Tuesday, March 11 – Joel 1, 2

1. Name the four stages of development of the locusts that invaded the land of Israel. (Joel 1:4)

2. Why did the priests lament, and the altar ministers weep? (Joel 1:13)

3. What urgent call does the prophet make to the people of Israel? (Joel 2:1)

4. What characteristics should the conversion to which the Lord calls have? (Joel 2:12)

The book of Joel is the second of the Minor Prophets. Its date of composition is uncertain, but some scholars place it between the ninth and seventh centuries B.C. The prophet’s message is a call to reformation, beginning with a picture of judgment and ending with a promise of restoration. Joel emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and highlights the blessings of faithfulness to God.

The book also contains prophecies about “the day of the Lord” (Joel 1:15), which are cited by other prophets and are relevant to the end times. Joel’s prophecy can be divided into two sections:

1. Adversity and the call to repentance (1:1-2:17)

2. The promise of deliverance and restoration (2:18-3:21).

The name Joel means “The Lord is God.” The locust plague devastated Judah, bringing famine and economic ruin. The destruction was so severe that it would be recounted to future generations.

The prophet urges the nation to mourn over the devastation with the intensity of a widow. The crisis was so severe that there was not even enough offerings in the temple.

Joel calls the religious leaders and the people to repentance through:

• Fasting: Prioritizing God over physical needs.
• Assembly: Uniting in prayer and repentance.
• Elders: Leaders must take the initiative.
• Crying out to the Lord: Seeking divine mercy.

The “Day of the Lord” represents divine judgment. In a broad sense, it refers to the final judgment day, but it also includes intermediate judgments, such as the locust plague and the drought. The prophecy is also linked to the great tribulation before Christ’s return.

In Joel 2, the prophet describes a future invasion by a devastating army, likened to locusts. This event is part of the “Day of the Lord.” When people are right with God, they anticipate His day with joy; if they are in sin, they fear it.

The prophet calls the people to sincere repentance—to turn to God and away from sin, to repent with all their hearts, and to demonstrate it through action (fasting) and emotion (weeping and mourning).

Joel 2:13 says, “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” We approach God with confidence in His love and forgiveness. Not His judgment motivates repentance but His goodness (Romans 2:4). (Bennett, A. A New Heart)
Joel anticipates a tremendous outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was partially fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2). God will restore both material and spiritual blessings to His people. The prophet also foretells catastrophic events in the heavens and on earth before the “great and terrible day of the Lord,” but he assures that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:32).

The promises made to Israel are fulfilled in spiritual Israel, the church. The exhortations to turn to God wholeheartedly, to rend the heart and not just garments, to proclaim a day of repentance and prayer, to gather the people to seek God, and to cry out to Him in humility remain relevant.

If we heed this call, God will bless us. We will rejoice in the Lord (Joel 2:23), receive the “former and latter rain” of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:23, 28), see signs of His power on earth and in heaven (Joel 2:30), and we will be part of the faithful remnant (Joel 2:32).

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24)

May you have a blessed and prosperous day!