what the future will be for the nations who have caused such hardship for Judah. On the other hand, Joel argues that the sights and sounds of battle themselves may be seen as signs of coming peace, brought by Yahweh’s own presence. Only the eye of faith could interpret the current devastation in those terms. Joel quotes from another prophetic response to a national lament, citing Obad. 17–18, to underscore God’s salvation. The reference is to Zion and Jerusalem because that city is the focus for