Joel 2:1-17
The LORD calls this cloud of ferocious invaders His army (vv. 11, 25), although it is led by the ungodly and proud Assyrian, for the latter is but the executor of His Word, the "rod of mine anger" (Isaiah 10:5). When we pass through discipline, let us never lose sight of the faithful Hand which inflicts it on us. This setback, this trouble, this accident comes "from the Lord". Let us not be like an unruly child who, naively, thinks he will escape punishment by breaking the stick with which he expects to be beaten.
We can picture this immense onslaught; "there hath not been ever the like . . ." It overflows like an irresistible tide, over the walls and into the houses. The same invasion is called elsewhere "the overflowing scourge" (Isaiah 28:15). Ah! is not this nightmare vision given to Israel beforehand as an appeal to their conscience? "Therefore also now" it is time for them – it is time for all – to return to God with their whole heart . . . "with weeping and with mourning . . . for he is gracious and merciful" (vv. 12, 13; read James 5:11).
"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion," repeats the prophet (vv. 1, 15; see Numbers 10:9); it is a symbol of the urgent prayer of faith! Thus in the hour of danger the LORD will remember His own.