboratelyplannedbeforehand.Theplanisexecuted,witheveryfighter
occupyinghisdesignatedlocationAnd
incasehefallsamongtheranks,hewouldnotbecutoffuntilherealizeshisgoal.
f Aslongaseverybodysinned,nobodywouldescapechastisementIfthelocustsattack
theexposedgreenfields,toturnthem
Intowildernesstheyalsoinfiltratethroughthewindowsintothehousesincities
Nothingwouldstopthem,orescapefrom
them.Thefruitofthesinwouldfollowhimwhereverheis,eveninsidehissecretplace,
surroundedbysecurewalls.
g Hewouldbearthebitternessofbitter,thatnoonecanendure:
Theearthquakesbeforethem,TheheavenstrembleThesunandthemoongrow
dark,andthestars
diminishtheirbrightness.TheLordgivesvoicebeforeHisarmy,forHiscampisvery
greatForstrong
istheOnewhoexecutesHisword.ForthedayoftheLordisgreatandveryterrible
Whocanendureit?!
(Joel2:10,11)
ThesearethesignsprovidedbytheLordChristHimselfforHisultimatecomingvery
terriblesignsforthewickedsinners.
Godallowsfornaturetoshakeandtremblebeforetheeyesofsinners,sothatwhenthey
realizetheextentofwhatsin
woulddotonature theymaypreparethemselvesbyrepentancetoencounterGod.
ItisamazinghowGodconsiderstheopponentarmy,asHisarmyHavingHimself
allowedittochastenHispeopletobecome
therodofchastisementYetforacertaintime!
Thefathershavesymbolicspiritualconceptsforthequakingoftheearth,thetremblingof
heaven,thedarknessofthesunand
themoon,andthefallingdownofthestarstowhichweshallreturn,ifGodallowsusto
live,todiscussinmoredetailinour
commentaryon thegospelofMatthew.Weshallmentionhereonlycertainquotations.
+NowistheendofeverymortallifeAndaccordingtothewordsoftheprophet:The
formofthispresentworldwillgoaway,to
tobefollowedbyanewworldAndinplaceoftheseenstars,ChristHimselfwillshine,
beingtheSunandtheKingofthe
Newcreation.HowgreatwillbethatSun,andhowgreatwouldbeHissplendor!The
sun,themoon,andthestarsthat
shinenowwoulddarkenbeforesuchagreatlight!
(JosabiustheCaesarean)
+Likethesunandthestarswhentheyquicklydiminishtheirbrightnessoncethesun
risesSoitwillbewhentheLord
ChristcomesThesundarkensthemoonwillstopgivingitsbrightnessandthestarsof
heavenwouldfallfromthesky.
Theirpastsplendorwillbetakenaway,tobegivenanewgreaterlight.
(St.JohnChrysostom)
Thequakingearthisthehumanbodythatweakensandgrowfrailerbecauseofthe
abominationscommittedbyman,forthe
sakeofthepleasureandcomfortofhisbody.Whileassumingthatheisgivingitcomfort,
heisunconsciouslyterrifyingit.
Heaven,ontheotherhand,referstothesoul,whichwasmeanttobeacenterofthe
kingdomofGod,andHisdwellingplace,It
wouldloseshersecurityandpeacethroughthesin,andtremble.Theheavenlylightswould
stopgivingtheirbrightness,asasignofthelossofthelossofthespiritualinsight,andof
theentranceintoastateofspiritualconfusion.Sothedivinechastisementproclaimsthe
fruitofourfruitofoursinsexposesitinus,thatwedonotendureHishorribleday.
ThemenofBethShemesh(previously)said,WhoisabletostandbeforethisholyLord
God?Andtowhomshall(theark
oftheLord)goupfromus?(1Samuel6:20)
AndthePsalmistsays:You,Yourself,aretobefearedAndwhomaystandinYour
presence,whenonceYouareangry?
YoucausedjudgmenttobeheardfromheavenTheearthfearedandwasstill.WhenGod
arosetojudgment,todeliverall
theoppressedoftheearth(Psalm76:79).
2 ACALLTOREPENTANCE:
RevealingbyHischastisements,theactivityofthesininthesoulandthebody,Godopensthe
doorsofhopewidebeforeHis
people,sothatnoonewouldfallindespairproclaiming:
Now,therefore,saystheLord,TurntoMewithallyourheart,withfasting,withweeping,
andwithmourning.
SorendyourheartsandnotyourgarmentsReturntotheLordyourGod,ForHeis
graciousandmerciful,
slowtoanger,andofgreatkindnessAndHerelentsfromdoingharm.WhoknowsifHe
willturnandrelent,
andleaveablessingbehindHimagrainofferingandadrinkofferingfortheLordyour
God?
(Joel2:1214)
InthiscallHeproclaimsthefollowing:
a Repentance,initsessence,isareturntoGodItisnotmerelyaremorseonsin,ora
forsakeofiniquity,But,positively,itisa
areturntothedivinebosoms,togiveGodthefaceandnotthebackThatiswhyGod
confirmsHispersonalfeaturesinHis
relationshipwithus,thatHeisgracious,merciful,slowtoanger,andofgreat
kindness
AndassaidbySt.Cyprian:[Godcanforgiveandshowcompassiontothesinner,who
worksonseekingmercy].Heusedevery
possiblemeanstoexpressHisloveforman,andHiscompassiontowardhim,tomakehim
returntoHim,tofindinHimthe
divinebosomsthatneverclosebeforethosewhoreturn.
AndSt.Ambrosesays:[Iwishnoonefearsperdition,whateverhisabominationsare,and
howeverseverehisfallmaybeAs
thegoodSamaritanofthegospelwilleventuallypassby,tofindhimcomingdownfrom
JerusalemtoJerichonamely,fleeing
fromthepassionsofmartyrdom,totheenjoymentofthepleasuresoftheworldwounded,
betweenlifeanddeathbythe
robbers.ThatgoodSamaritan,asymboloftheLordChrist,theGuardovertheSpirits,will
neverforsakeyou,willhave
compassiononyouandwillhealyou].
IfitisGodwhoallowsforchastisementwhichweconsiderasevil Oncewereturnto
him,Hewillrelentfromdoingit.
AndasfatherTheodoretsays: [TheHolyBookoftenusessomeexpressions,notaccording
totheiroriginalmeaninglike,for
exampleusingthewordeviltoexpresssorrowsandanguishnotthattheyareevils,orof
evilnatureButasthoseonwhom
theydwellfortheirownbenefit,mayconsiderthemassuch.WhenGodtalkstohumans,
Hesodoesaccordingtotheirown
languageandhumanfeelings].
b Thereturnshouldbewiththewholeheart:TherearemanywhoreturntoGodattimesof
anguish,butnotwiththeirwhole
heartAndoncetheanguishisliftedup,theywouldsoongobacktotheirpreviousevil
ways,andprobablytoworseLikethe
CasewiththePharaohofEgyptwhocalledMosesandAaron,andaskedthemtoprayfor
himandforhispeoplepromising
toletthechildrenofIsraelgotosacrificetotheLord(Exodus8:8).ButwhenPharaoh
sawthattherewasarespite,he
Hardenedhisheart,andwouldnotlistentothem,justastheLordhassaid(Exodus8:15).
Therefore,letourreturntotheLordbefromourwholehearttogetherwithfasting,
weeping,andevenwailing.Asthough
ourbodyshareswithoursoul,herreturntoGodproclaimingitbypraying,fasting,and
tears.
Aboutthis,St.Ambrosesays:[Iwishthosewhorepent,knowhowtodoitbywhatzeal,
andbywhatfeelingsHowit
shouldswallowallhisthoughts,shakehisinnerbody,andpiercethedepthsofhisheart!
AccordingtothewordsoftheprophetJeremiah:See,OLord,thatIamindistressMy
soulistroubledMyheartisoverturnedwithinme(Lamentation1:20)
Whoalsosays:TheeldersofthedaughterofZion,sitonthegroundandkeepsilence
Theythrowdustontheirheads
andgirdthemselveswithsackcloth.ThevirginsofJerusalembowtheirheadstothegrou
Myeyesfailwithtears,Myheart
istroubled,Mybileispouredontheground,becauseofthedestructionofthedaughterof
mypeople(Lamentation2:10,11).
Likewise,whenthepeopleofNinevehgrieved,theyweresparedoftheperditionoftheir
city(Jonah3:5).
Howpowerfulistheactivityofthismedicineofrepentance!Itmayevenlookasthoughit
canchangetheintentionofGod!].
[RevealyourwoundstothesivinePhysician,thathemayhealyouCleanseyourwounds
withtears!thewaythewoman,
mentionedinthegospeldid,who,throughwashingthefeetoftheSaviorwithhertears,she
washedaway,andwipedoutthe
awfulsmellofhersins].
RepentanceshouldnotstopattheouterappearanceButshouldalsotouchthewholeinner
heartRendyourhearts,and
notyourgarments.AndasSt.Cypriansays:[Ibeseecheveryoneofyou,dearbrethren,to
confessthesinshecommittedin
thisworldLetusreturntotheLordwithourwholeheartsLetusexpressour
repentancebyrealgrief,,,Letus
supplicatetoGodsmercyLetoursoulsbowbeforeHimLetourgriefintercede
beforeHimLetallourhopebein
HimSoletusreturntotheLordwithourwholeheartLetusquenchthefireofHis
wrathbyfasting,weeping,andgrief
thewayHe,Himself,instructedustodo].
c Saying:Hemayprobablyrelent,doesnotimplythatHeisnotsure,Butitisasignthat
weshouldstandbeforetheLordin
humilityandwithcontrition,seekingHismercyAs,inourrepentance,Heseekshumility
ThesacrificestoGodareabroken
spiritAbrokenandacontriteheartThese,Ogod,Youshallnotdespise(Psalm51:17).
Relenting,doesnotimplythatGodwouldchangeHismindButitcarriesthemeaningof
lovethewayafather,whilefirmly
chasteninghisson,pretendstobecruel,withthehopethathissonmayreturntohim,and
hewouldthenreturntohisson.
Eveninthemomentsofhisfirmness,Goddoesnotendurethetearsofhisson.Asignof
relenting,isthat,insteadofanger,His
chastisementwouldendupwithablessingAndHewouldacceptfromHissonagrain
offeringandadrinkoffering,asignof
hispleasurewithhimandofreceivinghim.WhoknowsifHewillturnandrelent,and
leaveablessingbehindHim(14).
d Repentanceshouldbepracticedbythewholecongregation,includingtheelders,theinfants,
thesuckling,thenewlymarried,
thepriests,andtheministersoftheLord.Aslongasthesinextendedtoall,Itwouldbe
fittingforalltopartakeofitThewhole
buildingshouldsupportitselfinthelifeofrepentance.
TheprophetJeremiahtellingusaboutwhatthesinhasdone,eventotheinfants,says:
tongueoftheinfantsclingstothe
roofofitsmouthforthirstTheyoungchildrenaskforbread,butnoonebreaksitfor
them(Lamentation4:4)AndinGods
mercy,theinfantsofNineveh,havingtheirspecialconsiderationwithHim,Hesays:And
shouldInotpityNineveh,thatgreat
city,inwhicharemorethanonehundredandtwentythousandpersonswhocannotdiscern
betweentheirrighthandandtheir
Left,andalsomuchlivestock(Jonah4:11).
e Thepriests,whosemainjobistoministertotheLordthroughthealtarnamely,throughthe
slainChrist,throughperpetual
prayersandintercessionsonbehalfofthepeople,shouldalsopartakeofthepeoples
repentance
LetthepriestswhoministertotheLord,weepbetweentheporchandthealtarLet
themsay,Spare
Yourpeople,OLord,AnddonotgiveYourheritagetoreproach.Thatthenations
shouldruleoverthem.
Whyshouldtheysayamongthepeoples,WhereistheirGod?
(Joel2:17)
3 GODWILLPITYHISPEOPLE:
ThenGodwillbezealousforHisland,Andpityhispeople
(Joel2:18)
ThesufferingsthatGodallows,areforthesakeofHiszealforHisholylandnamelyHispeople,
belovedtoHim,andhispityonthem.
WhilechasteningHischildren,HeasksthemtolookatHim,notasanavengingJudge,butasa
lovingFather,wholongstohave
joyinthem,andtogetpleasureintheirloveforHim.ThesignsofHisloveare:
a Whenthesoulentersintoastateofhunger,thirst,andsickness,becauseofsinGodinHis
love,presentsHimselftoher,as
food,drink,andspiritualmedicinesaying:
Behold,Iwillsendyougrain,newwine,andoil,AndyouwillbesatisfiedbythemI
willnolongermake
youareproachamongthenations
(Joel2:19)
Shewillnolongerseekfromthenationsnamelytheworldtofulfillheremotion,to
sootheherfeelings,ortobandageher
wounds,ButshewillfindinherGroomallherneeds.
St.JohnSabapraisesGod,thesourceoftruefulfillment,saying:
[Blessedishe,whoforgotthetalkoftheworldbyYourtalktohimAsbyYou,all
hisneedsareconsummated!
Youarehisfoodanddrink!
Youarehisabode,andthedwellingplaceofhiscomfortToyou,hewillalways
resorttobecovered!
YouarehisSunandhisdaylightByYourlight,hecanseethehiddenthings!
YouaretheFatherHisFather!
Inhim,YouhavegiventheSpiritofYourSonAndthisSpiritgavehimthedaringto
seekfromYoueverything
thewayasonseeksfromhisfather!WithYou,hetalksallthetimeAsheknowsno
otherfatherbutYou].
b HavingrealizedthegoalofHischastisement,whenHispeoplereturntoHimGodjudges
theopponentpeople,whomHeused
asatoolofHischastisement.Why?Becausetheyhavefallenintopride,arrogance,and
haughtinessaccordingtothewords
oftheprophet:Itshallcometopass,whentheLordhasperformedallHisworkonMount
ZionandonJerusalem,thatHe
willsay,IwillpunishthefruitofthearrogantheartofthekingofAssyria,andthegloryof
hishaughtylooks(Isaiah10:12).
Because,inhisarrogance,theenemythoughtthatheismighty,anddidnotrealizethatGod
wasusinghimtochastenHis
peopleGodwillhumiliatehim:
ButIwillremovefarfromyouthenorthernarmy,andwilldrivehimawayintoa
barrenanddesolateland,
withhisfacetowardtheeasternsea,andhisbacktowardthewesternsea.Hisstench
willcomeup,and
hisfoulodorwillrise,Becausehehasdonemonstrousthings
(Joel2:20)
Therefore,becausehehasfallenintoarroganceandhaughtiness,Godcutshimoffto
destroyhis(face)inthewatersofthe
DeadSea,andhis(back)intheGreatSeatothewestthatthetwowouldnevercome
togetheragain.Hisstenchwillcomeup,
andhisfoulodorwillriseeverywhereAccordingtothewordsoftheprophetIsaiah: For
hesays:Bythestrengthofmyhand,
Ihavedoneit,andbymywisdom,forIamprudentAlsoIhaveremovedtheboundariesof
thepeople,andhaverobbedtheir
treasuriesSoIhaveputdowntheinhabitantslikeavaliantmanThereforetheLord,the
Lordofhostswillsendleanness
amonghisfatones,andunderhisgloryHewillkindleaburning,liketheburningofafire.
SothelightofIsraelwillbefora
fire,andhisHolyOneforaflameItwillburnanddevourhisthornsandhisbriersinone
dayAnditwillconsumetheglory
ofhisforestandofhisfruitfulfield(bothsoulandbody)(Isaiah10:1318).
c TheLordshallcleansethepreviouswoundsofHispeople,andturntheirsorrowthat
prevailedonthembecauseofthesin,into
gladnessandrejoice.
Fearnot,Oland,Begladandrejoice,Forthelordhasdonemarvelousthings
(Joel
2:21)
d SanctifyingalltheirenergiesandtalentsbytheHolySpiritsaying:
Donotbeafraid,youbeastsofthefield,fortheopenpasturesarespringingup,and
thetreebearsits
fruitThefigtreeandthevineyieldtheirstrength.Begladthen,youchildrenof
Zion,andrejoiceinthe
lordyourGod,ForHehasgivenyoutheformerrainfaithfully,andHewillcausethe
raintocomedown
foryoutheformerrain,andthelatterraininthefirstmonth
(Joel2:22,23)
TheMessianicerainthemindsoftheprophetswasoftenconnectedtotheholywaters
(Ezekiel36:26Isaiah30:23Jeremiah
31:9Zechariah13:1,2Psalm46:4,etc.)Waterthatwouldturnthewildernessinto
fertileland,wouldfulfillthebelieverslike
thetreesoftheparadiseofGodwouldtakeawaythefilth,wouldpurifythelandofidol
worshipandwouldpresentlifeand
sanctification.
Whatistheearlyandthelatterrain,buttheHolySpiritwhowatersthethirstywildernessof
thesouland,letthetreesbeartheir
fruitsthefigtreeandthevinegivetheirstrength?!ItistheHolySpiritwhoworkedinthe
oldasanearlyrainButwhohas
rathersettledinusaftertheascensionoftheLord,toturnourinnerwildernessintoajoyful
paradise.
Theprophetsays:Donotbeafraid,youbeastsofthefield,fortheopenpasturesare
springingup(22).Ifthebody,because
ofsin,hasbecomelikebeastsofthefield,withnopasturesTheHolySpiritwillsanctify
thebodyandwillfulfillallitsenergies
andfeelings,foredification.Hedoesnotdestroythebeastsofthefield,nordespisethem,
butwouldsanctifythem,and
fulfillthemwithwhataretheLords.ThatiswhyHerequestsfromthechildrenofZionto
begladandrejoicebecauseof
thatheavenlyrain.Itisasthoughtheprophetproclaimsthroughtheshadow,whattheLord
willlaterproclaimtoHisdisciples:
Itellyouthetruth.ItistoyouradvantagethatIgoaway,forIfIdonotgoaway,the
HelperwillnotcometoyouButifI
depart,IwillsendHimtoyou(John16:7).
ThisistherainthattheLordChristhaspromisedtosendtoHisdisciplesfromtheFather,
asasignofHisloveandHiscare
forthem.Andasitcameintheproverbs:InthelightoftheKingsfaceislifeAndhis
favorislikeacloudofthelatterrain
(Proverbs16:15).AndastheprophetHoseasays:Hisgoingforthisestablishedasthe
morningHewillcometouslike
therain,likethelatterandformerraintotheearth(Hosea6:3).Andtheprophet
Zechariahasksustoseekthatlatterrainto
workinourlife:AsktheLordforrain,Inthetimeofthelatterrain,theLordwillmake
flashingcloudsHewillgivethemshowers
ofrain,Grassinthefieldforeveryone(Zechariah10:1).ThatisthegreatgiftofGod:
LetusnowfeartheLordourGod,who
givestherain,boththeformerandthelatter,initsseason.Hereservestoustheappointed
weeksoftheharvest(Jeremiah
5:24).
TheLordChristhasgivenusthislatterraininitsseason,foroursoulstogetfulfilledbythe
Lord,topraiseHim,andtorealize
HisdwellingintheirmidstNamely,grantedthemthespiritualfulfillment,thelifeofpraise,
andthefeelingofthedivinepresence
Saying:
Youshalleatinplentyandbesatisfied,andpraisethenameoftheLordyourGod,
whohasdealt
wonderfullywithyou,AndMypeopleshallneverbeputtoshame.Thenyoushall
knowthatIamin
themidstofIsrael,andthatIamtheLordyourGod,andthereisnoother.Mypeople
shallneverbe
puttoshame
(Joel2:26,27)
Havingcomeouthungryofparadise,thewholeworldwouldnotbeabletosatisfymans
heart,hisfeelings,orhismindAnd
Hewouldsoremainlikeafugitiveonearth,ingreathunger,untilGodwouldfillhimwith
HisfulfillingHolySpirit.
Thisfulfillmentprovidespraisethatmanbecomeslikeasucklinginfantrejoicinginhis
motherallhisfeelingsshaking,andallhisbodymembersrespondingtohisjoy,toproduce
apraiseoftruelove,thatthetongueisunabletoexpress.Praiseisnotmerewords
wesing,ortuneswelearnButinitsdepth,itisastateoftruejoythatshakesthewhole
beingofthebeliever,bothphysically
andspiritually,tolethistonguesetforthtopraise,hishearttodance,andhissoultoshake
withheavenlyangelictunes.
BeingconnectedtothebelieversrealizationthattheLorddwellsinhimthebeliever
praisesandrejoices,notforthesakeof
giftsgiventohim,eveniftheyarespiritual,butforthesakeofthedivineGiverHimself!
ThesearethesignsofGodsfatherlyloveforHispeople:ThatHefulfillsthesoul,watersit,
bandagesherwounds,givesback
hergloryinHim,takesawaythereproachofsinandiniquitysanctifiesallherenergies,and
talentstoHisaccountandproclaims
Hisdwellinginhermidst,asthesecretofherfulfillment,andherspiritualpraise!
TheblessingsofHisloveforHispeoplecouldbesummarizedasfollows:
a Hewouldhavepityonthemnamelywouldhavecompassiononthem(18).
b Hewouldrespondtothemandlistentothem(19)
c Hewouldsatisfytheirneeds,andwouldgrantthemspiritualfulfillment(19).
d Hewouldtakeawaytheirreproach(19)andwouldgrantthemglory.
e Hewoulddriveawaytheirenemies,andwoulddestroytheirpride(20).
f Hewouldtakeawaytheirfearandworries(21).
g Hewouldgrantthemgladnessandjoy(21)
h Hewouldevencarefortheirbeasts(22).
i Hewouldblessthefruitsoftheirlands(22)
j Hewouldgrantthemrain,boththeformerandthelatter(23)thegiftoftheHoly
Spirit.
k Hewouldrestoretothemtheyearsthattheswarminglocustshaseaten(25).
l Hewouldgrantthemthespiritofpraiseandthelivingspiritualworship(26)
m HewouldproclaimHiswondersintheirlife,tobecomethemselveswonders(26).
n HewouldproclaimHisdwellingintheirmidst(27).
o HewouldgrantthemHisHolySpirit(28).
4 ANULTIMATEREFORMBYTHEHOLYSPIRIT:
HavingcompassiononHispeople,andzealforHisheritageHedoesnotdenythemanything,He
evengrantsthemHimself.Hegives
themHisHolySpiritinthem,asthesecretoftheirultimateinnerchangesaying:
Anditshallcometopassafterward,thatIwillpouroutMySpiritonallfleshYoursons
andyourdaughtersshall
prophesy,YouroldmenshalldreamdreamsYouryoungmenshallseevisionsAndalso
onMymenservantsand
onMymaidservantsIwillpouroutMySpiritinthesedays
(Joel2:28,29)
ItisthegreatestgiftthatGodgavehumanity,afterpreparingforitbypresentingthesacrificeof
redemptiononthecross.Thegiftthatthe
churchhasenjoyedonthedayofthePentecost,asproclaimedbytheapostlePeter(Acts2:14
21)andwaspresentedtoeveryman
whoapproachesGodThegiftofGodtothesonsanddaughtersnamely,ononeaspect,with
nodiscriminationbetweensexes,andon
another,isgiveneventothosewithlittleexperienceItisthefreegiftfromGodtoeveryone
whoreceives!
ItisthegiftofGodtotheelderswhoselifegrewfatandfeltloss,toturntheirspiritualaginginto
youthrenewedintheLord,filledwith
hopeandjoy.
ItisthegiftofGodtothemenservantsandthemaidservantsGiventothosewhofeellikeslaves,
tosetthemfree,grantingthem the
spiritofsonhood.
ItisthegiftofGodtoallmankindNamelytoeveryonewhoreceivesit!
AstotheworkoftheHolySpiritinusItisenoughtomentionthewordsofSt.BasiltheGreat:
[BytheHolySpiritwehave:
Restorationofourdwellingplaceinparadise
Ourascensiontothekingdomofheaven
Gettingbackourdivinesonhood
OurdaringtocallGodOurFather
OurpartakingofthegraceofChrist
Ourbeingcalledthechildrenoflight
Andinfewwords,beinggrantedthefullnessofblessinginthisage,andtheagetocome].
CommentingonthephraseIwillpouroutMySpirit,St.Ambrosesays:[Hedoesnotsay:Iwill
pourtheSpirit,butsays:Iwillpour
MySpiritAswecannotreceivethefullnessoftheHolySpirit,butreceiveofHim,accordingto
Hiswill(Philippians2:6).Butthatdoes
NotmeanthatthewholeSpiritwouldnotdwellinusOrthatwegetapartofHim!AsSt.
ClementofAlexandriawarnsusagainstdividing
TheSpirit!ItisthesecretofthedwellingoftheHolySpiritworkinginusaccordingtothewillof
Godforouredification,inanexalteddivine
way.
Thisgiftisaccompaniedby:
Iwillshowwondersintheheavensandintheearthbloodandfires,andpillarsofsmoke.
Thesunshallbeturned
intodarkness,andthemoonintoblood,beforethecomingofthegreatandterribledayof
theLord
(Joel30,31)
Itisasthough,thegoalofthisgreatgiftistosetforthwiththechurchtothegreatdayoftheLord
Whensheseeshowtheheavenand
earthwouldgoawayhowthelightoftheworldbequenched,andyethoweverythingdivine
wouldremainherheartwouldflaretoward
theunionwiththeonlyeternalGod.
Finally,heendshisprophecyabouttheHolySpirit,byaproclamationthatallwhocometoHim
fromthenationswillbeacceptedsaying:
Anditshallcometopassthatwhoevercallsonthenameofthelordshallbesaved
(Joel2:32)
GodwillopenupHisarmstowhoevercallsonHisname,whetherheisaJeworaGentile,
accordingtothewordsoftheapostlePaul:
WhoeverbelievesinHimwillnotbeputtoshame.ForthereisnodistinctionbetweenJewan
Greek,forthesameLordoverallis
richtoallwhocalluponHim.ForwhoevercallsuponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved
(Romans10:1113)Andaccordingtothe
apostlePeter:Forthepromiseistoyouandtoyourchildren,andtoallwhoareafaroff,,as
manyastheLordourGodwillcall(Acts
2:39).
St.Augustinesays:[ThenameoftheCreatorofheavenandearthwasbeforecalledonlyamong
theIsraeliteswhiletherestofthe
Gentilescalledthedeafandthemuteidolsorcalledthedevilsthathearwhatwouldharmthem].
Butnow,theGentilesarecalling
thenameofthelivingGod,bytheHolySpirit.

ANINSPIRATIONFRPTHEBOOKOFJOEL
(Chapter2)
AMIDYOURCHASTISEMENT,IFEELYOURPITYANDCOMPASSION
+ YouallowedforthefourlocustattackstochastenYourpeople.
Andhavingnotbenefitedfromthem,YouallowedforthatoftheBabylonians.
Yetinallthat,YouareamazinginYourlove!
YouhavepityonYourpeople!
AmidYourchastisements,IfeelYourpityandYourcompassion.
+ AmidYourchastisements,andinYourdayofgloominess.
YetIfeelthatYouarebeyondthatcloud.
Soonthatcloudwillscatter,andYouwillshinewithYoursplendor.
AllowmetobeholdYourlightamidmysufferings.
+ ShowmehowmildYouareinYourloveandcompassion.
ThattoYouIshallreturn,notthroughrendingmygarment,butthroughthecontritionofmy
heart.
AgainstYou,Youonly,haveIsinned.
ToYouIrevealthewoundsofmysoul,OtheheavenlyPhysician.
Healme,thatIbehealed!
FillallthevoidofmyheartbyYourlove.
SendYourHolySpirittoworkinmydepths.
Toturnmyinnerwildernessintoaheavenlyparadise.
HowmildYouareinYourlove,evenduringthemomentsyou chastenme.
==============================
CHAPTER3
THEGREATDAYOFTHELORD
TheprophetJoelsetforthfromthetalkaboutthedivinechastisementtothetalkabout
thegreatdayoftheLordduringwhichGodwill beglorifiedthroughbreakingdown
theprideofthenations,andhonoringHischildrenwhorespondedtoHisfatherly
chastisementpresentingthemwitheternalgifts.
1JudgingthenationsintheValleyofJehoshaphat 18
2TheLordwillbeasheltertoHispeople 917
3TheeternalgiftsofGod 1821
JUDGINGTHENATIONSINTHEVALLEYOFJEHOSHAPHAT:
Inorderfortherepentancetobecomeactiveinthelifeofthechurch,andinthatofevery
memberinher,wearecommittedtoanticipate
thedayoftheLordasbeingnearathandToseeinitthepresentchastisements,
althoughbitterandsorrowful,yettheyareofbenefitforouredificationToseethe
appearanceoftheLordforthesakeofoureternalsalvation,andforthepunishmentofthe
wickedAndthosefallingunderchastisementtoseethattheirgloryissoontocome
andthereproachofthedevilactuallyrealized.Theprophetsays:
Forbehold,inthosedaysandatthattime,whenIbringbackthecaptivesofJudah
andJerusalem,Iwillalso
gatherallnations,andbringthemdowntotheValleyofJehoshaphatandIwillenterinto
judgmentwiththem
there,onaccountofMypeople,MyheritageIsrael,whomtheyhavescatteredamongthe
nationsTheyhave
alsodividedupMyland.TheyhavecastlotsforMypeople,Havegivenaboyin
exchangeforaharlot,and
soldagirlforwine,thattheymaydrink
(Joel3:13)
ThejudgmentwilltakeplaceintheValleyofJehoshaphat,whichmeansinHebrewThe
ValleyofJehovahwhojudgesorcondemns,or
TheValleyofJudgmentThelocationofthisvalleyisnotaccuratelyknownButmen
ofthefourthcenturybelievedthatitistheValleyofCedron,eastofJerusalem,facing
themountofOlivestothewestWhileothersbelievethatitistheValleyofGoz,north
ofJerusalemOrtheValleyofRababahsouthofthecity.
WhydidHechoosetheValleyofJehoshaphatforjudgment?
ItwaschosenforthesakeofitssymbolicmeaningAsitisJehovahHimselfwhoisthe
JudgeonaccountofthatHesearchestheheartandthemind.
BeingavalleyclosetoJerusalem,itisaconvenientlocationwhereallwouldbegathered,
ForGodtojudgethewickedaccordingtotheirworksandtoenter,togetherwithHis
children,intotheHighJerusalem,whoseglory,thewickedwouldbedeniedtosee.The
judgmentwouldnotbeinJerusalem,wherenothinguncleanordefiledwouldenterAsit
iswhereGoddwellstogetherwithHissaints(Revelation21:3).
TheValleyofJehoshaphatremindsusofwhathappenedtothenationsthatattackedJudah
(2Chronicles20),whomtheLorddestroyedatthesamelocationwheretheygathered
togethertoattackHischildrenAsthoughthecriminalhastobejudgedinthesameplace
wherehecommittedhiscrime.ThepromiseoftheLordtokingJehoshaphatandhis
people,whocriedouttohimwithhumilityandfasting:Donotbeafraidnordismayed
becauseofthisgreatmultitude,forthebattleisnotyoursbutGodsStandstillandsee
thesalvationoftheLord.SowhenJudahcametoaplaceoverlookingthewilderness,
theylookedtowardthemultitudeandthereweretheirdeadbodies,fallenontheearth,no
onehadescaped(2Chronicles20:24).
Yes,ouradversariesmayindeedbeamultitude,and,accordingtotheapostlePaul:We
donotwrestleagainstfleshandblood,butagainstprincipalities,againstpowers,against
therulersofthedarknessofthisage,againstspiritualhostsofwickednessintheheavenly
places(Ephesians6:12).Yetweenjoyapoweragainstthedevilandhishoststhatof
thecross,thatwoulddestroytheirevil:Havingdisarmedprincipalitiesandpowers,He
madepublicspectacleofthem,triumphingovertheminit(Coloassians2:15).
ThatistheValleyofJehoshaphat,whereChristwasoutsidethecamp,outsideJerusalem,
destroyingtheevilenemybyHiscross,tobringusbacktoHiseternalKingdom!Itisa
judgmentrealizedbythecrosswhoseactivitywouldendureinthelifeofeveryonewho
uniteswiththeCrucified,untilheencounterstheLordfacetofaceonHisgreatdayof
judgment.
Thatiswhy theapostlePaulprovokesus,saying:ThereforeletusgoforthtoHim,
outsidethecamp,bearingHisreproach.Forherewehavenocontinuingcity,butweseek
theonetocome(Hebrew13:14).ItisacalltogoforthtotheValleyofJehoshaphat,
outsideJerusalem,bearingthecrossoftheLord,toseewithourowneyesthedefeatofthe
devilandhisworksbeingrealizedeverydayinourlifesettingforthtooureverlasting
city.
LetusthengoforthtotheValleyofJehoshaphattoseetheLordjudgingforoursake
againstthedevilandhisseductionsandthreatsInordertogetintouchwithwhatthe
prophetIsaiahhasproclaimed,saying:FortheLordhasadayofvengeance,ayearof
recompenseforthesakeofZionForthedayofvengeanceisinMyheart,andtheyear
ofMyredeemedhascome(Isaiah63:4).Thatdayofvengeancehascomeandhas
actuallybeenrealizedwhentheLordwasliftedonthecross,drawingZionupwithHim
outofHades,destroyingthepowersofevilunderneathHisfeet.Thatdaywuldendureall
ourlife,aslongasthesacrificeofthecrosswasnotcorrupted,norovercomebyHades.
AndoncetheplanoftheLordisconsummatedtowardalltheelect,Hewillappeartous
facetofacewhilethedevilwillalsoappear,yetboundinthepit.
Inthischapter,GoddemonstratedHisgreatdayinthreeaspects:
(1)GlorifyingthenameofGod,thatwasinsultedbythenationsthroughattackingHis
childrensaying:SoyoushallknowthatIamthe
LordyourGod,DwellinginZionMyholymountain(17).Onthedayofjudgment,
Godwillbeglorified,whosavedHischildrenfrom
thecaptivityofthedevil,proclaimingHiseternaldwellingintheirmidstAccordingto
thewordsofSt.John:Iheardaloudvoicefrom
heavensaying:Behold,thetabernacleofGodiswithmen,andHewilldwellwith
them,andtheyshallbeHispeople,andGod
HimselfwillbewiththemandbetheirGod(Revelation21:3).
(2)SubmittingtheprideofnationsaccordingtothewordsoftheprophetIsaiah:Shall
theaxboastitselfagainsthimwhochopswith
it?Orshallthesawmagnifyitselfagainsthimwhosawswithit?Asifarodcould
wielditselfagainstthosewholiftitup,Orasifa
staffcouldliftup,asifitwerenotwood!(Isaiah10:15).
BecausethenationsthatGodusedtochastenHispeople,thoughtthattheyweregreater
thanHimwhoallowedthemtochastenandbecausetheyboastedandfelthaughtyagainst
GodtheTruthOncethegoalbehindusingthemwasrealized,Godwouldpaythemback
fortheirevildeeds:ForthedayoftheLorduponallthenationsisnearAsyouhave
done,itshallbedonetoyouYourreprisalshallreturnuponyourownhead(Obadiah
15).ThatiswhythedayoftheLordwascalled:adayofdestruction:Wail,fortheday
oftheLordisathand!ItwillcomeasdestructionfromtheAlmighty(Isaiah13:6).Italso
calledAdayofvengeance:ForthisisthedayoftheLordGodofhosts,Adayof
vengeance,ThatHemayavengeHimselfonHisadversaries.TheswordshalldevourIt
shallbesatiatedandmadedrunkwiththeirblood(Jeremiah46:10).ItisalsocalledA
dayofanger:BeforetheLordsfierceangercomesuponyou,Beforethedayofthe
Lordsangercomesuponyou(Zephaniah2:2).
(3)TheconsummationoftheliberationofthepeopleofGod,whoforlonghavefallenin
bondage,andbecamethelaughingstockofthe
nations.Hesays:WhenIbringbackthecaptivesofJudahandJerusalem(1)Heisthe
Onewhoallowsforustofallunderchastisement,eventobondageThenifwewillingly
receiveit,HewouldsendushelptosetusfreelikeHedidwhenHesentMosesto
Pharaoh,tosaytohim:Letmysongo,thathemayworshipMe(Exodus4:23).
GodlookedtofindHissonsanddaughterssoldtotheGreeksgivingaboyinexchange
foraharlotandsoldagirlforwine,thattheymaydrink(36).HowharditisforGodto
seeHisheritage,Hisown,Hisportion,andHistreasure,scatteredcheaply bytheenemy!
ThatiswhyHesetsforthtoliberatethem,sayingtotheenemy:
SwiftlyandspeedilyIshallreturnyourretaliationuponyourownheadBecause
youhavetakenMysilverand
Mygold,AndhavecarriedintoyourtemplesMyprizedpossessions.Alsothepeopleof
Judahandthepeopleof
Jerusalem,youhavesoldtotheGreeks,thatyoumayremovethemfarfromtheborders
Iwillsellyoursons
anddaughtersintothehandofthepeopleofJudah,andtheywillsellthemtotheSabeans,
toapeoplefaroff
FortheLordhasspoken
(Joel3:48)
Whatarethesilver,thegold,ortheprizedpossessions,carriedbytheenemyintotheir
temples,buttheprecioussoulsofGodssons
anddaughters,countedinHiseyesasHistreasuretakenbytheenemytotheaccount
ofaforeignadversarytemplewhichisthat
oftheloveoftheworld,andtheenjoymentofthedefiledcarnalpleasures?!Gods
childrenweresoldtostrangers,tobecomeslaves
toseveralsins,asthoughundertheauthorityofPharaohandhismen.ButtheLordall
thetimeconfirmsHisworkofsalvationbythe
crossforthesakeofthesoulsofHisservants,saying:YouhaveseenwhatIdidtothe
Egyptians,andhowIboreyouoneagles
wingsandbroughtyoutoMyself.Nowtherefore,ifyouobeyMyvoiceandkeepMy
covenant,youshallbeMytreasured
possessionoutofallthepeoples.Indeed,thewholeearthisMine,butyoushallbefor
Meapriestlykingdomandaholynation
(Exodus19:46).Itwasalsosaid:TheLordsownportionwasHispeople,JacobHis
allottedshare(Deuteronomy32:9).He
workstotheaccountofHispeople,Hisportion,toliberatethemcompletely,tomake
outofthemanewheavenandanewearth,in
whichrighteousnessdwell(2Peter3:1013)andonwhichnoenemycananymore
come.
WehavereceivedfromGodHissilvernamely,Hislivingwordpurifiedseventimes
(Psalm12:6),andHisgoldnamely,the
heavenlyfeatureAndweregiventhefruitsoftheHolySpirit,thegoodtreasures,
whichweshouldneverbringexceptintothetemple
oftheLord,butwalkfaithfullyinwhatHegrantedus,toenjoymoreafterenjoyingthe
repentance.Bearingthegoodtreasuresofthe
Lordintoeviltemples,islikewhensomeoneusesthefeaturesoflovegrantedtohim
byGodinthelustsofhisbodyOrwhenhe
misusestheloveofothersforhim,becauseofhisspiritualorreligiousknowledgeina
wayotherthanthatofGod.
Finally,WhatdoesGodmeansbysaying:Iwillsellyoursonsanddaughtersintothe
handofthepeopleofJudah,andtheywillsell
themtotheSebeans?(8).Heprobablymeansbythatwhathappenedinthedaysofthe
MaccabeeswhoovercametheenemiesOr
Hemeansthejudgmentoftheworldbythesaintsaccordingtothewordssaidbythe
apostle:Doyounotknowthatthesaintswill
judgetheworld?(1Corinthians6:2)Deniedtheglory,thewickedwillbejudgedby
thesaintswhogainedtheeternalfreedom
throughtheirtruerepentanceintheLord.
THELORDWILLBEASHELTERTOHISPEOPLE:
AfterdeclaringthegreatdayoftheLord,inwhichGodwillbeglorifiedthroughthe
liberationofHischildrenfromtheauthorityofevil,heproclaimsthatthesecretofthe
conquestisnotinmanhimself,butinGodwhoishisshelter.
Hestartsbyridiculingthenationsthatleaneduponthemselves,andupontheir
possibilities,thenrevealstheirweaknessbeforeGodwhosupportsHischildren,granting
themtheconquestMockingly,Hesays:
Proclaimthisamongthenations:Prepareforwar!Wakeupthemightymen,
Letallthemenofwardraw
near,Letthemcomeup.Beatyourplowsharesintoswords,andyourpruninghooks
intospearsLetthe
weaksay:Iamstrong
(Joel3:9,10)
Theyarefightingwithalltheirenergies,callingonalltheirmightymen,anddedicatingall
theirpossibilitiesYettheywillonlydestroythemselvesaccordingtothewordsofthe
prophet:Beshattered,OYoupeople,andbebrokeninpieces!Takecounseltogether,
butitwillcometonothing,Speaktheword,butitwillnotstand,ForGodiswithus
(Isaiah8:9,10).
Mockinglyhetellsthem:Lettheweaksay,Iamstrong(10).Satanhas,foralongtime
assumedthatheisanunbeatablehero,untilheenteredintobattlewiththeLordHimself
onthecross,whenhefinallyrealizedhowhelplesslyweakheactuallyis!
SeveralfathersbelievethattheLordswords,saying:Lettheweaksay:Iamstrong,
areaddressedtoeverybeliever,whoseeshimselfasweak,tomakehimsayIamstrong!
intheLord,myshelter.AndasfatherSerinossays:[ListentowhattheKing(theLord)
Himselfsays,callingthemightymentothespiritualwaragainstsinsayingtothem:Let
theweaksay:Iamstrong,andtheone,whosuffers:IamawrestlerAsnoone
fightsintheLordsbattle,buttheweakFor,Mystrengthismadeperfectin
weakness(2Corinthians12:9).
IfweareweakbeforeSatanBytheLord,wearestrongandheroes!AndasSt.John
Chrysostomwrotetohisfriend,thefallenmonk,saying:[IfSatanhastheabilitytocast
you,fromsuchamightyheight,andanexaltedvirtue,downtothefarthestlimitsofevil
HowmuchmorewouldbetheLordsability,notonlytoliftyouupbacktoyouroriginal
confidenceButtomakeyoufarbetterthanyouusedtobe?!].[IfSatanhascastusdown
tothegroundItisuptoustostandup,andtokeepourselvesfromfallingagainSoasnot
toaddtohisconquestsonus,moreofourowndoing].
Therefore,Iwishwedonotbecometerrifiedbeforethedevil,evenwhenheappearsasa
multitudeofstrongadversariesForheisutterlyweakbeforeGodwhodwellsinus
accordingtothewordsoftheprophet:
Multitudes,multitudesinthevalleyofdecision!ForthedayoftheLordisnear
inthevalleyofdecision.
Thesunandthemoon willgrowdark,andthestarswilldiminishtheirbrightness.The
Lordalsowillroar
fromZion,AndutterHisvoicefromJerusalemTheheavensandearthwillshakeBut
theLordwillbea
shelterforhispeople,AndthestrengthofthechildrenofIsrael
(Joel3:1416)
Ifthenationshavebecomelikeasun,amoon,orevenlikestarsintheworld,Yet,before
GodtheSunofRighteousnesstheywillgrowdark,andwilldiminishtheirfalse
brightness!
TheLordHimselfwillstandasaLioncomingfromthetribeofJudah,toprotectHis
children,andtosheltertheminHisstrongholdHewillroaron thesin,willmakeitshake,
andwillkeepitfromdwellinginyoursoul(theheaven),orinyourbody(theearth).
St.(Mar)EphramtheSyrianspeakingtousaboutGodasourshelter,says:[LetGodbe
yourShelterIfHisprovidencedoesnotforsakeyou,nothingwillharmyou.Donot
feartheenemieswhomayfiercelychargeagainstyouAsGodwillkeepyoursoul,and
willturntheharmfulthingsintothingsofbenefit].
ThesignofconquestintheLord,isthat,whileweresorttoHimasastrongholdforour
souls,HeproclaimsHimselfinus,Andwouldneverallowastrangertoreignin
Jerusalem,HisholymountainNoalienshalleverpassthroughheragain(17).
THEETERNALGIFTSOFGOD:
OurconquestbytheLordwillbeproclaimedbyHisdwellingaloneinusreigningonour
heartsandnotallowinganalientopassthroughHiskingdomThelandanditsfullness
willbecomeforGodandHisMessiahThisdivinepresencewillproclaimitself
throughtheabundanceoffruitsthatappearinus,andthefountainsoftheSpiritthatflow
withinus.
Anditwillcometopassinthatday,Thatthemountainsshalldripwithnew
wine,Thehillsshallflowwithmilk,
AndallthebrooksofJudahshallbefloodedwithwaterAfountainshallflowfromthe
houseoftheLord,and
waterthevalleyofAcacias(WadiShittim)
(Joel3:18)
Whatarethesemountains,hills,fountains,andthehouseoftheLord,butthesidesofthe
victoriouschurch,wheretheLorddwells,theGrantorofconquest,whomakesoutofHis
children:MountainsholyforHim,thatdripwithnewwineforthematureLivinghills
thatflowwithmilkfortheinfantsFountainsthatwouldneverdryup,towhich
everyonewouldresortAndahouseoftheLordthatbringsgladnesstotheheavenly
creatures?!
Bythenewwine,HeprobablyalsoreferstotheHolySpirit,Whowouldmakethesoul
drunkwiththeloveofGod,andfillherwitheternaljoy.Themountainsrefertothe
laborersinthevineoftheLordForthemature,thisdivineSpiritwouldbeasaspiritual
winethatbringsthemjoyFortheinfants,asmilkthatfeedandsupportthemAnd
foreverycreaturethatthirststoit,wouldbeaslivingwaterthatquenchesitsthirst.The
LordChristHimselfsays:Ifanyonethirsts,lethimcometoMeanddrink.Hewho
believesinMe,astheScripturehassaid,Outofhisheartwillflowriversoflivingwater
(John7:37,38).
BythefountainthatflowsfromthehouseoftheLord,towatertheValleyofAcacia,or
theValleyofShittim,Hereferstothefountainof baptismseenbytheprophetEzekiel,
flowingfromunderthethresholdofthetempletowardtheeast,flowingfromunderthe
rightsideofthetemple,southofthealtarthatwatersmanytreesononesideandthe
otherhealingwatersinwhichagreatmultitudeoffishlive(Ezekiel47).Itisthe
fountainofbaptismthatflowsonthebarrenandfruitlessValleyofAcacia,wherenothing
butAcaciatreesusedtogrowBaptismwouldtransformitintoafertilevalleywhere
allkindsoffruitfultreesgrow!Thatistheriverwhichflowedwithitsfourbranches
overthenationsineverydirectionoftheworld,whereGodwouldsetHislivingparadise,
InplaceofthebarrenValleyofAcacia,orwadiShittim,whichstartsnorthwestof
Jerusalem,andgoesdowntotheeastofthecity,separatingitfromtheMountofOlives,
thengoesfurtherdowntowardthesoutheasttowardtheDeadSeawheretheValleyof
Fire,(orWadielNar)istoday.
Anyway,theprophetJoelendshisprophecybyproclaimingtheabundanceofGodswork
inHischurch,notonlyonthepositiveaspectofflowingwine,milk,andlivingwaterBut
alsoonthenegativeaspect,ofdestroyingtheworksoftheoldman,symbolizedhereby
Egypt(theloveoftheworld)thatcaptivatesmanLikePharaohwhoputthepeopleof
GodinbondageAndbyEdom(theloveofbloodsheddingandoppression)He
preparesHischurchforthegreatdayoftheLord,tojoinHiminHiseternalglory.
Inthischapter,theprophetJoelpresentstousthefollowingdivineblessings:
Theenemieswillbedrivenaway,andwillendupinperdition(115).
Jerusalemwillbesaved(16,17).
Thelandwillbeblessed(18).
Judahwillberenewed(1921).
ThisistheworkofGodinus,HewilldestroytheenemyunderneathourfeetWillsave
ourinnerJerusalem,HisholytempleWillblessourlandnamelyourbodyAndwill
proclaimthekingdomoftheOnewhocomesoutofthetribeofJudahinourdepths.

ANINSPIRATIONFROMTHEBOOKOFJOEL
(Chapter3)
YOURDAYISTHEDAYOFFREEDOM
+ YouallowedforYourpeopletobechastised.
YouallowedthemtobecaptivatedtoBabylon.
ButYousoonpunishedtheviolentandfierceBabylon.
YouturnedYourdayintoadayoffreedomandjoy.
+ Judge,OLord,mysinthatcaptivatedmeintohumility.
But,mysoul,belovedtoYou,SetherfreebyYourrighthand.
+ IconfessthatIhavecorruptedYourgiftstome.
Iturnedallmyenergies,emotions,andmypossibilitiestoevil.
Sanctifymylife.
Renewmydepths.
BringallmyenergiesbacktoYourkingdom.
+ IconfesstoYouthatIamacaptivetosin.
Iamweak,Iamdespised.
ButbyYouIshallbecomestrong.
ByYourcross,Ishallbreakthechainsoftheenemy,andsetmyselffree.
ThedayofYourcrucifixionisthedayofproclamationofmyfreedom.
============================
TABLEOFCONTENTS
ACALLTORENEWAL.
ANINTRODUCTIONTOTHEBOOKOFJOEL:
HistoryofthebookFeaturesofthebookDivisionsofthebook.
CHAPTER1:THEATTACKSOFLOCUSTSASAPREPARATIONFORTHEDAY
OFTHELORD:
TheattacksoflocustsTheresultsoftheattacksAcalltorepentance
TheneedforanIntercessor.
AninspirationfrothebookofJoel:(Ch.1):Insteadofthelocustattacks,GrantmeYour
fierySpirit.
CHAPTER2:THEATTACKOFTHEENEMIESASAPREPARATIONFORTHE
DAYOFTHELORD:
DestructivedesolationAcalltorepentanceGodwillpityHispeople
AnultimatereformbytheHolySpirit.
AninspirationfromthebookofJoel:(Ch.2).AmidYourchastisement,IfeelYourpity
andcompassion.
CHAPTER3:THEGREATDAYOFTHELORD:
JudgingthenationsintheValleyofJehoshaphatTheLordwillbea
sheltertoHispeopleTheeternalgiftsofGod.
AninspirationfrothebookofJoel:(Ch.3).Yourdayisthedayoffreedom.
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