Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice (Hebrew al-tir'i adamah gili vesimchi)—after addressing people (2:12-17) and announcing God's response (2:18-20), Joel now speaks to the land itself. The personification continues from 1:10 where "the land mourneth." The command al-tir'i (אַל־תִּירְאִי, "fear not") addresses the land as feminine, fitting Hebrew grammar where adamah (אֲדָמָה, land/soil/ground) is feminine. The dual command gili vesimchi (גִּילִי וְשִׂמְחִי, "be glad and rejoice") uses two Hebrew words for joy, intensifying the emotion. The same soil that mourned under curse now rejoices under blessing.
For the LORD will do great things (Hebrew ki-higdil YHWH la'asot, כִּי־הִגְדִּיל יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת)—the phrase echoes verse 20's description of the northern army that "hath done great things." The contrast is deliberate: while the enemy did great evil, Yahweh will do great good. The verb gadal (גָּדַל) means to be great, grow, magnify. God will magnify His works of restoration, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. This anticipates Mary's Magnificat: "He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name" (Luke 1:49).
This verse establishes that creation participates in redemption. Romans 8:19-22 develops this theology: "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God... the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Creation groans under sin's curse but will rejoice in redemption's consummation. Just as Adam's sin brought curse on the ground (Genesis 3:17-18), Christ's redemption will restore creation itself (Revelation 22:3: "And there shall be no more curse").
Historical Context
Personifying land reflects ancient Hebrew thought where creation and humanity are interconnected. Genesis 4:10 describes Abel's blood crying from the ground; Leviticus 18:25, 28 warns that the land vomits out inhabitants who defile it; Numbers 35:33 says blood defiles the land. This worldview contrasts with modern Western dualism separating spiritual and physical realms. Scripture presents an integrated cosmology where human sin affects creation, and human redemption involves creation's restoration. Joel's call for the land to rejoice anticipates prophetic visions where mountains sing, trees clap their hands, and rivers rejoice at God's coming (Psalm 96:11-13, 98:7-9, Isaiah 55:12).
Questions for Reflection
How does the land's participation in mourning and rejoicing challenge modern disconnection between spirituality and physical creation?
What does it mean that God will do "great things"—how should this shape your expectations of His power and faithfulness?
How should believers steward creation in light of its future redemption and participation in God's glory?
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Analysis & Commentary
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice (Hebrew al-tir'i adamah gili vesimchi)—after addressing people (2:12-17) and announcing God's response (2:18-20), Joel now speaks to the land itself. The personification continues from 1:10 where "the land mourneth." The command al-tir'i (אַל־תִּירְאִי, "fear not") addresses the land as feminine, fitting Hebrew grammar where adamah (אֲדָמָה, land/soil/ground) is feminine. The dual command gili vesimchi (גִּילִי וְשִׂמְחִי, "be glad and rejoice") uses two Hebrew words for joy, intensifying the emotion. The same soil that mourned under curse now rejoices under blessing.
For the LORD will do great things (Hebrew ki-higdil YHWH la'asot, כִּי־הִגְדִּיל יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת)—the phrase echoes verse 20's description of the northern army that "hath done great things." The contrast is deliberate: while the enemy did great evil, Yahweh will do great good. The verb gadal (גָּדַל) means to be great, grow, magnify. God will magnify His works of restoration, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. This anticipates Mary's Magnificat: "He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name" (Luke 1:49).
This verse establishes that creation participates in redemption. Romans 8:19-22 develops this theology: "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God... the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Creation groans under sin's curse but will rejoice in redemption's consummation. Just as Adam's sin brought curse on the ground (Genesis 3:17-18), Christ's redemption will restore creation itself (Revelation 22:3: "And there shall be no more curse").