and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit.
The particle 'also' troubles me here. Joel first says the Spirit pours on all flesh, now on servants and handmaids, as though naming the lower orders adds something new, when they are already included in 'all.' I solve it this way: the repetition with 'also' confirms what was said; or better, the Prophet means to add something more astounding still: the Spirit even upon those who were before kept from prophecy.
AI summary
Peter settles the meaning for us: Pentecost fulfilled this word. The Spirit poured out then was no mere trickle as in the Old Testament days of judges and prophets, but a full stream, abundant and plentiful, the very gift the Prophet foretold for the last days of Messiah.
AI summary
Commenting on Joel 2:28-32
Servants and handmaids will receive the gifts and grace of the Spirit in abundance; many were called effectually through the word, and some became preachers themselves. This refutes the Jewish boast that the Shekinah rests only on the wise, mighty, and rich. The Spirit's outpouring knows no rank.
AI summary