The prophet Joel delivered some unique messages. Swarming locusts had invaded Judah, and God used that real event to warn the people about an even more devastating time to come: the Day of the Lord. Jehovah would use a brutal northern army in the future to stir up repentance among His people (Joel 2:20). Joel’s message to his own contemporaries was intended to affect them as well.

Then, in chapter 3, the Lord prophetically turned to the nations. Though He would use them as His rod of correction, they would exceed their bounds. They would abuse God’s people, treating them as mere playthings for entertainment and pleasure. Therefore Jehovah says, “Prepare for war!” In effect, He invites the nations to put together their best efforts against Him. Let them fashion their farm tools into weapons! Let even the weak say they are strong so that they might join the international military gathering against the Lord and His beloved people. The nations have always left God out, but in those days the fierceness of their hostility will be fully revealed.

The Lord Jesus promised something similar to those who follow Him: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you … Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you … If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (Jn. 15:18–20). As believers, we do not seek the animosity of the world, but we should not be surprised when it comes. Yet the Lord’s comforting words through Joel should have a calming effect on our faith too. He remains a shelter for His people, and He is our strength.