What is the meaning of Joel 2:31? The sun will be turned to darkness • Scripture repeatedly connects literal darkness in the sky with divine judgment. When the LORD struck Egypt, “there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days” (Exodus 10:22). • Isaiah looks ahead to the same cosmic blackout: “For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be dark when it rises” (Isaiah 13:10). • Jesus points to this sign just before His return: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened” (Matthew 24:29). • Revelation echoes it: “The sun became black like sackcloth made of goat hair” (Revelation 6:12). • Taken together, these passages uphold a literal, observable darkening of the sun that signals God’s direct intervention in history. and the moon to blood • When the sixth seal is opened, John records, “and the whole moon became like blood” (Revelation 6:12). The same phrase appears in Acts 2:20 as Peter quotes Joel on the Day of Pentecost. • Such a phenomenon could occur through eclipses, atmospheric ash, or supernatural means, but the text emphasizes God’s purpose, not human explanation. • The image of “blood” underscores severity: judgment will be costly, and redemption only comes through shed blood (Hebrews 9:22). • By pairing the moon’s reddening with the sun’s blackout, Joel presents a total disruption of the normal heavenly order, heightening the urgency to repent. before the coming • The wording places the cosmic signs ahead of a decisive moment. Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars… then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:25-27). • Paul likewise notes a sequence: first signs and apostasy, then “the day of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). • The signs are gracious warnings, giving people time to turn to the LORD while opportunity remains (Joel 2:12-13). of the great and awesome Day of the LORD • Joel describes this day earlier: “For the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom” (Joel 2:1-2). • Other prophets agree: “The great Day of the LORD is near… That day is a day of wrath” (Zephaniah 1:14-15). • Yet the Day is not only wrath; it is also the climax of salvation. Peter links Joel’s prophecy to the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:17-21), and Revelation shows deliverance for all who belong to the Lamb (Revelation 7:13-17). • Ultimately, the Day of the LORD culminates in Christ’s visible return to judge and to reign (Revelation 19:11-16; 2 Peter 3:10-13). summary Joel 2:31 foretells literal, heaven-shaking signs—a darkened sun and a blood-red moon—that will appear just before the climactic, awe-inspiring Day when the LORD intervenes personally in human history. These signs serve as urgent alarms: judgment is coming, but mercy is still offered to all who call on the name of the LORD. |
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