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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown · 1871
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Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown · 1871
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871). CCEL expanded electronic edition states it is in the public domain.
Joel Chapter 2 1 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Joel Chapter 2 2 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
2. darkness . . . gloominess . . . clouds . . . thick darkness--accumulation of synonyms, to intensify the picture of calamity
(Isa 8:22).
Appropriate here, as the swarms of locusts intercepting the sunlight suggested darkness as a fit image of the coming visitation.
as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people--Substitute a comma for a colon after mountains: As the morning light spreads itself over the mountains, so a people numerous [MAURER] and strong shall spread themselves. The suddenness of the rising of the morning light, which gilds the mountain tops first, is less probably thought by others to be the point of comparison to the sudden inroad of the foe. MAURER refers it to the yellow splendor which arises from the reflection of the sunlight on the wings of the immense hosts of locusts as they approach. This is likely; understanding, however, that the locusts are only the symbols of human foes. The immense Assyrian host of invaders under Sennacherib (compare
Isa 37:36)
destroyed by God
(Joe 2:18, 20, 21),
may be the primary objects of the prophecy; but ultimately the last antichristian confederacy, destroyed by special divine interposition, is meant (see on
Joe 3:2).
there hath not been ever the like--(Compare
Joe 1:2; Ex 10:14).
Joel Chapter 2 3 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
3. before . . . behind--that is, on every side
(1Ch 19:10).
fire . . . flame--destruction . . . desolation
(Isa 10:17).
as . . . Eden . . . wilderness--conversely
(Isa 51:3; Eze 36:35).
Joel Chapter 2 4 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
4. appearance . . . of horses--
(Re 9:7).
Not literal, but figurative locusts. The fifth trumpet, or first woe, in the parallel passage
(Re 9:1-11),
cannot be literal: for in
Re 9:11
it is said, "they had a king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit"--in the Hebrew, Abaddon ("destroyer"), but in the Greek, Apollyon--and
(Re 9:7)
"on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men." Compare
Joe 2:11,
"the day of the Lord . . . great and very terrible"; implying their ultimate reference to be connected with Messiah's second coming in judgment. The locust's head is so like that of a horse that the Italians call it cavalette. Compare
Job 39:20,
"the horse . . . as the grasshopper," or locust.
run--The locust bounds, not unlike the horse's gallop, raising and letting down together the two front feet.
Joel Chapter 2 5 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
5. Like the noise of chariots--referring to the loud sound caused by their wings in motion, or else the movement of their hind legs.
on the tops of mountains--MAURER connects this with "they," that is, the locusts, which first occupy the higher places, and thence descend to the lower places. It may refer (as in English Version) to "chariots," which make most noise in crossing over rugged heights.
Joel Chapter 2 6 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
6. much pained--namely, with terror. The Arab proverb is, "More terrible than the locusts."
faces shall gather blackness--
(Isa 13:8; Jer 30:6; Na 2:10).
MAURER translates, "withdraw their brightness," that is, wax pale, lose color (compare
Joe 2:10; Joe 3:15).
Joel Chapter 2 7 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
7-9. Depicting the regular military order of their advance, "One locust not turning a nail's breadth out of his own place in the march" [JEROME]. Compare
Pr 30:27,
"The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands."
Joel Chapter 2 8 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
8. Neither shall one thrust another--that is, press upon so as to thrust his next neighbor out of his place, as usually occurs in a large multitude.
when they fall upon the sword--that is, among missiles.
not be wounded--because they are protected by defensive armor [GROTIUS]. MAURER translates, "Their (the locusts') ranks are not broken when they rush among missiles" (compare
Da 11:22).
Joe 2:1-32.
THE COMING JUDGMENT A MOTIVE TO REPENTANCE. PROMISE OF BLESSINGS IN THE LAST DAYS.
A more terrific judgment than that of the locusts is foretold, under imagery drawn from that of the calamity then engrossing the afflicted nation. He therefore exhorts to repentance, assuring the Jews of Jehovah's pity if they would repent. Promise of the Holy Spirit in the last days under Messiah, and the deliverance of all believers in Him.
1. Blow . . . trumpet--to sound an alarm of coming war
(Nu 10:1-10; Ho 5:8; Am 3:6);
the office of the priests.
Joe 1:15
is an anticipation of the fuller prophecy in this chapter.