Definition: And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 2:11. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage in the Book of Joel, which is part of the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive gathering of God's army – essentially, a huge crowd of believers – about to occur. It’s predicting a time of immense upheaval and change. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army:” This is a metaphorical way of saying God is going to speak loudly and powerfully. It's not necessarily about a literal person speaking, but rather about God’s presence and judgment being revealed. “For his camp [is] very great:” The “camp” refers to the believers – people who have faith in Jesus Christ. This isn’t a small group; it’s a huge and growing community. “for he is strong that executeth his word:” God is incredibly powerful and determined. He's not just talking ; he’s actively bringing about change through his word (his teachings and promises). He's willing to enforce his will. “for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible:” This is the key part. The “day of the Lord” refers to a significant period, often interpreted as the end times – a time of significant upheaval and challenge. "Great and terrible" means it’s going to be a time of profound consequence and possibly even destruction. “and who can abide it?” This is the question at the end. It suggests that people will be scared or unable to stand by, facing something overwhelming and potentially frightening. What does this all mean in a broader sense? Many theologians interpret this verse as a prediction of the coming tribulation – a period of great suffering and turmoil in the world. It speaks to a time when God's judgment will be revealed, and people will face difficult choices. It’s often seen as a call to repentance and a focus on trusting in Jesus for salvation. Important Note: The interpretation of Joel 2:11 has been debated throughout history. Different scholars have offered various explanations about what "the day of the Lord" refers to. However, the core message – that God is coming to judge and change things – remains consistent. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/2113](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/2113) (This provides a good overview and allows you to read the verse in context.) Different Bible Websites: Search for "Joel 2:11 meaning" on reputable Bible websites like Bible.org or The Bible Project. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of the passage? Different interpretations of what "the day of the Lord" means?