Land, don’t be afraid. Be glad and rejoice, for Yahweh has done great things.
The Prophet calls earth, beasts, and the sons of Zion each to rejoice, but for reasons suited to each. The soil has suffered drought; the beasts have groaned for want of plants; the men have sighed in calamity. To all three He speaks: do not fear. He has destroyed the foe and restored what was laid waste.
AI summary
Commenting on Joel 2:21-23
God permits the mad presumption of His enemies to ripen before He strikes them down utterly. He has restrained Himself, but now His turn comes; He raises Himself up to exalt His purpose. Fear must be removed first, for the land cannot rejoice while terror grips it. Therefore: Fear not, then exult.
AI summary
The Lord addresses the ruined land, its beasts, and its children in rising order. His great deeds for Judah's benefit stand in sharp contrast to the great deeds of the haughty foe that brought her to ruin.
AI summary