CHAPTER ONE

 

 

1:4:  “palmerworm. . . locust. . . cankerworm. . . caterpillar” = According to the “International Standard Bible Encyclopedia,” in Jerome's time, the 4 names of the locust in Joel 1:4 were supposed to designate (1-palmerworm) the Assyrians and Babylonians, (2-locust) the Medes and Persians, (3-cankerworm) the Macedonians and Antiochus Epiphanes, and (4-caterpillar) the Romans.

 

By contrast, the ravages caused by “locusts” is forementioned (prophesied; foretold) by Moses (Deu. 28:38-39) and Solomon (1Ki. 8:37 & 46).  But again, Joel 1:6 states that they have “teeth” like that “of a lion,” meaning the passage cannot be referring to literal “locusts,” because verse 6 tells us it is “a nation.”

 

In reality, these are the four (three) stages leading to a fully formed locust.  Each stage cases destruction.  The ravaging of Israel is pictured should they not repent; which they didn’t.  And verse 7 teaches us that Israel will be “laid. . . waste.”

 

 

CHAPTER TWO

 

 

2:3:  “The land is as the garden of Eden” = Note the phrase, “is as.”  Just like Sodom and Gomorrah looked “like the garden of the LORD,” Genesis 13:10, so does this earth look wonderful to the unrighteous before “the day of the LORD,” verse 1.  This last part of verse 3 is speaking of the Third Coming of Christ where the New Jerusalem is before them but the “desolate” rest of the earth is “behind them.”

 

Joel 2:10:  “The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining” = Second Coming event.

 

Joel 2:11:  “the LORD shall utter His voice” = The “voice of the Archangel,” First Thessalonians 4:16.

 

“His army” = Is explained in Joel 2:25.

 

2:12-13:  “[12] with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: [13] And rend your heart, and not your garments” = Herein lies the prescribed way in which we are to turn back to our Lord.

 

Joel 2:13; Exodus 32:14; Judges 2:18; First Samuel 15:11 & 35; First Chronicles 21:15; Jeremiah 42:10; Amos 7:3; Jonah 3:10; 4:2: “repented” = This is not a change of mind (Num. 23:19; 1Sa. 15:29).  For God allows Himself to take either course of action in that Divine warnings (and that is precisely what this is -- a warning) are always conditional based upon the response of the people (Jer. 18:8).  While His judgments are sure (Gen. 6:6), “His mercy endures for ever,” First Chronicles 16:34.  For God even “repents” of His warnings and forecasted events despite the desired response of the people (Deu. 32:36; Hos. 11:8).

 

Joel 2:17:  “Spare Thy people” = The righteous call for deliverance.

 

2:20:  “with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea” = If I have calculated this correctly, this would be a northwesterly wind, thus driving the forepart into the Dead Sea and the hinder part into the Mediterranean Sea.

 

2:23:  “the LORD your God” = Literally, “the Jehovah [self-existent One], your God [“Elohiym” (plural Godhead)].”

 

“former rain, and the latter rain” = The “former rain” took place in Acts 2:2-4, while the “latter rain” will take place (see Joel 2:28) just before the Third Coming of Christ.

 

Here is my Revelation 14:14-20 Note:  “sickle” = in Revelation, Chapter 14, Verses 14-17, are referring to the Second Coming; while verses 18-20, are referring to the Third Coming of our Lord.

 

This Command, also used in verse 18, “Thrust in Thy sharp sickle,” is a direct allusion to Joel 3:13, and has the eschatological meaning of the last of the harvests to be gathered at the end of the harvest season.  It is used by our Lord in Mark 4:29.  However, in Matthew 13:39-43, we are told that the “reapers” are God’s “angels.”  And in the parable of the fish caught in the net, angels are the ones who separate the wicked from the righteous.  Thus, the role of God’s angels as “reapers,” sent by Jesus, to gather the righteous for the habitation of the kingdom of Heaven, is further affirmed in our Lord’s discourse upon the Mount of Olives (see Mat. 24:31; Mark 13:27).

 

However, whether or not the additional mention of “for the harvest of the earth is ripe” is present or not, the Biblical reference to the thrusting in of the “sickle” is a well-known Biblical metaphor for the eschatological judgment on the enemies of ancient Israel (see Jer. 51:33; Hos. 6:11; Joel 3:13) and the “harvest” of God’s people into His kingdom (Mat. 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35-38).  Therefore, this action can both refer to the positive sense for the gathering of God’s people, and the negative aspect of the final abode and judgment of the wicked.

 

According to EV:701; FLB:246 & 333, this is none other than the “latter rain,” which equals “the baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

 

“The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the ‘former rain,’ and glorious was the result.  But the ‘latter rain’ will be more abundant.”  AUCR, June 1, 1904; ChS:251; Ev:701; 8T:21; ML:60; ST, Feb. 17, 1914; YRP:287, 307.  [SDA’s:  Last sentence left out of AA:54-55 and LDE:184, but it is in LDE:185].

 

See if you agree with my breakdown of Zechariah 10:1:  “Ask ye of the LORD rain [for the Holy Spirit] in the time of the latter rain [the outpouring of the Holy Spirit]; so the LORD shall make bright clouds [a people worthy of the white robes of Heaven], and give them showers of rain [the outpouring of the Holy Spirit], to every one grass in the field [the indwelling of the Holy Spirit].”

 

“In the East the former rain falls at the sowing-time.  It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate [The Christian life begins].  Under the influence of the fertilizing showers [the Holy Spirit], the tender shoot springs up.  The latter rain, falling near the close of the season [close of probation], ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle [the Second Coming of our Lord].  The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit [meaning, the rain represents the Holy Spirit].  As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth.  The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul [the latter rain].  By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected [ready for transformation to Heaven] in the character.  We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ [ready for His Second Coming].  

 

“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest [close of probation], represents the spiritual grace that prepares the Church for the Coming of the Son of Man.  But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up.  Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection [ready for transformation to Heaven].  

 

“There is to be ‘first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.’ There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience.  This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour.

 

“Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain [the Holy Spirit].  They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them.  They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain [outpouring of the Holy Spirit].  When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it.  They are making a terrible mistake.  The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge, must be continually going forward.  Every individual must realize his own necessity.  The heart must be emptied of every defilement [perfection of character], and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit.  It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit [there you have it; “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”] on the day of Pentecost.  The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now.  Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing [“Ask ye of the Lord rain”], and wait for the Lord to perfect [“perfect”] the work concerning him.  It is God Who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete [perfect] in Jesus Christ.  But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain [the Holy Spirit].  Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light.  Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain [outpouring of the Holy Spirit].  It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.”  RH, March 2, 1897, par. 4; FLB:333.

 

In addition, FLB:333; AG:220 ; Mar:256; add: “But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the Coming of the Son of man.  This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.”

 

“Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s Church.  The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or [55] former, rain, and glorious was the result.  To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true Church.  But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the Coming of the Son of man.  This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest. . .”  AA:54-55; AG:220; ChS:250-251; FLB:333; Mar. 256; OFC:212; YRP:316.

 

“The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant.  The Spirit awaits our demand and reception.  Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power.”  COL:121; DA 827; Ev:701; ST, Feb. 17, 1914.

 

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in His sight.  Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter!  They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a Holy God.”  CET:112; EW:71.

 

“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them.  It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul-temple of every defilement.  Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.”  CET:189; CCh:334.

 

“At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.”  EW:85.

 

“I was pointed down to the time when the third angel’s message was closing.  The power of God had rested upon His people; they had accomplished their work and were prepared for the trying hour before them.  They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the living testimony had been revived.  The last great warning had sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of the earth who would not receive the message.”  EW:279.

 

“Today you are to have your vessel purified, that it may be ready for the Heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement.  It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord -- fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.”  Ev:701.

 

“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening.  The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.”  FLB:332.

 

2:25:  “locust. . . cankerworm. . . caterpillar. . . palmerworm” = See my Joel 1:4 Note.  The “locust” = The Medes and Persians; The “cankerworm” = The Macedonians and Antiochus Epiphanes; The “caterpillar” = The Romans; The “palmerworm” = The Assyrians and Babylonians.

 

2:28:  “young men shall see visions” = “God has, in that Word [the Bible], promised to give visions in the last days, not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth.”  Christian Experience and Views (1851), p. 64 / WPSP:79.

 

“Near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the Coming of the Son of Man.  This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.”  AA:55.

 

2:28-29:  “in those days will I pour out My spirit” = The former, or early rain fell in the seventh month (Ethanim (October): 1Ki. 8:2), usually just after the Feast of Tabernacles.  This corresponds to our autumn, or better to our September-October.  For the Israelites, it was the season for the plowing of the fields and the sowing of the barley and wheat.  The latter rain fell shortly before the grain harvest in March and early April (Abib = our April:  Exo. 12:2; 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; Deu. 16:1).  This rain enabled the grain to fill out and ripen for harvest.

 

Peter quotes these verses in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16).

 

2:29:  “servants. . . handmaids” = The very slaves, by becoming the Lord’s servants, are His freemen (1Co. 7:21-22; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; Phm. 1:16).  Therefore, in Acts 2:18 Peter quotes it as being, “My servants” and “My handmaidens,” as it is only by becoming the Lord’s servants that they (we) are spiritually free and partake of the same spirit as the other members of the Church.

 

2:31:  “. . .” = This verse is quoted verbatim in Acts 2:20.

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

 

3:2 & 12:  “Valley of Jehoshaphat” = This “Valley” lies between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives and has the Kedron flowing through it.  It would appear that the prophet alludes to the great victory of Jehoshaphat, whom God used without man’s help, to destroy His people’s enemies (2Ch. 20:20-26).  Also, he may be referring to the word Jehoshaphat, which signifies “pleading” or “judgment.”

 

3:18:  “valley of Shittim” = Paraphrased from “John Gill’s Bible Commentary:”  A plain or valley near Jordan, upon the borders of Moab, at the farther end of Canaan (Num. 33:49).  The “Targum” calls it (instead of “valley”) a plain, being so called either from the “shittah” tree, Isaiah 41:19, of which was the wood “shittim,” or it may be this place had its name from the rushes which grew on the banks of the Jordan River.

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