Joel 2:28-29

Context

The book of Joel takes a plague of locusts as the occasion to proclaim "the day of the LORD" and urges the people to rend their hearts and return (2:12-13). God promises the repentant people the restoration of the land and "the former rain, and the latter rain" (2:23-27), and then in verses 28-29 declares that he will pour out his Spirit. Verses 30-32 go on to describe wonders in the heavens and on the earth, the day of the LORD when the sun is turned into darkness and the moon into blood, and the promise that whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be delivered. In the chapter numbering of the Hebrew Bible, this passage is 3:1-2.

Interpretation

• Fulfillment at Pentecost: At the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted this passage, declaring, "this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16-21). He rendered "afterward" as "in the last days." Christians hold that this promise began to be fulfilled at Pentecost.
• The scope of "all flesh": In the Old Testament the Spirit of God came mainly upon certain individuals such as prophets, kings, and judges. The heart of this promise, by contrast, is understood to be that the Spirit is poured out across lines of age, sex, and social status—upon sons and daughters, old and young, servants and handmaids. Interpreters connect it with Moses' wish in Numbers 11:29: "would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!"

Debates and Issues

• Pentecostalism and the charismatic movement: These traditions cite this passage as evidence that the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, dreams, and visions, continue today. Some also interpret "the former rain and the latter rain" (v. 23) as an end-times revival of the Holy Spirit.
• Cessationism: Some Reformed traditions hold that this promise was foundationally fulfilled at Pentecost and in the apostolic age, and that revelatory gifts such as prophecy ceased with the completion of Scripture. Even in this view, the promise that all believers receive the Holy Spirit remains in force (see Cessationism and Continuationism).
• Women's ministry: The statement that "your sons and your daughters" shall prophesy and that the Spirit is poured out upon "the handmaids" is frequently cited by those who support women's ministry and the ordination of women. Those who take a more restrictive position distinguish the gift of prophecy from the teaching offices of the church.

In the Korean Church

The passage is often read at Pentecost Sunday services, Holy Spirit revival meetings, and joint gatherings that bring together young and old, and it serves as a central text in the Holy Spirit movements of Pentecostal churches.

Related Passages

• Acts 2:16-21
• Joel 2:23-27
• Numbers 11:29
• Galatians 3:28