Joel 2:28,29
The Prophet Joel
The interpretation of these two verses is, at the very least, difficult! As we will discern, Bro. Russell is likely the only interpreter to grasp the layout and prophetic sequencing within these verses. Jewish translations (and a very few gentile ones) begin Joel Chapter 3 with the verse we have as 2:28. This includes: Soncino Tanach (Stone), Tanach (JPS), Leeser, New American Bible (R.C.), Jerusalem Bible (R.C.), New Jerusalem Bible (R.C.), Green Interlinear Bible, Fenton.
This shows clearly that these translators realize the power of the word “after” (2:28 or 3:1) is strongly dependent on the material in the verses which come before. This is so much the case, that the rabbinical comment in Soncino (3:1) says: “afterward — In the Messianic Age” — in other words, after the restoration of Israel in the verses just before. The Jewish Bibles are attempting to draw attention to the significance of Joel 2:28 as a “new beginning” by devoting an entirely new chapter to it. In this respect, the rabbi agrees with Bro. Russell, whereas most Christian commentators insist that this verse applies to Pentecost.
INTERPRETIVE DETAIL
There is good reason to place verse 28 in the Messianic Age. Since the verse begins with “afterward,” we must place 2:28 after the restoration of Israel which is detailed just before 2:28. There seems no possible justification for doing otherwise. Thus, “afterward” tells us in no uncertain terms that 2:28 is a Millennial Age application. The difficulty, of course, is in proving that verse 29 is a Gospel Age text. This will not be difficult once we examine the facts with care. But first, looking at more detail in 2:28 will be helpful.
There is what we must consider a marvelous translation of 2:28 in Bro. Meggison’s notes on Joel. Unfortunately, he gives no attribution. It occurs also in Sr. Lenfest’s “A Helping Hand” book entitled The Minor Prophets. She also gives no attribution. Whether it is she or Bro. Meggison who first quotes the translation is unknown. Where it comes from is a mystery. But it is so excellent. It does [in brackets] have interpretive comments added — although the translation is so convincing that no interpretive additions are needed. It reads as follows:
“Your young men shall see the glorious visions [of Restitution blessings, etc., in process of fulfillment] of which your ancient men dreamed [the things respecting which they vaguely hoped and dimly understood and greatly longed for].”
We hope this is accurate, but no translation examined offers such a lovely solution. Nevertheless, the verse does not depend on this translation. It is merely helpful in understanding what the words of Joel may actually mean. As they stand in most translations, they do not contradict the prophetic interpretation we are using. They merely add to the number of questions we might have!
JOEL 2:29
No translation helps to confirm Bro. Russell’s teaching that 2:29 applies to the Gospel Age. We must all admit that, as Joel wrote it, we must struggle to make the switch from the Millennium in 2:28 to the Gospel Age in 2:29.
We frequently rely on the fact that 2:28 says either “after those days” or “afterward.” Then we point out that 2:29 says “In those days.” We must instinctively know that this is not the strongest of arguments! Nearly all people who read would say that “In those days” means “in the days that verse 28 just spoke of.” As far as language is concerned, they would have a point! So we need, as good Bible students, to have a much more secure reason for saying that “In those days” is not the Messianic Age.
We can find such a reason — a very powerful and Scripturally undeniable reason!
Once we see our proof, we will see that the true interpretation of 2:29 is secure even while it is obscure — a combination which the Lord really seems to like in order to baffle the wisdom of the wise while He blesses the saints who know that He rewards those “who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
THE PROOF
An initial point might well be made here before we examine the indisputable proof. Verse 29 (depending on translation) refers to “servants” and “handmaidens.” No one seems to have come to the realization that in the Kingdom, mankind will not be divided into people plus their Servants! All will be equal! This is the first “clue” that placing verse 29 in the Millennium seems faulty. Servants or handmaidens applies, as Br. Russell teaches, to the servants of the Lord during the Gospel Age — that is us.
Here is how we prove that 2:29 is a Gospel Age text: Peter says so! When Peter quotes Joel in Acts 2:14-21, he says, in no uncertain terms, that the Pentecost baptism of the holy Spirit fulfills the Joel text. Now, we know that Pentecost does not fulfill Joel 2:28. How do we know that? Because 2:28 is about the Millennium after Israel has been restored. (The context showed us that.) Therefore, some part of Joel does have its fulfillment at Pentecost. But it is not 2:28. What’s left? Joel 2:29 is left! So Peter, the inspired Apostle, now in possession of, and inspired by, the holy Spirit, has informed us beyond all doubt (in other words, as a proof) that Joel 2:29 applies to the Gospel Age.
There we have it! Joel shows that 2:28 is after the restoration of Israel (the Millennium), and Peter shows us that Joel 2:29 has it fulfillment beginning at Pentecost (the Gospel Age). The result is that Bro. Russell is correct.
— Adapted from a note by Br. David Doran
An editor suggests another manner in which the Joel passage may refer first to the Gospel Age (Pentecost forward), and later to the Messianic Age. The passage may have one application following the First Advent, and another application following the Second Advent. Joel 1:4 speaks of four waves of Assyrian judgments against Israel, namely by the Assyrian kings Tiglathpileser, Shalmaneser, Sargon, and Sennacherib. All four of these appear in the scriptural history of Israel, in Kings, Chronicles, and Isaiah. These four waves are referred to again in Joel 2:25. It may be that Joel 2:28-32, cited by Peter in Acts 2:17-21, applies to the opening of the Gospel Age, after the literal threats by Assyria had long since passed. And that the passage has a later application to the opening of the Kingdom, after four invasions against Israel in modern times — 1948, 1967, 1973, and the time of Ezekiel 38.