Joel 2:32 - It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said, and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls.
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What does "Joel 2:32" mean?
Joel 2:32 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Joel, carrying significant theological weight. Let's break down its meaning:
"It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved..."
"Whoever will call on Yahweh's name": This is the core promise and the condition for salvation. "Calling on Yahweh's name" implies more than just uttering the word "Yahweh" (God). It means:
Genuine repentance and faith: Acknowledging one's need for God's help and mercy.
Seeking refuge and protection: Trusting in Yahweh as the source of salvation.
Prayer and supplication: Sincerely communicating with God and asking for deliverance.
Allegiance and obedience: Committing to follow God's will and live according to His commands.
"Shall be saved": This signifies deliverance from impending judgment, both physical and spiritual. In the immediate context of Joel, this refers to escaping the devastation of the locust plague and the subsequent day of the Lord. In a broader, theological sense, it refers to ultimate salvation from sin, death, and eternal separation from God.
"...for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said..."
"Mount Zion and Jerusalem": Historically, these were the center of God's presence and the place of the Temple. They represent:
The place of refuge: A symbolic and literal place of safety during times of trouble.
The people of God: Representing the faithful community who remained loyal to Yahweh.
The dwelling place of God: God's promise that he would be present in Jerusalem despite its problems.
"There will be those who escape": This refers to a remnant who will survive the judgment and experience God's deliverance. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to preserve a people for Himself.
"As Yahweh has said": Emphasizes that this deliverance is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign plan and promise. It reinforces the reliability of God's word.
"...and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls."
"The remnant": This reiterates the concept of a small group who are spared and remain faithful to God. They are the ones who have survived the devastation or judgment.
"Those whom Yahweh calls": This clarifies that salvation is ultimately God's initiative. People are not saved simply by their own effort or will, but because God calls them. This calling involves:
God's sovereign election: God chooses who will be saved.
The drawing power of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit works to open hearts and minds to the Gospel.
The invitation to faith: God extends an invitation to believe in Him and receive salvation.
Overall Meaning and Significance
Joel 2:32 is a powerful declaration of God's grace and mercy in the face of judgment. It highlights:
The universality of salvation: The promise is extended to "whoever" calls on Yahweh's name, regardless of background or ethnicity.
The importance of faith: Calling on God's name implies a sincere and trusting relationship with Him.
The sovereignty of God: Salvation is ultimately God's initiative and plan.
The hope of deliverance: Even in the midst of devastation and judgment, God offers a way of escape for those who turn to Him.
The concept of a remnant: God will always preserve a faithful group of people for Himself.
New Testament Interpretation
This verse is quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:21 during his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter applies this prophecy to Jesus Christ, indicating that "calling on the name of the Lord" now means believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. In the New Testament understanding, salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ, and He is the fulfillment of the promise of deliverance in Joel 2:32. So to call on the name of the Lord now is to call on the name of Jesus Christ.
Joel 2:32 - It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said, and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls.
What does "Joel 2:32" mean?
Joel 2:32 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Joel, carrying significant theological weight. Let's break down its meaning:
"It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved..."
"Whoever will call on Yahweh's name": This is the core promise and the condition for salvation. "Calling on Yahweh's name" implies more than just uttering the word "Yahweh" (God). It means:
Genuine repentance and faith: Acknowledging one's need for God's help and mercy.
Seeking refuge and protection: Trusting in Yahweh as the source of salvation.
Prayer and supplication: Sincerely communicating with God and asking for deliverance.
Allegiance and obedience: Committing to follow God's will and live according to His commands.
"Shall be saved": This signifies deliverance from impending judgment, both physical and spiritual. In the immediate context of Joel, this refers to escaping the devastation of the locust plague and the subsequent day of the Lord. In a broader, theological sense, it refers to ultimate salvation from sin, death, and eternal separation from God.
"...for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said..."
"Mount Zion and Jerusalem": Historically, these were the center of God's presence and the place of the Temple. They represent:
The place of refuge: A symbolic and literal place of safety during times of trouble.
The people of God: Representing the faithful community who remained loyal to Yahweh.
The dwelling place of God: God's promise that he would be present in Jerusalem despite its problems.
"There will be those who escape": This refers to a remnant who will survive the judgment and experience God's deliverance. It emphasizes God's faithfulness to preserve a people for Himself.
"As Yahweh has said": Emphasizes that this deliverance is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign plan and promise. It reinforces the reliability of God's word.
"...and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls."
"The remnant": This reiterates the concept of a small group who are spared and remain faithful to God. They are the ones who have survived the devastation or judgment.
"Those whom Yahweh calls": This clarifies that salvation is ultimately God's initiative. People are not saved simply by their own effort or will, but because God calls them. This calling involves:
God's sovereign election: God chooses who will be saved.
The drawing power of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit works to open hearts and minds to the Gospel.
The invitation to faith: God extends an invitation to believe in Him and receive salvation.
Overall Meaning and Significance
Joel 2:32 is a powerful declaration of God's grace and mercy in the face of judgment. It highlights:
The universality of salvation: The promise is extended to "whoever" calls on Yahweh's name, regardless of background or ethnicity.
The importance of faith: Calling on God's name implies a sincere and trusting relationship with Him.
The sovereignty of God: Salvation is ultimately God's initiative and plan.
The hope of deliverance: Even in the midst of devastation and judgment, God offers a way of escape for those who turn to Him.
The concept of a remnant: God will always preserve a faithful group of people for Himself.
New Testament Interpretation
This verse is quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:21 during his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter applies this prophecy to Jesus Christ, indicating that "calling on the name of the Lord" now means believing in Jesus as Lord and Savior. In the New Testament understanding, salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ, and He is the fulfillment of the promise of deliverance in Joel 2:32. So to call on the name of the Lord now is to call on the name of Jesus Christ.