Joel 2:23
Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.
Application:
In Joel 2:19–27, God would restore the harvest and blessings He had previously withheld (1:16–20) in abundance (2:19–26). As a result, they would be satiated (2:19) and satisfied (2:26)—stuffed full. God knows how to deliver blessings to those who align themselves with him.*
The description of the northerner in 2:20 seems to indicate that those described in 2:2–9 were people and not locusts. Therefore, this is likely a reference to an eschatological event when God will protect Israel from invading armies (see, for example, Dan 11:36–45). When all this happens, God says, you will know that I am present in Israel and that I am the Lord your God, and there is no other. Only God can cause such reversals of fortune. One day, his people will never again be put to shame (2:27).*
The “latter” and “former” rains are called the “winter rains” and “spring rains” in the NIV.^
The Lord had “torn” and “stricken” His people—i.e., Hosea predicts that God will discipline them (Hosea 6:1)—because they were unfaithful to the covenant they had promised to keep (Exodus 24:3, 7). While the judgment would be certain and severe, God would demonstrate His grace and restore the people. He would heal them and bandage their wounds (Hosea 6:1). He would come to them like refreshing, nourishing rain (Hosea 6:3). He would come like the latter and former rain, which seems to refer to the early rain after planting and the later rain at harvest.^
*Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 797–798.
^https://www.gotquestions.org/latter-and-former-rain.html
To God be the glory!
Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
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Disclaimer
When God inspires me, I write or post articles that glorify God. I invite you to view this post as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, I encourage you to search the Scriptures to determine whether what I have posted is true. Always consult your church ministers regarding biblical matters. I am not a professional writer, so there may be grammatical or spelling errors. I strive to write as clearly and efficiently as possible. My prayer is that this message will inspire you to seek the Lord with all your heart and bring glory to His Holy name. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo.
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