Old Testament
Joel 2:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will drive the northern army far away from you, pushing it into a barren, desolate land, with its front ranks toward the eastern sea and its rear guard toward the western sea. Its stench will rise, because it has done great things.
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But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
What Joel 2:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God promises to remove a powerful enemy, referred to as the northern army, from the people of Israel. This army will be driven into a desolate land, symbolizing defeat and abandonment. The imagery of the army's stench rising signifies the consequences of their actions and the destruction they have caused. The mention of the eastern and western seas indicates the vastness of the land they will be pushed into, emphasizing their total removal from Israel. This verse reassures the Israelites that God is in control and will protect them from their adversaries, highlighting His power to deliver and restore. It serves as a reminder of God's judgment against those who oppose His people and the hope of liberation from oppression.
How to apply Joel 2:20 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in God's ability to remove obstacles and enemies from their lives. It reminds us that God is aware of our struggles and will act on our behalf. We can find comfort in knowing that God fights for us and brings about justice in His timing.
Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary
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Keep studying Joel 2:20
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Joel
- Author
- Joel the prophet
- Written
- Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- The kingdom of Judah
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joel 2:20 mean?
Joel 2:20 means that God will remove a powerful enemy, referred to as the northern army, from Israel and drive them into a desolate land, symbolizing their defeat and abandonment.
What is the significance of the northern army in Joel 2:20?
The northern army in Joel 2:20 represents a formidable enemy that threatens Israel, and God's promise to drive them away signifies His protection and deliverance for His people.
What does the stench in Joel 2:20 symbolize?
The stench in Joel 2:20 symbolizes the consequences of the northern army's actions and the destruction they have caused, highlighting the judgment against those who oppose God's people.
What is the context of Joel 2:20?
The context of Joel 2:20 is a message of hope and reassurance to the Israelites, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His power to deliver them from their enemies.
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