This is an example of the material on EACH of the Old Testament prophetical books that is presented in BBS#14: The PROPHETICAL Books.
JOEL
Prophet No.1 ... Southern Kingdom.
Before the Exile.
Pre-Assyrian Period.
If we are right in supposing that Joel prophesied some time about the reign of Jehoash, his was the first of the sixteen written prophecies. Nothing is known of the prophet himself further than what is stated in Joel 1:1, but his name, “Jehovah is God,” summarises the teaching of his book. The sphere of his ministry is equally obscure, but it is generally agreed that it was Judah, and most probably Jerusalem.
The prophet makes a locust invasion, which had left the land desolate, an occasion to call the people to repentance for their sins. He tells them that the invasion of locusts is just the forerunner of another – and more awful – visitation, “the Day of the Lord.” On the other hand, Joel tells the people that if they repent, Jehovah will restore to them the wasted years, and fill their cup with blessings.
THE DAY OF THE LORD
Joel uses this phrase (common among the prophets) “the day of the Lord” on five occasions: 1:15; 2:1,11,31; 3:14. It refers to that future time when God will pour out His wrath on the Gentile nations because of their sins against the Jews (Joel 3:1-8), and will culminate in the final battle of the ages around Jerusalem and in our Lord’s return to earth to defeat His enemies and establish His kingdom (cf. Revelation 6-19).
Outline of Book
1. PROCLAMATION OF THE DAY OF THE LORD: 1:1-20.
Joel addresses the old men (1:1-4), the drunkards (1:5-7), the worshippers (1:8-10), the farmers (1:11&12), and the priests (1:13&14) concerning the dreadfulness of their visitation.
2. PREPARATION FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD: 2:1-27.
When Joel blows the trumpet for the second time (2:12-17), it is to call the people to fast and pray and confess their sins. He expresses faith that the Lord will answer and drive out the army of locusts, restoring blessing again (2:18-27).
3. PROPHECIES REGARDING THE DAY OF THE LORD: 2:28-3:21.
This passage deals with time yet future.
(i) The Spirit of the Lord will be poured out before that day, 2:28-32 (a fact referred to by Peter on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2:16-21 - but to be fulfilled in the last days).
(ii) Judgment will be poured out during that day, 3:1-17. The nations which assemble against Jerusalem will be threshed as Christ defends His land, people and holy city.
(iii) Blessing will be poured out after that day, 3:18-21.
The prophecy points forward to that day, yet future, when the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh, when all Israel’s enemies shall be overthrown, and when Jerusalem shall be a praise in the earth. |
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