Joel 2:20
But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
Joel 2:20 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things." speaks of a promise from God to protect His people and defeat their enemies. The northern army mentioned in the verse represents a threat or enemy that God will remove and drive away from His people. By describing the northern army being driven into a barren and desolate land with his stench rising up, the verse symbolizes the defeat and humiliation of the enemy who has caused harm to God's people. This illustrates God's power and sovereignty over all things, including the protection and deliverance of His followers. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and protection towards those who trust in Him.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of this verse could be seen as a representation of God's power and authority over enemies. The "northern army" could symbolize any opposition or threat faced by God's people. In this context, the act of God removing the army and driving them into a barren and desolate land could be seen as a demonstration of His ability to protect and deliver His followers from harm. The positioning of the army with its face toward the east sea and hinder part toward the utmost sea could also symbolize the total defeat and complete removal of the threat from the people's midst. The mention of the army's stench and foul smell could signify the disgrace and shame that they will face as a result of their actions against God's chosen ones. Overall, this verse could serve as a reminder of God's ultimate power, protection, and deliverance for those who trust in Him.
Joel 2:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
but I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive it into a land barren and desolate, its forepart into the eastern sea, and its hinder part [ into the western sea; and its stench shall come up, and its ill savor shall come up, because it hath done great things.
World English Bible
But I will remove the northern army far away from you, and will drive it into a barren and desolate land, its front into the eastern sea, and its back into the western sea; and its stench will come up, and its bad smell will rise.” Surely he has done great things.
Douay-Rheims
And I will remove far off from you the northern enemy: and I will drive him into a land unpassable, and desert, with his face towards the east sea, and his hinder part towards the utmost sea: and his stench shall ascend, and his rottenness shall go up, because he hath done proudly.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But I will remooue farre off from you the Northren armie, and I will driue him into a land, barren and desolate with his face toward the East sea, and his end to the vtmost sea, and his stinke shall come vp, and his corruption shall ascend, because he hath exalted himselfe to do this.