The sun and moon will grow darkThis phrase is often associated with apocalyptic imagery in the Bible, symbolizing significant divine intervention or judgment. In the context of Joel, it reflects the Day of the Lord, a time of God's decisive action in history. Similar imagery is found in other prophetic books, such as
Isaiah 13:10 and
Ezekiel 32:7, where celestial disturbances accompany God's judgment on nations. This darkness can also be seen as a reversal of creation, where God initially brought light into the world. It signifies a period of chaos and divine displeasure, often preceding restoration and renewal.
and the stars will no longer shine
The cessation of the stars' light further emphasizes the totality of the cosmic upheaval during the Day of the Lord. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the eschatological discourse of Jesus inMatthew 24:29, where similar signs precede His second coming. The darkening of the stars can symbolize the removal of guidance and order, as stars were often used for navigation and marking time in ancient cultures. This celestial blackout underscores the severity of God's judgment and the transition from the current age to a new divine order.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JoelA prophet in the Old Testament, Joel is the author of the book that bears his name. His prophecies focus on the Day of the Lord and call for repentance.
2.
The Day of the LordA significant theme in Joel, referring to a future time of God's judgment and restoration. It is a day of both darkness and hope, depending on one's relationship with God.
3.
Heavenly BodiesThe sun, moon, and stars are mentioned as signs of cosmic disturbance, symbolizing divine intervention and judgment.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Day of the LordRecognize that the Day of the Lord is a time of both judgment and hope. It calls for self-examination and repentance, urging believers to align their lives with God's will.
Cosmic Signs as Divine CommunicationThe darkening of the sun, moon, and stars serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over creation. It challenges us to be attentive to the ways God communicates His plans and purposes.
Hope Amidst JudgmentWhile the imagery of darkness can be daunting, it also points to the hope of restoration and renewal for those who trust in God. Believers are encouraged to find hope in God's ultimate plan for redemption.
Living in ReadinessThe prophetic imagery calls Christians to live in a state of readiness, anticipating Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises. This involves active faith, obedience, and sharing the gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joel 3:15?
2.How does Joel 3:15 illustrate God's power over creation and the cosmos?
3.What significance do "sun and moon" hold in biblical prophecy and symbolism?
4.How does Joel 3:15 connect with Revelation's depiction of end times?
5.How can believers prepare for the events described in Joel 3:15?
6.What lessons from Joel 3:15 apply to our daily spiritual vigilance today?
7.What does Joel 3:15 symbolize about God's power over creation?
8.How does Joel 3:15 relate to end-times prophecy?
9.Why are celestial events significant in Joel 3:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joel 3?
11.How should we interpret the cosmic signs in Joel 3:15 from a scientific perspective, given no known natural phenomena match this description?
12.If Genesis describes the creation of the sun on the fourth day, how were there 'days' before the sun existed?
13.Why does Joel 3 seem to conflict with timelines in other prophetic books regarding the final judgment and restoration, suggesting possible inconsistencies?
14.How can the order of creation in Genesis match modern astrophysics when it contradicts known cosmological events?What Does Joel 3:15 Mean
The sun and moon• From creation onward these two lights have been steady markers of God’s order (Genesis 1:14-16;Psalm 19:1-4).
• Joel’s mention reminds us that what has always seemed unchangeable is still under the Lord’s command.
• Their pairing echoes earlier prophetic language inJoel 2:10, tying chapter 3 to the larger “day of the LORD” theme.
• In Scripture, the sun often pictures blessing and life (Malachi 4:2), while the moon marks seasons and festivals (Psalm 104:19). God is signaling that even these covenant-related rhythms can be halted at His word.
will grow dark• The phrase points to a literal cosmic blackout—God interrupting the normal flow of daylight (Isaiah 13:10;Amos 8:9).
• Jesus cites the same image when describing the tribulation preceding His return: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Matthew 24:29).
• The darkness conveys judgment: Egypt’s ninth plague (Exodus 10:21-23) previewed how God can shroud a land to expose sin and demand repentance.
• Darkness also heightens expectancy; when light fades, hearts either harden or cry out for God’s mercy.
and the stars• Stars symbolize both literal heavenly bodies and, at times, earthly rulers or angelic hosts (Daniel 8:10;Revelation 12:4).
• Their inclusion widens the scope: not just the two great lights, but every smaller light is affected, showing total cosmic upheaval.
• Abraham’s promise to have descendants “like the stars” (Genesis 15:5) reminds us that God’s covenant purposes remain, even while the present heavens reel.
will no longer shine•Isaiah 34:4 pictures the stars dissolving,Revelation 6:13 describes them falling—images of finality and terror for the unrepentant.
• This loss of starlight strips away night navigation, underscoring helplessness; human wisdom and technology offer no remedy.
•Revelation 8:12 foretells a third of sun, moon, and stars being struck, matching Joel’s pattern and pointing to a real, future disruption.
• For believers, such signs are not merely frightening; they affirm that Christ’s return is near (Mark 13:24-26) and that creation itself will be remade (2 Peter 3:10-13).
summaryJoel 3:15 announces a literal, worldwide darkening of sun, moon, and stars—an unmistakable sign of the day of the LORD. God will interrupt the most reliable features of creation to judge sin, humble the proud, and herald Christ’s imminent reign. For the rebellious it warns of inescapable judgment; for the faithful it confirms that the Sovereign Lord holds history, heaven, and earth in His hand and will soon usher in His promised kingdom.
Verses 15-17. - These verses picture the accompaniments of the judgment, yet not the judgment itself.
Verse 15. -
The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The densely packed masses are already in the valley of decision, awaiting the judgment about to be executed upon them. But before the judgment actually bursts upon them, and in preparation for it, the sky is overcast; darkness, as a portent of the approaching storm, envelops them; the lights of heaven are put out. The pitchy darkness of a night in which neither moon nor stars appear is sufficiently dismal and awful; still more terrible, if possible, is darkness in the daytime, when the light of the sun is turned into blackness. The first accompaniment of the storm is addressed to the eye, and consists in the extinguishing of the greater light which rules the day, and the lesser lights which rule the night. The next accompaniment of the coming tempest is addressed to the ear, and consists in the voice of the Lord rolling in terrific peals along the heavens - the voice of the Lord like the roaring of a lion ready to pounce upon its prey: the utterance of the Divine voice when the God of glory thundereth. The third accompaniment is yet more awe-inspiring., consisting in a convulsion that pervades both earth and sky; the whole frame of nature shakes; the earthquake's shock, so frightful to bird and beast and man, has a corresponding agitation in the heavens.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The sunשֶׁ֥מֶשׁ(še·meš)Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementand moonוְיָרֵ֖חַ(wə·yā·rê·aḥ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3394:The moongrow dark,קָדָ֑רוּ(qā·ḏā·rū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6937:To be ashy, darkcolored, to mournand the starsוְכוֹכָבִ֖ים(wə·ḵō·w·ḵā·ḇîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3556:A star, a princeno longerאָסְפ֥וּ(’ā·sə·p̄ū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeshine.נָגְהָֽם׃(nā·ḡə·hām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5051:Brilliancy
Links
Joel 3:15 NIVJoel 3:15 NLTJoel 3:15 ESVJoel 3:15 NASBJoel 3:15 KJV
Joel 3:15 BibleApps.comJoel 3:15 Biblia ParalelaJoel 3:15 Chinese BibleJoel 3:15 French BibleJoel 3:15 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Joel 3:15 The sun and the moon are darkened (Jl Joe.) 
