Joel 2:20

Analysis & Commentary

But I will remove far off from you the northern army (Hebrew ve'et-hatsephone archiq me'aleikhem)—God promises to drive away "the northern one." While this immediately refers to the locust swarm (which often came from the north), it prophetically points to future military invasions. Babylon, Assyria, and other enemies attacked Israel from the north (Jeremiah 1:14-15, 4:6, 6:1, Ezekiel 38:6, 15). The phrase encompasses both literal locusts and symbolic enemies—God will remove all threats to His people's security and prosperity.

And will drive him into a land barren and desolate—the invading force will be driven into erets tsiyah ushmamah (אֶרֶץ צִיָּה וּשְׁמָמָה, a dry and desolate land). The irony is striking: the army that made Israel's land desolate will itself be driven into desolation. This demonstrates the lex talionis principle—measure-for-measure justice. "With his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea" describes the army being scattered east (Dead Sea) and west (Mediterranean Sea)—total dispersion and destruction.

And his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up—the Hebrew ba'osho (בָאְשׁוֹ, stench) and tseahanato (צַחֲנָתוֹ, foul smell) describe rotting corpses. Millions of dead locusts would create unbearable stench. This imagery also applies to defeated armies whose unburied corpses pollute the land (Isaiah 34:3, Ezekiel 39:11-16). The final phrase because he hath done great things (Hebrew ki higdil la'asot) is deliberately ambiguous—it could mean the enemy "did great [evil] things" deserving judgment, or ironically that God used them to accomplish His purposes. Either way, once God's tool of judgment completes its work, He discards and destroys it.

Historical Context

The "northern army" had both immediate and prophetic significance. Locust swarms often approached Palestine from the Arabian desert to the south and east but could come from any direction. However, all major military threats to Israel came from the north—the Mesopotamian powers (Assyria, Babylon) and later Syria. Prophets consistently warned of judgment from the north (Jeremiah 1:13-15, 4:6, 6:1, 6:22). Joel's language encompasses the immediate locust plague while foreshadowing future invasions, ultimately pointing to eschatological deliverance when God destroys all enemies of His people (Ezekiel 38-39, Zechariah 14, Revelation 19-20).

Questions for Reflection

• How does God's removal of the northern army demonstrate that He controls even the instruments of His judgment?
• What does the measure-for-measure judgment (invaders driven into desolation) teach about God's justice?
• How should believers trust God's promise to ultimately remove all threats and enemies, even when current circumstances appear overwhelming?