SCRIPTURE JOEL 1
INTRODUCTION
Joel was the son of Pethuel who gave a detailed description of a severe locust plague that hit Palestine. He warned the people to turn to God in repentance. He announced that the “day of the Lord” was coming and would bring great judgment. He stated that our Creator is always merciful and will bless all who trust in Him. Joel has the vision of the power and right of God. He began by describing the terrible plague of locusts that covers the land and devours the crops. The devastation by locust is a foretaste of the coming judgment of God. His message called for the need of repentance and the affirmation of God’s kindness and blessings to all who follow and call His name.
AN INVASION OF LOCUSTS (vs. 1-20)
It is a wake up call for the drunkards and farmers because the locust came to invade the land. It has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness that laid waste to vines and fig trees. The fields are ruined, the ground and new wine are dried up, the grain is destroyed and the oil fails. The tress that the farmers planted – fig, pomegranate, palm, apple – are all dried up. The joy of mankind is withered away. (vs. 10-12)
A CALL TO REPENTANCE (vs. 13-20)
The priests are to put on sack clothes and call a sacred assembly and declare a holy fast. The elders had to come to the house of the Lord and cry out to Him. (v. 14) For the days of the Lord is near and destruction is coming.
SIGNS OF DESTRUCTION:
- Food, joy and gladness had been cut off. (v. 16)
- The seeds are shriveled beneath the clouds. (v. 17a)
- The storehouses are in ruins, the granaries have been broken down for the grain has dried up. (v. 17b)
- The cattle moan, the herd have no pasture and the flocks of sheep are suffering.. (v. 18)
- The fire has devoured the open pastures and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. (v. 19)
- The wild animals pant because the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the open pastures. (v. 20)
THOUGHTS:
FOUR INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY JOEL TO THE NATION OF ISRAEL:
- Hear and Tell – (v. 2-3)
- Wake up and Wail – (v. 5)
- Mourn and Grieve – (v. 8-9)
- Come and Cry out – (vs. 13-14)
“The day of the Lord” describe both the calamity during Joel’s day and the future judgment that would come upon the whole word. God’s “army” of locusts is a picture of a future army that would invade the land in the last days. Joel called the nation to repent and promised that the Lord would forgive and bless them. He also promised blessings in the last days when Israel’s tribulation would be ended.
The final event of “the day of the Lord” foreshadows two aspects. (1) the last judgment on all evils and sin. (2) the final reward for faithful believers. Righteousness and truth will prevail at the end. For those who trust the Lord, looking forward to this final day will give them hope to be united forever with Christ. Be sure to take the present opportunity to accept God’s love and mercy today!