“But Even Now” (2:12-14):

2:12–14 This is one passage in Joel where it is absolutely necessary that we understand what the original Hebrew says, because the NIV translation has missed the force of the opening words. Verse 12 begins with “But even now,” the “but” being translated from what is known as a waw adversative, and it is that “but” that is all important.

If God had not said “but” in human history, the human race would be lost. That lostness is pictured for us in the primeval hamartiology (doctrine of sin) of Genesis 3–11, where it is shown that we have corrupted God’s good world by trying to be our own gods and goddesses. We have made all human community—between husband and wife, brother and sibling, nation and nation—impossible. The good gift of work has been turned into drudgery; t…