afterward: i.e. after the "good bestowed" had begun to be enjoyed (Joel 2:21-27 for the nation had been restored under Ezra and Nehemiah; "the light had sprung up" (Isaiah 42:7; Matthew 4:12-16; Luke 2:32); "the days of the Son of Man" were then present (Luke 17:22). "Afterward" would come the days of the Spirit; and "this is that" which was area on "the day of Pentecost", when Joel 2:28; Joel 2:29 began to be fulfilled. Had the nation repented at the summons of Peter in Acts 3:18-26, "all things which God bad spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets" would have been fulfilled, including Joel 2:30; Joel 2:31-32, (S and R). Malachi 4:5 also would have been taken of John the Baptist if they had received it (Matthew 11:14): the Hebrew 'acharei-ken always referring to what follows.
I will pour out My spirit. Note the Figure of speech Epanadiplosis (App-6) used to emphasise the statement included within this sentence, and the repetition of it at the end of Joel 2:29.
spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9. This must be put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for the "power from on high", or spiritual gifts. See note on Acts 2:4. God the Holy Spirit cannot be "poured out".
all flesh. Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Genus), App-6, for all sorts and conditions of men, as described in the words which follow.
and your daughters. Women are not excluded from spiritual gifts.
prophesy. Not necessarily foretelling, but forthtelling, by speaking for God. Only such as were thus called and gifted could be His spokesmen. Compare Numbers 11:16; Numbers 11:17; Numbers 11:29. See App-78.