Old Testament

Joel 2:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Joel 2:7, the imagery of warriors charging and scaling walls illustrates the strength and determination of an invading army.

Author: Joel the prophet
Written: Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: The kingdom of Judah

CBTClear Bible Translation

They charge like warriors. They scale walls like soldiers. Each one marches in formation, never breaking ranks.

KJVKing James Version

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Joel 2:7, the imagery of warriors charging and scaling walls illustrates the strength and determination of an invading army. The verse emphasizes their discipline and unity, as they march in formation without breaking ranks. This reflects not only their military prowess but also serves as a metaphor for the impending judgment and the seriousness of the situation. The comparison to soldiers highlights the urgency and intensity of the moment, suggesting that the people of Israel should be aware of the consequences of their actions. The passage conveys a sense of impending doom, urging listeners to recognize the need for repentance and return to God. The organized and relentless advance of the army symbolizes the unstoppable nature of divine judgment, reinforcing the call for the people to prepare themselves spiritually.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Joel 2:7 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of unity and discipline in our spiritual journeys. Just as the warriors march in formation, we should strive to support one another in faith, remaining steadfast and focused on our spiritual goals, especially in times of crisis.

Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joel 2:7 mean?

Joel 2:7 describes an invading army that charges like warriors and scales walls, emphasizing their strength, discipline, and unity. This imagery serves as a metaphor for divine judgment, urging the people of Israel to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the need for repentance.

What is the significance of 'breaking ranks' in Joel 2:7?

The phrase 'breaking ranks' in Joel 2:7 highlights the discipline and unity of the army, suggesting that they move together without chaos. This reflects the seriousness of the impending judgment and serves as a reminder for the people to remain united and focused in their spiritual lives.

How does Joel 2:7 relate to repentance?

Joel 2:7 relates to repentance by illustrating the relentless advance of divine judgment, urging the people to acknowledge their actions and return to God. The disciplined march of the army serves as a warning of the consequences they face if they do not repent.

What themes are present in Joel 2:7?

The themes present in Joel 2:7 include divine judgment, discipline, unity, urgency, and the call for repentance. These themes highlight the seriousness of the situation and the importance of spiritual preparedness.

Book Summary

The Book of Joel

Joel 1: The Locust Plague and Call to Mourning

Joel delivers the word of the LORD and calls the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to listen. He asks whether such a disaster has ever happened and commands them to tell it to future generations. He describes successive waves of locusts that strip the land bare until nothing remains. Vineyards and fig trees are ruined, and the bark is stripped from the trees.

Joel tells the drunkards to wake up and weep because the new wine is cut off. He describes a powerful nation coming against the land, strong and without number, devouring everything like a lion. The grain, wine, and oil fail, and the fields are wasted. Farmers are ashamed, and joy dries up among the people. Joel calls the priests to put on sackcloth and mourn because the offerings are cut off from the house of the LORD. He commands them to sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, and cry out to the LORD. He announces that the day of the LORD is near and describes it as destruction from the Almighty. Crops fail, storehouses lie empty, animals groan for lack of pasture, and even the beasts cry to the LORD as fire consumes the land. Joel 2: The Day of the LORD and the Promise of the Spirit Joel commands that a trumpet be blown in Zion because the day of the LORD is near. He describes it as a day of darkness and gloom. A great and powerful army spreads over the land. Before them the land is like Eden, but behind them it is a desolate wilderness. They run like horsemen, climb walls, and enter houses without breaking ranks. The earth quakes, the heavens tremble, and the sun and moon grow dark. Joel declares that the LORD gives His voice before His army, and the day of the LORD is great and very terrible. The LORD calls the people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. He commands them to rend their hearts and not their garments. The priests are to weep between the porch and the altar and ask the LORD to spare His people and not make them a reproach.

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