Joel 2:1

Blow. Verses 1-11 give a further description of the disaster caused by the “locusts” (see on ch. 1:4), and of the appearance of them” (ch. 2:4).

Trumpet. Heb. shophar, an instrument made of a ram’s horn, used for signaling (see Vol. III, p. 39).

Zion. The name was applied both to Jerusalem and to the mountain upon which Jerusalem was situated (see on Ps. 48:2).

Day of the Lord. See on ch. 1:15.

In view of the fact that the great day of the Lord is hastening on apace and but few precious moments of probation remain, it behooves the church of God to rouse from its spiritual lethargy and seek repentance and humiliation. There are many in Zion who are satisfied with their spiritual attainments. They feel “rich, and increased with goods,” and in “need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17). Others who feel a need are either too lethargic to effect a change or else expect that the lack will be supplied in the time of the latter rain (see TM 507). All such need to be aroused by the trumpet blast from Zion’s watchman. Now, while the day of grace lingers, is the time to make thorough work of repentance, to cleanse the soul of every defilement, and to permit the full work of grace upon the heart. See further on v. 14.