Chariots on the Tops of Mountains Joel 2:5

Joel declared, “the day of the LORD comes”, and he desired for the “trumpet” to be “blown in Zion” which would sound an “alarm” that the invading nation was to come against Judah. It was to be a day of “darkness and gloominess” with “thick darkness” as the “strong people” would come upon them. Their invasion would be like a “fire” and “flame” as the “nation” would see the “garden of Eden” before them and leave “a wilderness” of destruction behind. In chapter two and verse five of his prophecy, Joel gave a further description of this “nation” as he described them “like the noise of chariots on tops of mountains” where we read:

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

The verse begins, “Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap,...” Joel began with the phrase, “Like the noise” or “voice or sound” “of chariots” which refers to “war vehicles of battle” “on the tops” or “summits, upper parts, chief and height” “of mountains” or “hill country and range of hills” “shall they leap” which means “skip about, dance, leap and make to skip”. Joel saw this destructive nation as like unto “war chariots” upon the “mountains” which would freely make their way like they were “skipping” from hill to hill.

The verse continues, “...like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.” Joel added, “like the noise” or “voice or sound” “of a flame” which means “blade or flashing point of a spear or sword” “of fire” or “flames and supernatural fire” “that devours” or “eats, burns up and feeds” “the stubble” which refers to “chaff or straw”, “as a strong” or “mighty, great, vast, numerous and countless” “people” which refers to “nation, persons, compatriots, country-men, kinsman and kindred” “set in battle” or “war or fight” “array” which means “to arrange, set or put or lay in order, prepare, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct and compare”. This nation would also bring ruin through “flame of fire” which easily burns through dry “chaff”, and would “array” themselves like an army set in “battle”.

When we think through these words of Joel, we see the fierceness of this attacking “nation”. Their onslaught would be ferocious, and the em-battlement against Judah was to be swift and complete. This is the way “the enemy” likes to destroy the people of God. If he had his way, satan would “steal, kill and destroy” every person on earth, but our LORD Jesus promised that He came that we might have “life, and life more abundantly”. Before the fate of our own lives and those around us becomes like Judah, let us call out unto the LORD, turn from our wicked ways, and not only hear but obey the LORD before it is too late.

Next time shares about “much pain”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Appearance of Horses and Horsemen Joel 2:4

Joel declared that the “fire devours” and the “flame burns” because “the land” of Judah “is as the garden of Eden before” the invading “nation”, and in chapter two and verse four of his prophecy, Joel states that “the appearance of them is as horses” and “horsemen” where we read:

The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.

The verse begins, “The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses;” Joel began with the words, “The appearance” which means “sight, appearance, vision, phenomenon and spectacle” “of them is as the appearance” or “sight, appearance, vision, phenomenon and spectacle” “of horses” which means “swallow, swift or chariot horses”. Joel described the invading “nation” like a the spectacle of chariot horses.

The verse goes on to say, “and as horsemen, so shall they run.” Joel added, “as a horseman” which means “horse, steed or warhorse”, “so shall they run” or “to run swiftly, dart, move quickly or hurry”. These horses of Joel were running “swiftly” toward Judah as unto battle.

When we think through these words of Joel and use our imagination, we can see the intensity of this conquering and invading army. When “the day of the LORD” comes upon a people, no one can impede it. We must keep ourselves in the “ways” of God, and should we vary from them in any way, let the idea of “warhorses swiftly moving” toward us drive us to Jesus Christ.

Next time shares about the “noise of chariots and flames”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

As the Garden of Eden Joel 2:3

Joel the prophet desired for the people of Judah “Blow the trumpet in Zion” because “the day of the LORD” was at hand. He told them “a day of darkness and gloominess” was upon them because “a great people and a strong” were coming and there “had never been the like” or would be “after it, even to the years of many generations”. In chapter two and verse three of his prophecy, Joel shares how “fire” and “flame” was destroying the land in contrast to “the garden of Eden” which was “before them”. We read:

A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

The verse begins, “A fire devours before them; and behind them a flame burns:” Joel began with the words, “A fire” or “burning, fiery and hot” “devours” which means “burns up, eats and feeds” “before them” or “in their face or presence”; “and behind them” which refers to “after the following part, hinder and afterwards” “a flame” or “hot flame like the tip or point of a spear or weapon” “burns” which means “blazes, scorches and kindles”. Both coming and going this invading army causes “fiery” destruction.

The verse goes on to say, “the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yes, and nothing shall escape them.” Joel continued, “the land” which refers to “the earth, country, territory, district, region or piece of ground” “is as the garden” or “an enclosed garden of plants” “of Eden” which means “pleasure and was the first habitat of man after the creation” “before them” which refers to “in their face or presence”, “and behind them” or “after the following part, hinder and afterwards” “a desolate” which means “devastation and waste” “wilderness” or “pasture, uninhabited land and a large tract of wilderness”; “yes and nothing shall escape them” which means “be delivered from them”. The “nation” saw the land before them like unto “the garden of Eden”, and what they left behind would become an “uninhabited land”, and “nothing” they desire would be “delivered” from them.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel, we understand more about the way this invading “nation” looked toward the land of Judah. They were determined to ravage and destroy the land and people in the manner “fire” and “flame” would ruin a land. We too have an enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us, and he looks at us like we are “the garden of Eden” to spoil and devastate. We must rely upon Jesus Christ to be our defense against this enemy lest he destroy us as this “nation” destroyed Judah.

Next time shares about the “appearance of horsemen”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Day of Darkness and Gloom Joel 2:2

As Joel began this second chapter of his prophecy, he cried, “Blow the trumpet in Zion” because he wanted an “alarm” to be “sounded” over all the land of Judah. “The day of the LORD” was at hand, and in chapter two and verse two of his prophecy, Joel declared this “Day of the LORD” to be a “day of darkness and gloominess” where we read:

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there has not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.

The verse begins, “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains:” Joel began with the phrase, “A day of darkness” or “time, year and a period of darkness, obscurity and a secret place” “and of gloominess” which means “calamity, wickedness, and misfortune”, “a day of clouds” or “time, year and a period of cloudy mass such as a nimbus or thunder cloud” “and of thick darkness” or “heavy, dark and thick clouds”, “as the morning” which refers to “the dawn” “spread” or “scattered, stretched and broken in pieces” “upon the mountains” which refers to “hills or range of hills”. Joel wrote concerning the “dark” and “gloomy” period of time which would occur when “the Day of the LORD” arrived.

The verse continues, “a great people and a strong; there has not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it,...” Joel added, “a great people” or “many, numerous, abundant and enough nations, persons, compatriots, kinsman and kindred” “and a strong” which means “mighty, vast, numerous and countless”; “there has not been” which means “not come to pass, exist, happen or fall out” “ever the like neither shall be any more” “add, increase or do again” “after it” which means “following part, behind, hinder and afterwards”. “The Day of the LORD” would consist of a group of “people” who would be so “strong” there would be no other nation ever to compare.

Finally the verse says, “...even to the years of many generations.” Joel continued with the phrase, “even to the years” or “division, measure, indication of time or age” “of many generations” which is the Hebrew words “dowr, dowr” and refers to “a period, generation, habitation and dwelling”. The destruction caused by this “invading strong people” would last throughout “many generations” to come.

When we think through these words of Joel, we might be intimidated by such a threat upon our own country. What if there was a pending “Day of the LORD” to come upon our nation? How would we react, and to where would we flee? The people of Judah forsook the ways of the LORD, and judgment fell upon them from a “strong” people, and if we forsake the saving grace of Jesus Christ, what will prohibit the same destruction coming upon us?

Next time shares about, “fire” and “flame” again, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Blow the Trumpet in Zion Joel 2:1

As we completed the first chapter of Joel's prophecy, he shared about “the beasts of the field” crying because the “rivers of waters” were “dried up” and the “fire” had “devoured the pastures of the wilderness”. In chapter two and verse one of his prophecy, Joel sounds an alarm as he declares, “Blow the trumpet in Zion” where we read:

Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;

The verse begins, “Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain:” Joel began with the word, “Blow” which means “clap, strike, sound, thrust and blast” “the trumpet” which is the Hebrew word “Showphar” or the “cornet, horn or ram's horn” “in Zion” which means “parched place” and is “another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books”, “and sound an alarm” which means “shout, raise a sound, cry out and give a blast” “in my holy” or “apart, sacred and holy” “mountain” which refers to a “hill, hill country or range of hills”. Joel desired that the warning sound of the “Showphar” horn to be blasted aloud throughout all the land and mountains of “Zion”.

The verse goes on to say, “let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD comes, for it is nigh at hand;” Joel added, “let all the inhabitants” which refers to “those who dwell, remain, sit and abide” “of the land” or “country, territory, district and region” “tremble” which means “quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, disquieted and perturbed”: “for the day” which refers to “time, year, division of time and period” “of the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the name of the one true God” “comes” which means “enters, goes in and comes to pass” “for it is nigh at hand” which means “near, allied, approached, ready and short”. Joel's reason for the sounding of the “trumpet” and the “trembling” of the people who dwelled in “Zion” was because “the day of the LORD” was very near.

When we think through these words of Joel, we can almost hear the warning tone in Joel's words. He knew judgment was coming upon “Jerusalem” and the land of Judah, and he desired for everyone throughout the land to be aware that it was near. We live in conditions today that are similar to those who dwelt in “Zion”, and the forsaking of the ways of God should have us hearing the warning sound of the “Showphar” as well. Since the “day of the LORD” was at hand during this time of Joel, how much more is it at hand today. May “all the inhabitants” of our land realize the “judgment” that is pending over our lives, and may they surrender their lives to Jesus Christ before the fulfillment of this judgment comes.

Next time Joel shares about, “A day of darkness and of gloominess”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Beasts, The Rivers and The Fire Joel 1:20

As Joel continued to share about the devastation throughout the land of Judah, he included the destruction which came because of “fire” in the “pastures” and “flames” that “burned all the trees of the field”. In chapter one and verse twenty of his prophecy, Joel mentioned “the beasts”, “the rivers” and the “pastures of the wilderness” where we read:

The beasts of the field cry also unto you: for the rivers of waters are dried up,

and the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

The verse begins, “The beasts of the field cry” Joel began with the words, “The beasts” or “cattle, animals and livestock” “of the field” which refers to “land, plains and home of wild beasts” “cry” or “long and pant for”. We can imagine how the animals were wailing, moaning and longing because of their deteriorated conditions.

The verse continues, “ also unto you: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.” Joel added, “also unto you: for the rivers” or “channel, ravine or place of hollow bones” “of waters” which means “water-springs, water-course and water-flood” “are dried up” or “withered, confounded and utterly ashamed”, “and the fire” which means “burning, hot and flaming” “has devoured” or “burned up, eaten, consumed and destroyed” “the pastures” which refers to “the meadow, habitation and abode of shepherds” “of the wilderness” or “uninhabited land, pasture and large tracts of desert”. The places where the animals drank and fed were destroyed by the drought and “fire” that ruined them.

When we think through these words of Joel, we continue to see the destruction that has occurred throughout the land of Judah. The animals in the fields were desperate for water which was no longer there, and the “fire” destroyed their “feeding-fields”. We have studied through this first chapter of Joel's prophecy, and we have likened it to the “destruction” that has occurred within many people's lives. The answer to every devastation and ruin that comes to a person is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and without Him, only destruction and despair are the result.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see where Joel cries out, “Blow the trumpet in Zion”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Fire and Flame Joel 1:19

As Joel the prophet continued to share about the widespread devastation that came upon the land of Judah, he included the “beasts, cattle and flocks of sheep” in the destruction as well. In chapter one and verse nineteen of his prophecy, Joel “cries” unto the “LORD” because of the destruction of both “fire” and “flame” where we read:

O LORD, to you will I cry: for the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,

and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.

The verse begins, “O LORD, to you will I cry: for the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,...” Joel began with the phrase, “O LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”, “to you will I cry” or “call out, recite, read and proclaim, utter with a loud sound and call for help”: “for the fire” which means “burning, hot and flaming” “has devoured” or “burned up and consumed” “the pastures” which means “abode of shepherds, habitations and meadows” “of the wilderness” or “uninhabited and large tracts of land”. Joel's desperate “cry” unto the “LORD” was because of the destruction caused by widespread “fire” that consumed even the “meadows” of the “uninhabited lands” throughout Judah.

The verse goes on to say, “...and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.” Joel continued, “and the flame” which refers to “tip of weapon, point and the head of spear” “has burned” or “blazed and scorched” “all the trees” which means “woods, timber, stock, planks, sticks and gallows” “of the field” or “land that has been cultivated or is the home of wild beasts”. We can almost imagine Joel looking at how the “flame” of the enemy “scorched” all the “trees” throughout Judah.

When we think through these words of Joel, we begin to understand his state of sorrow as he looked upon the ruin that was throughout the land of Judah. It seems that his description gets worse and worse as he surveys the damage that was done. Many people feel like their lives have been “scorched” by the “fires” and “flames” of the enemy Satan, and when he comes upon them “to steal, kill and destroy” is his goal. We should remember Jesus' words in light of our enemy's onslaught, “but I have come to give you life, and life more abundantly”. Let Jesus' words prevail even when everything in sight seems to be destroyed by the enemy's fire, and may we learn to live the “abundant life” He promised.

Next time we finish the first chapter as Joel shares concerning, “the beasts”, “the rivers” and the fire”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Beasts, The Cattle and Flocks of Sheep Joel 1:18

Joel the prophet called upon to people of Judah to consider how their “meat”, “joy”, “gladness”, “seed”, “garners”, “barns” and “corn” were affected by the invading “nation”. They abandoned the ways of God, and the result was thorough devastation. In chapter one and verse eighteen of his prophecy, Joel added “beasts, cattle and flocks of sheep” to the destruction where we read:

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed,

because they have no pasture; yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

The verse begins, “How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed,...” Joel began with the phrase, “How do the beasts” or “cattle, animals and livestock” “groan” or “sigh, moan, and gasp in pain or grief”! “the herds” which means “flocks, droves and musters” “of cattle” or “ox, herds, calve and cows” “are perplexed” which means “confused”. If we use our imaginations we can almost hear and see the horrific and awful conditions of these livestock and “cattle”.

The verse continues, “...because they have no pasture; yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.” Joel provided the reason the “cattle” are acting the way they are, “because they have no pasture” or “pasturage or feeding-place; “yes the flocks” which means “herds, droves and musters” “of sheep” or “small cattle, goats and flocks usually of sheep and goats” “are made desolate” which means “offended, guilty, doing wrong, committing an offense, do injury, become guilty and trespass”. Instead of feeding areas where the food was rich, the fields were scarce with provision and the “sheep” were “injured” by them.

When we think through these words of Joel, we see how even the animals were affected by the invasion of this “nation”. There may be times when we feel like everything in our lives has suffered ruin and destruction, and we may wonder where we are to turn? God Almighty provided the example of the destruction of Judah through Joel the prophet that we may understand what happens when people forsake God's ways. If we are suffering loss and devastation like these within Judah, perhaps we should ask the LORD Jesus if there are any areas where we have abandoned his ways.

Next time Joel declares, “O LORD, to you will I cry”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Seeds, Garners, Barns and Corn Joel 1:17

Joel the prophet declared, “the day of the LORD is at hand”, and his promise was that “destruction from the Almighty shall come”. He also asked the people of Judah to consider how “the meat” was “cut off” before their “eyes”, and “joy and gladness from the house of” their “God”. In chapter one and verse seventeen, Joel shares about the “Seed”, the “garners”, the “barns” and the “corn” where we read:

The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate,

the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.

The verse begins, “The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate,...” Joel began with the words, “The seed” or “grain of seed or kernel” “is rotten” which means “shriveled and wasted away” “under the clods” or “shovel or something thrown off the spade”, “the garners” which refers to “treasures, storehouses, treasure house and treasury” “are laid desolate” which means “appalled, stunned, stupefied, deflowered and deserted”. As Joel surveyed the land of Judah, he noticed how even the “seed” or beginning of the plants was “shriveled up and wasted away”. He also shared how the “storehouses” which were normally filled with grains were “empty and deserted”.

The verse continues, “...the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered.” Joel added, “the barns” which means “granary in the sense of depositing” “are broken down” or “torn down, overthrown, beaten down, broken, thrown down, plucked down, ruined and utterly destroyed”; “for the corn” which means “wheat, cereal and grain” “is withered” or “made dry and without moisture”. Joel continued to share how the “barns” or “granaries” were “torn down and overthrown”, and the “grains” were “dried up and without moisture”.

When we think about these words, we can almost sense the devastation Joel felt as he shared them with the people. All the normal prosperities were destroyed, and where there used to be abundance, there was only lack. Sometimes we face “ruin” and “impairment” in our lives, and perhaps we look around and discover our “prosperity” is gone, and we may even wonder if God even sees us in our conditions. It is in these times we can identify with the people of Judah, and realize that God Almighty sent Jesus Christ to save us no matter how horrible our conditions may be.

Next time Joel shares about the “beasts, cattle, and sheep”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Meat, Joy and Gladness Joel 1:16

After calling for “a solemn fast” by the “priests”, “ministers” and “all the inhabitants” of Judah, Joel the prophet declared “Alas, the day of the LORD is at hand”, and the devastation from this time would be felt all throughout the land. In chapter one and verse sixteen of his prophesy, Joel questioned the people concerning their “meat”, their “joy” and their “gladness” where we read:

Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yes,

joy and gladness from the house of our God?

The verse begins, “Is not the meat cut off before our eyes,...” Joel began with the words, “Is not the meat” which refers to “the food, cereal, prey, meal and dinner” “cut off” or “eliminated, killed, chewed, destroyed, taken away and permitted to perish” “before our eyes” which literally means “within our sight” and metaphorically means “a fountain – as the eye of the landscape”. Joel's idea is that affliction, outward appearance and displeasure of God is within the sight of all the people as their food supply has been destroyed.

The verse continues, “...yes, joy and gladness from the house of our God?” Joel added, “yes joy” or “mirth, gladness, gaiety and pleasure” “and gladness” which means “rejoicing exceedingly” “from the house” or “dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode” “of our God” which refers to “rulers, judges and specifically of the supreme God”. Not only was the “food supply” eliminated from the people, but also “gaiety” and “rejoicing” were gone from them as well

When we consider these words of Joel, we see the result of “the day of the LORD” coming upon the people of Judah. Food was “cut off”. “Joy” was gone, and “gladness” was not to be found. This is the result of a people who have abandoned the ways of God. As we consider our relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ, perhaps we should examine ourselves and determine if we have forsaken the LORD's ways in any manner. If we have, let us repent before we know the judgment that comes upon those who abandon Him.

Next time Joel shares about the “seed, garners, barns and corn”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Day of the LORD is at Hand Joel 1:15

Because the devastation in the land of Judah was so vast, Joel the prophet called upon the “priests” and “ministers” to “gird” themselves and “howl” as well as “sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land” to the “house of the LORD” their “God” for the purpose of “crying unto the LORD”. In chapter one and verse fifteen of his prophesy, Joel shared how “the day of the LORD is at hand” where we read:

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand,

and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

The verse begins, “Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand,...” Joel began with the word, “Alas” which means “Oh! Ah!” “for the day!” or “time, year, period and division of time” “for the day” which means “time, year, period and division of time” “of the LORD” which refers to “Jehovah or Yehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God” “is at hand” or “near, kin, nigh, ready and short”. After great destruction was laid out and a call to “cry out to God”, Joel declared “the time of the LORD is near”.

The verse continues, “...and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.” Joel added, “and as a destruction” which means “havoc, violence, devastation, ruin, and violence” “from the Almighty” which is the Hebrew word “Shadday” which means “most powerful and strong, ” “shall it come” which means “go in, enter, attain, be enumerated, lead in, carried in, cause to gather, bring near and upon”. The “destruction” that was about to “come” upon Judah was from none other than the One and true Almighty and powerful God.

When we meditate upon these words of Joel after all the trouble he laid out, we should be concerned about his declaration. The idea is “the day of the anger of the LORD” is coming. It is “a foretaste of the coming day of the Lord as Judge of all men, so it receives the same name”. Though the locust had destroyed the land, the annihilating “nation” was about to come upon the scene. Judah had forsaken the ways of God, and now they were going to suffer ruin for it. If this seems to have happened to us, we must turn ourselves to the LORD Jesus and rely upon His ability to bring us out of any troubles into which we have gotten ourselves.

Next time Joel shares about the “meat, the joy and the gladness from the house of our God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sanctify a Fast Joel 1:14

Joel the prophet described the thoroughness of the destruction that came upon the land of Judah, and he called for the “priests” and the “ministers” to both “lament” and “howl” over their conditions. They were to humble themselves by wearing “sackcloth” because their “meat and drink offerings” were “cut off and hindered” from the “house” of their “God”. In chapter one and verse fourteen of his prophecy, Joel calls for the people to “sanctify a fast” among other responses to their horrible conditions where we read:

Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

The verse begins, “Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly,...” Joel began with the word, “Sanctify” which means “consecrate, prepare, dedicate, hallow, make holy, set apart and separate” “a fast” which is “a denial of food, drink or other physical needs for spiritual purposes”, “call” which means “cry out and proclaim” “a solemn assembly” or “a sacred and festive meeting, assemblage, company or group”. The “priests” and the “ministers” were to set apart a holy “fast” and “call” for a “sacred” assemblage of the people of Judah.

The verse goes on to say, “... gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,” Joel continued, “gather” or “receive, collect, bring up and in” “the elders” which refers to “those who are ancient, older and mature” “and all the inhabitants” or “people who dwell in, remain, sit and abide in” “of the land” which means “earth, country, territory, district and region” “into the house” or “dwelling habitation, shelter and abode” “of the LORD” which refers to “Jehovah or Yehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God” “your God” or “ruler, judge, divine one and the true God”, “and cry” or “call out, summon and have a proclamation made” “unto the LORD” which refers to “Jehovah or Yehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”. In addition to “sanctifying a fast” and “calling a solemn assembly” the “priests” and “ministers” were to “gather” together all the older and mature leaders in Judah as well as “all the inhabitants” of the land to the meeting place of the LORD, and when they were there, they were to “cry out” unto “the LORD God Almighty”.

When we meditate upon Joel's words in this verse, we understand his remedy for the devastation that has come among the people of Judah. The leadership were to “fast”, “call” the people together, “gather the elders and all the inhabitants” into God's house, and “cry” unto him. In other words, “fast, call, gather and cry” out to the LORD in prayer. When destruction comes, we must “sanctify” and set aside ourselves to Jesus in prayer. We should call together those who are affected by our troubles, go to the “house of God”, and “cry out” unto the LORD. We have no better response than to set ourselves in alignment with God's purposes, and the prophet Joel has given us a great example of how to do so.

Next time Joel tells the people of Judah “the day of the LORD is at hand”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Girded Priests and Howling Ministers Joel 1:13

In attempting to convey the devastation that Judah endured, Joel the prophet told them “the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, the palm tree, the apple tree and even all the trees” were adversely affected by the invasion of an enemy “nation”. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his prophecy, Joel calls for the “priests” to “gird” themselves and “lament” and for the “ministers” to “howl” where we read:

Gird yourselves, and lament, you priests: howl, you ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

The verse begins, “Gird yourselves, and lament, you priests: howl, you ministers of the altar:” Joel began with the words, “Gird yourselves” which means “put on or bind on with the idea of being afraid, appointed and restrained on every side”, “and lament” or “wail and mourn, bewail”, “you priests” which refers to “principal and chief officers”: “howl” or “wail and make a howling tone or boisterous yell”, “you ministers” which means “servants who attend to menial task and wait upon others” “of the altar” or “place where the sacrifice of incense and burnt offerings were laid”. Joel instructed the “priests” and the “ministers” to emotionally cry out and wail for the troubles which came upon them.

The verse goes on to say, “... come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.” Joel continued with the word, “come” or “go in, fall or light upon”, “lie all night” which means “lodge, dwell, stop over, pass the night and abide” “in sackcloth” or “mesh sacking which was worn in mourning or humiliation”, “you ministers” which refers to “servants who attend to menial task and wait upon others” “of my God” or “the ruler, divine judge and the one true God”: “for the meat offering” which means “gift, tribute, oblation and present to God” “and the drink offering” or “libation and something poured out to God” “is withholden” which means “held back, kept back, refrained, denied, hindered and kept restrained” “from the house” or “dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode” “of your God” which refers to “the ruler, divine judge and the one true God”. Joel instructed the “priests” and the “ministers” to humble themselves in their clothing because even their sacrifices of worship were hindered because of the invading nation.

When we consider these words of Joel, we begin to see the affect upon the leadership in Judah. The “priests” were over the spiritual matters, and the “ministers” or “servants” were over the manual work. Each of them were to be in “lamentable” postures as they considered the destruction that came upon them. They were to be “humble” because their very forms of worship were “cut off” by the invading nation. If we have felt devastated by the enemy of our souls, perhaps we can relate to the position of these daunted leaders, and if we are overwhelmed by the destruction in our lives, let us rely upon a relationship with Jesus Christ to carry us through whatever the enemy has brought our way.

Next time Joel tells the people of Judah to “sanctify a fast”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Vine, Fig Tree, Pomegranate Tree, Palm Tree and Apple Tree Joel 1:12

Joel the prophet gave the people of Judah a description of the devastation that occurred throughout their land. “The fields, land, corn, new wine and oil” were all affected by the invading “nation”, and “the husbandmen” and the “vinedressers” were to “be ashamed” and “howl” because of them. In chapter one and verse twelve of his prophesy, Joel added, “the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate tree, the palm tree and the apple tree” to his list of things which were destroyed where we read:

The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languishes; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

The verse begins, “The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languishes; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered:” Joel began with “the vine” or “vine tree especially the grape” “is dried up” or “withered, without moisture and exhibiting dryness”, “and the fig tree” which refers to “tree with the fruit of figs” “languishes” or “is weak, droops, is exhausted and feeble”; “the pomegranate tree” or “the fruit from the pomegranate tree”, “the palm tree also” which means “such as the date palm tree”, “and the apple tree” which means “a tree from which apples come”, “even all the trees” which refers to “woods, timbers, stocks, stalks, sticks, gallows, cedar-wood and woody flax” “of the field” or “land, cultivated field, home of wild beasts and plains”, “are withered” which means “dried up, confounded and ashamed”. Even the “trees” which were in the land of Judah were devastated by invading “nation”.

The verse goes on to say, “because joy is withered away from the sons of men.” Joel added, “because joy” which means “gladness, exultation and rejoicing” “is withered away” or “dried up, confounded and ashamed” “from the sons” which refers to “the male children and grand children” “of men” or “mankind or human beings”. In addition to the lands and trees being affected by the invasion, “the gladness and rejoicing” of the people were gone as well.

When we consider these words of Joel, we once again see how thorough this destruction was upon Judah. Every “tree” was affected by the invasion, and the once thriving land was now barren and “withered”, and the “joy” of the people disappeared too. Perhaps we have felt like this before. Maybe it seems that our once flourishing and fruitful life is now “saddened”, “dried up, confounded and ashamed”. Jesus Christ came into this world for those who feel like this. He came to “seek and to save that which was lost”, and for those who feel like all their “fruit” is gone, today is the day to turn to Him and find His redemptive and restoring Salvation.

Next time Joel tells the people of Judah to “gird themselves” and “lament”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.