Joel 1–3
Common Theme
God uses natural disaster and military invasion to call His people to repentance, but ultimately promises restoration, the outpouring of His Spirit, and final judgment of the nations. Joel moves from lament to hope, revealing God’s redemptive plan through both historical and eschatological events.
Questions
- What does true repentance look like in times of crisis?
- How does the promise of God’s Spirit and final judgment shape the way we live now?
God Shot
God is both Judge and Redeemer. He grieves over sin and calls for heartfelt repentance, yet He also promises to pour out His Spirit generously and to dwell in the midst of His people forever.
Deeper✝
Chapter 1
The word of the LORD came to Joel, warning of a devastating locust invasion affecting the land. Joel calls on the elders and inhabitants to witness this unprecedented event and to pass the story to future generations. The locusts have destroyed crops, leaving the land desolate and the people mourning. He urges the priests to lament and call for a fast, as offerings to God have ceased. The day of the LORD is near, bringing destruction. The land suffers from drought, and even the animals are in distress due to the lack of food and water. Joel pleads to the LORD, recognizing the dire situation and the need for divine intervention.
Chapter 2
The text describes the Day of the LORD, a time of impending judgment characterized by darkness, gloom, and a powerful army that brings devastation. It calls for alarm in Zion, urging the inhabitants to tremble as this day approaches. The army is likened to fire, consuming everything in its path, and its appearance resembles war horses charging into battle. The earth quakes, and celestial bodies darken in response to the LORD’s voice, emphasizing the gravity of this day.
Despite the foreboding message, the LORD invites the people to return to Him with sincere repentance, promising mercy and blessings. A call to gather the community for fasting and prayer is made, imploring the priests to intercede for the people. The LORD expresses jealousy for His land and compassion for His people, assuring them of restoration and abundance after their suffering.
He promises to remove their enemies and bless the land with grain, wine, and oil, leading to joy and satisfaction. The text concludes with a prophetic promise of the outpouring of the Spirit on all people, resulting in visions and prophecies, and a declaration that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved, highlighting hope amidst judgment.
Chapter 3
In the passage, the LORD declares judgment on the nations for their mistreatment of Israel, promising to restore Judah and Jerusalem. He will gather the nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat to hold them accountable for scattering His people and exploiting them. The LORD warns Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia of swift retribution for their actions, including selling the people of Judah into slavery. He calls for nations to prepare for war, emphasizing the urgency of judgment. The imagery of a harvest signifies the impending consequences of their evil. Ultimately, the LORD reassures His people of refuge and promises a glorious future for Judah and Jerusalem, where they will thrive, while their oppressors face desolation.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.