The People Much Pained Joel 2:6

Joel the prophet described the “nation” who was to invade Judah as “the appearance of horses; and as horsemen”, and he declared their sound as the “noise of chariots on the tops of mountains” and “a flame of fire that devours the stubble”. In chapter two and verse six of his prophecy, Joel shared how the devastation would cause “the face of the people” to “be much pained” where we read:

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

The verse begins, “Before their face the people shall be much pained:” Joel began with the phrase, “Before their face” which means “in their presence, in front of, forward towards” “the people” which refers to “the nation, persons, members of one's group, compatriots, country-men, kinsman and kindred” “shall be much pained” or “to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail and be in anguish”. The people of Judah would “writhe” in pain and agony because of the destruction that was to come.

The verse goes on to say, “all faces shall gather blackness.” Joel continued, “all faces” which means “in their presence, in front of, forward towards” “shall gather” or “assemble” “blackness” which literally means “illuminated as a glow” and figuratively means “a flush of anxiety”. In addition to the “pain and trembling”, the people of Judah would have “much anxiety” on “all” their “faces” as well.

When we consider Joel's words in this verse, we see the affect of this invasion upon the people of Judah. Even their “faces” show the “pain” and “anxiety” which is caused by the invading and battling nation. We too have faced times when our countenances show “pain”, and we exhibit “worry” and “anxiety” as well. When these times occur, we must rely upon our relationship with Jesus Christ to remove any “pain” and “fear” by the abundance of His love.

Next time shares about people “running like mighty men”, 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.