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Joel

Joel I. Joel’s Present Instructions: Based on the Locust Plague (1:1-2:27) A. The Occasion: the Locust Plague (1:1-4) B. The Instructions: Based on the Locust Plague (1:5-2:27) 1. Warnings in the light of the present crisis (1:5-2:27) 2. Warnings in the light of the coming conflict (2:1-27) a. Joel’s plea for preparation (2:1-11) b. Joel’s plea and prescription (2:12-27) II. God’s Future Intentions: the Eschatological Program (2:28-3:21) A. The Promise of His Personal Provision (2:28-32) 1. The outpouring of the Spirit (2:28-31) 2. The outworking of salvation (2:32) B. The Prediction of His Final Triumph (3:1-21) b. The challenge in judgment (3:9-17) 2. The millennial prosperity (3:18-21) Joel is the second of the twelve Minor Prophets. The book of Joel is set in the early eighth century BC in a time of great prosperity for Judah.2 Joel uses three easily identifiable formulas to convey his message to the people. What struck me about the book of Joel is his vivid writing style that includes the vivid use of simile and metaphor and the use of repetition and summary to reiterate his message. The main message of Joel is God’s offer of hope despite the present locust situation and if Israel repented there would be a coming day of God’s blessing.3 Joel is the second of the twelve Minor Prophets and was the son of Pethuel. Not much is known about Joel as a person other than what is contained in the three chapters of text, but it is believed he prophesied in Judah and was a contemporary of Amos and Isaiah.4 There is no date in the heading of the book, nor is any date in the body of the book, but the known data suggests the early eighth century B.C.5 The book of Joel is set in a time of great prosperity for Judah during the reign of Uzziah, the tenth king of the southern kingdom. The people were unaware that Israel was suffering both physically and spiritually. This era seems very similar to our era of today and was one of great expansion militarily, administratively, commercially, and economically. People were enjoying great success and taking it for granted. The book of Joel takes place when a great plague of locusts and a drought, like the drought experienced in Texas but much longer, came upon the people of Judah and affected all aspects of society. Joel’s writing style is significant and easily followed. It is very smooth, understandable, and identifiable. He used three basic formulas to convey his message to the people. The first is a warning-instructional pattern used in the first chapter to liken the invading locust situation as a judgment for sin.6 The second formula is one of an imperative statement followed by a reason to heed God’s warning.7 This pattern is used to call the people from the sinful state they are in and repent to God in preparation for the day of the Lord. God will then pour out his spirit to all classes with visions and prophecies. The third formula is a bit more complex and uses four parts: the first part is introductory, followed by a principle statement, then pertinent details ending with the closing formula.8 This third formula is used mainly in the third chapter telling of God’s future intentions to restore all that was lost to the people of Israel and call all others to judgement. I find the book of Joel very appealing and particularly like his very vivid use of similes and metaphors. I also like his use of repetition and summary because it continually reiterates his message throughout all three chapters. In the first chapter Joel uses verse 1:4 K.J.V. to call attention to the severity of the locust plague. “That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left; hath the caterpillar eaten.” He then compares the locust plague to an invading army and calls for the people to prepare for this invasion, in preparation for the day of the Lord. In the third chapter, Joel uses repetition to drive his message home in verses 3:9 and 3:12 respectively. “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.” “Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side.” The message in the book of Joel is straightforward and understandable. Joel offered hope despite present situation, if Israel repented there would be a coming day of God’s blessing.9 Joel had a deep concern for the people of Judah and understands the reasons for the plague and its purpose. Not only had the locusts taken over the fields of grapes, the nations spirituality had been overrun by the peoples own sin and insensitivity. Joel warned the people that the locust plague symbolized the coming “day of the Lord.” The people had a misconception that the “day of the Lord” was a vindication for them when Joel knew it would lead to certain demise. Joel appealed to all classes to return to the Lord with all their hearts. He tells the faithful to drop what they are doing and gather together for a sacred assembly in light of the impending invasion. The Lord will then take care of the people and restore what they had lost physically and spiritually and never allow them to be shamed again. The promise of the spirit was given to all people including the servants and handmaids, which was unprecedented.10 Joel then prophesiesss of the impending judgement day that will come for those who choose not to follow the Lord. Thus, the theme of the book of Joel is summarized in verses 2:1-2: “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; Yes, it is near, a day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness! Like dawn spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty! Their like has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant Bibliography: Bibliography Patterson, Richard D., Joel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 7, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein. Zondervan. Publishing House, 1985. http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/index.html. Trimiew, Anna. Bible Almanac. Lincolnwood. IL: Publications International, 1997. Heyford, Jack W. Twelve Voices For Truth: Minor Prophets. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 1995.

Word Count: 1089