JOEL
Author:
Joel was a prophet who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. His name means “Jehovah is God”.
Date:
Some time about 835 BC.
Themes:
The great and terrible Day of the LORD; the warning that because of Israel’s sin that day will bring on them great destruction; that destruction will be like a devastating invasion of locusts; however, God will preserve Israel at that time and punish those who attack them. In Joel 2:28-29 there is the great prophecy about the Holy Spirit.
Contents:
The destruction caused by locusts 1:2-20
The Day of the LORD 2:1
The armies which will invade Israel 2:2-10
A call to repentance 2:11-17
God’s promise of help and blessing if they repent 2:18-20
A message of joy 2:21-24
Future blessings, the outpouring of God’s Spirit 2:25-32
Judgment on those who cause Israel’s suffering 3:3-16
A promise that blessings will come to Israel 3:17-21