Introduction to Joel
The Book of Joel records of the prophecies of the Prophet Joel who probably lived in Judah just before the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. Joel probably followed Isaiah in his ministry and was likely a contemporary to Zephaniah and Jeremiah.
Joel’s message is an encapsulation of the message of the prophets to Judah and Jerusalem just preceding their fall to the Persians. Joel’s language indicates that he many have been a priest, and some of his words focus directly on the coming of the Christ. Joel may have been alive and living in Jerusalem at the time of its fall.
For such a short book, significant focus is placed on Joel’s highly metaphorical language, especially with regard to the invasion of locusts. While there are several interpretations of what those locusts might mean, ultimately, they represent God’s judgment against a people who had turned away from Him.
As with all Bible studies, commentaries or guided studies are useful resources to help keep the study on track. A good place to start is with the People’s Bible Commentary available from the Northwest Publishing House of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
All the verse reference links in this study are from BibleGatway.com.
This study is part of the three-year Bible study available from the WELS and begun on 1 January 2006 on this weblog.
Context for Joel 1:1-2:17
Joel warns the people of Jerusalem of their impending doom. Because they have turned from God and hardened their hearts, the consequences come upon them like a plague of locusts. Joel’s warning here reminds us of the warning Jonah gave to Nineveh, however unlike Nineveh, Jerusalem did not repent, and so was not spared.
Joel’s voice echoes like a clarion through the streets of Jerusalem, “The Judgment of God is near!†What is worse than that call is that no one appeared to listen. No one “rended their hearts†with remorse for turning from their God, and so brought the judgment that Joel prophesied on their own heads.
We have the same call echoing through our own faith. The New Testament is full of the call, “Behold, the Kingdom of Heaven is near!†In fact, the Kingdom of Heaven is upon us. The promised Salvation has come: the Word has been fulfilled. All that remains is judgment.
Why is this so important? Because now is the time for faith. Because now is the time for actions of faith. Because is the time to store up for ourselves treasures in Heaven before the treasures of earth are swept away in a mighty trumpet blast.
Make no mistake. We do not have time. Whether Christ comes today or in a thousand years, we may be taken any day through the events life throws at us. Once we are dead, the next step is judgment, and without faith, that judgment is final.
So, heed Joel’s voice. Produce fruits in keeping with repentance, so that you will not be found wanting when your time comes.
DLH
