Lexical Summary tsephoni: northern Original Word: צְפוֹנִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance northern From tsaphown; northern -- northern. see HEBREW tsaphown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaphon Definition northern NASB Translation northern (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. צְפוֺנִי adjective from foregoing, northern (so most); — with article as noun masculine northern one, northerner, invader from north Joel 2:20 (of locust-swarm, compare We Now Dr, GASmProph. ii. 397). — I. צְפוֺנִי see צִפְיוֺן below I. צמה. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Contextצְפוֹנִי appears only once in the Hebrew Scriptures, in Joel 2:20, where the prophet records the LORD’s promise: “But I will remove the northern army far from you and banish it to a land barren and desolate, its front columns into the Eastern Sea and its rear guard into the Western Sea. Then its stench will rise; yes, its foul smell will ascend” (Joel 2:20). The term designates “the northern [one / army],” a descriptive title rather than a personal name. The “Northern” Threat in Joel 2 1. Immediate Setting The prophecy follows the devastating locust plague of Joel 1 and the call to national repentance (Joel 2:12–17). Joel intertwines literal devastation with military imagery, allowing the “locust army” (Joel 2:4–11) to foreshadow a human invasion. The צְפוֹנִי therefore functions as both a concrete and symbolic adversary. 2. Geographical Realism Invasions of Israel historically came from the north. Even eastern powers such as Assyria and Babylon approached through the fertile crescent and descended from the north (cf. Jeremiah 1:14–15). Joel’s audience would immediately connect “the northern one” with the familiar route of hostile forces. 3. Literary Bridge Joel 2:20 forms a hinge: once the northern menace is expelled, the land is restored (Joel 2:21–27) and the famous promise of the Spirit follows (Joel 2:28–32; fulfilled in Acts 2:16–21). Thus צְפוֹנִי stands at the transition from judgment to restoration. Historical and Prophetic Dimensions 1. Historical Fulfillment Many conservative interpreters place Joel in the early post-exilic period. If so, “the northern army” may recall Assyria’s fall (612 B.C.) or Babylon’s collapse (539 B.C.), celebrating Yahweh’s earlier deliverances and assuring future safety. 2. Prophetic Foreshadowing Other interpreters read Joel 2:20 eschatologically, viewing the northern horde as the end-time coalition described in Ezekiel 38–39. While צְפוֹנִי itself is not used there, the directional link (“out of the far north,” Ezekiel 38:15) supports the typological connection. Joel thus supplies an early sketch of the ultimate defeat of God’s enemies. 3. Messianic Trajectory The removal of the northern threat clears the way for the outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28). Peter applies this to Pentecost (Acts 2:16), indicating that the defeat of the enemy—whether locust, empire, or spiritual principality—prefigures the Messiah’s victory that secures the blessings of the New Covenant. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty over Nature and Nations The LORD commands both insects and armies. He summons, directs, and dismisses the northern force at will, underscoring His unrivaled authority (cf. Isaiah 10:5–19). 2. Covenant Faithfulness The northern invasion is disciplinary, not annihilative. When the people repent, God relents and reverses the curse (Joel 2:18–19), fulfilling His covenant promise of restoration (Deuteronomy 30:1–10). 3. Holy Reversal The stench of the enemy replaces the stench of Israel’s earlier sin offerings rejected by God (Amos 5:21-22). Judgment passes from covenant people to covenant breaker, highlighting divine justice. 4. Salvation History The sequence—repentance, removal of the foe, renewed fertility, Spirit outpouring—mirrors the larger biblical storyline: exile, redemption, new creation, and ultimate consummation. Connection with the Day of the LORD and New Testament Hope Joel’s treatment of צְפוֹנִי is embedded in his larger theme of “the day of the LORD” (Joel 2:1, 11). The defeat of the northern army is an anticipatory “day” pointing forward to: • The cross, where Christ disarmed principalities (Colossians 2:15). Thus the lone appearance of צְפוֹנִי participates in a sweeping eschatological vision that spans both testaments. Ministry Applications 1. Confidence in God’s Protection Believers facing opposition may recall that God can relocate any “northern army”—whether political, cultural, or demonic—beyond the boundaries of His people. 2. Call to Repentance and Prayer Joel ties the removal of the northern menace to heartfelt contrition (Joel 2:12–17). Revival is preceded by repentance. 3. Expectation of Restoration After discipline comes abundance (Joel 2:24-26). The same Lord who expels the foe replenishes the barns and vats. 4. Spirit-Empowered Mission Deliverance from the northern threat prepares the way for Spirit outpouring. Similarly, spiritual victories today position the church for fresh empowerment and mission. 5. Assurance of Final Victory The stench-filled demise of the northern power anticipates the lake of fire for all God’s enemies (Revelation 20:10). The believer’s hope rests not in temporary respite but in ultimate triumph. צְפוֹנִי, though a single word in one verse, encapsulates the drama of judgment, mercy, and eschatological hope that runs through all of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations הַצְּפוֹנִ֞י הצפוני haṣ·ṣə·p̄ō·w·nî haṣṣəp̄ōwnî hatztzefoNiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joel 2:20 HEB: וְֽאֶת־ הַצְּפוֹנִ֞י אַרְחִ֣יק מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֗ם NAS: But I will remove the northern [army] far KJV: But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive INT: the northern will remove and I 1 Occurrence |
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