Joel, The Book of the Prophet

[He. Yoel “YHWH is his God”]

Courtesy ofAlexander Scourby(Bible Audio)The Book of Joel

Background: Ch1, he speaks of the devastation caused by a plague of locusts. This may have been a real event or a vision but in either case it is a symbol of the invading army which God will use to punish his people to turn back to God. (2:1-11) Joel calls the people to turn back to God while there is time and speaks of a special outpouring of God’s Spirit (2:12-32). Ch3 concerns a final and universal judgment. 3Chs

Author: Joel

Date: Difficult to say

Location: Judah (Southern Kingdom)

*”Temple of the Lord”, 1:9, 14

*”Zion”(a hill in Jerusalem, mention 7x)

*Several reference to Judah and Jerusalem

Purpose: To plead with God to end the plague of locust

Comparison:

Amos

*Mountains “dripping” with wine (3:18Am9:13)

*The Lord will roar from Zion (3:16Am1:2)

*The day of the Lord will be dark, not light (2:2, 10, 31; 3:15; Am5:18, 20)

Isaiah

*When “the day of the Lord” is at hand, the sun and moon will not give its light (2:10; 3:15; Is13:6)

*Pouring of God’s spirit (2:28Is32:15; 44:3)

*Joel “bear plowshare” for Armageddon (3:10), Isa., writing some 100yrs after Joel reverses it (Is2:4see Mi4:3)

Abbreviations: Joe./Joe/ Jl

MV: Condemned, Jn3:18 Mt12:37

Bib1Yr: Jn5,6Bread Miracle