The concept of God's Great Army is primarily drawn from the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, where it is depicted as a divine instrument of judgment and restoration. This army is often associated with the Day of the Lord, a time of both wrath and redemption. The imagery and descriptions of God's Great Army serve to underscore God's sovereignty, power, and ultimate authority over the nations and His creation.

Joel's Prophecy

The most vivid depiction of God's Great Army is found in the Book of Joel. Joel 2:1-11 provides a detailed account of this formidable force. The prophet Joel describes a locust plague as a precursor to the coming of the Lord's army, which is portrayed as an unstoppable force. Joel 2:11 states, "The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful—who can endure it?" This passage emphasizes the might and obedience of the army, highlighting its role as an executor of divine judgment.

Symbolism and Imagery

The imagery used to describe God's Great Army is rich with symbolism. The army is often depicted as a swarm of locusts, a consuming fire, or a mighty storm. These images convey the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's judgment. The locusts, for instance, symbolize devastation and desolation, as seen in Joel 1:4, "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten."

Purpose and Function

God's Great Army serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative. Primarily, it acts as an agent of divine judgment against sin and rebellion. The army's advance is a call to repentance, urging the people to return to God with sincere hearts. Joel 2:12-13 calls for repentance, "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God."

Additionally, the army is a means of purification and restoration. Through judgment, God seeks to refine His people and restore them to a right relationship with Him. The aftermath of the army's invasion leads to a promise of renewal and blessing, as seen in Joel 2:25, "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you."

Eschatological Significance

In eschatological terms, God's Great Army is often associated with the final judgment and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. The imagery and themes found in Joel resonate with the apocalyptic visions in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation. The concept of a divine army is echoed in Revelation 19:14, where the armies of heaven follow Christ, the King of Kings, in His final victory over evil.

Theological Implications

Theologically, God's Great Army underscores the themes of divine justice, sovereignty, and mercy. It serves as a reminder of God's righteous judgment against sin and His desire for repentance and restoration. The army's depiction as both a destructive force and a precursor to renewal highlights the dual aspects of God's character—His holiness and His grace. Through the lens of God's Great Army, believers are called to recognize the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the hope of redemption through God's sovereign plan.