Joel 3:16

Jehovah draws near in a mighty storm; heaven and earth quake before Him: but His judgement lights only upon His foes; to His own people He proves Himself a stronghold and defence.

And Jehovah shall roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem Borrowed verbatimfrom Amos 1:2, where see the note. The figures of the lion's roar, and of the noise of thunder, are combined. The details of the judgement are not described; but it must no doubt be imagined that in the storm, and the earthquake accompanying it (see the next words), the nations are struck down and destroyed (comp. for the figure Isaiah 28:2; Isaiah 29:6-8; Isaiah 30:30-31). The fact that Jehovah puts forth His power from Zion, His earthly abode, and the sacred capital of the theocracy, is naturally a favourable omen for His faithful people.

and the heavens and the earth shall quake] Cf. Joel 2:10.

but Jehovah will be a refuge unto his people, and a strong hold to the children of Israel The terms used so often of Jehovah in the Psalms: see e.g. Psalms 14:6; Psalms 46:1; Psalms 27:1; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 43:2.