Joel 2
Ishodad of Merv
Joel 2:14
The prophet in effect says what you need to do. I know, however, that you will not really repent before you are deported. But, when you would have done penance for your sins after being punished by captivity, then God will take care of you and will bring you back to your land. — COMMENTARY ON JOEL
Joel 2:20
"I will remove the northerner," both the Assyrian and Babylonian. Someone may ask, "Since for its position Babylon is not situated north of Jerusalem, why does God say through the prophet, 'I will remove the northerner far from you' and 'Out of the north evil shall break forth upon' these people"? And we answer that first of all, these words are not said in consideration of the geographical position of Babylon and Jerusalem but of those northern nations subject to the Babylonians—the Arzanites, the Araratites2—who will come down to Jerusalem with the Babylonians. Second, it is because those who want to reach Jerusalem from the regions of Babylon, Persia and the east go up toward the region of the north and then come down toward Jerusalem in the south. — COMMENTARY ON JOEL
Joel 2:28-29
"I will pour out my spirit on all flesh." In the first instance he talks about Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah and other prophets whose names are not mentioned. In addition, "your daughters" will sing and intone psalms in happiness, as well as the rest of the people. This means I will openly reveal to you my fondness and will largely pour it onto you. Therefore these words follow: "My Spirit abides among you," and also, "My spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh." But the truth of these words is found in Christ and in the apostles, as well as in the prophets and in the righteous ones, who were filled with the Spirit, and in the daughters of Philip. Recall Peter, who testifies when he preaches to the Jews: "This is," he says, "what Joel predicted." Then the words: "The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood." He talks according to the state of mind of those who are plunged into their afflictions. — COMMENTARY ON JOEL