LESSON 30 THE BOOK OF JOEL

 

This book stands as a warning of God's righteous judgment.  The time of this prophecy is unknown.  There is no mention in the scriptures of the time when Joel lived.  We see however a location of this prophecy, for the author mentions Zion, Judah and Jerusalem many times.  There is no mention of the Northern Kingdom, leading us to believe that the prophecy was given to Judah during the post-exile period.

 

THE AUTHOR

There are several Joels mentioned in the Bible.  The prophet Joel is only known by this book.  The Hebrew name Yo'el means "Yahweh Is God".

The references to Judah and Jerusalem suggests that the prophet Joel lived near the city of Jerusalem.  The first verse gives us the only scriptural identification.  1:1_____________________________________________

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We learn from this book that Joel was a clear, concise and uncompromising preacher of repentance.

 

CHRIST OF JOEL

The authenticity of this book shines through the prophecy of Christ sending the Holy Ghost upon the Church.

Acts 2:16____________________________________________________

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Christ is also declared as the one who will judge the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat. (3:2, 12)

 

KEY WORDS:  DAY OF THE LORD

This is the first time the expression "The Day of the Lord" is used, if Joel preceded Isaiah.  This phrase refers to the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem and its final and complete fulfillment at the last great Judgment.

 

 SURVEY OF JOEL

Joel is very descriptive about the awesome judgment upon the nations that rebelled against God.  He uses symbolic catastrophes and disasters to describe the coming day of the Lord.  In a nut shell he says:  If you think that natural calamities are bad, just wait until you face the judgment of God.

 

THE TWO DIVISIONS:

Coming Locusts         ( 1 - 2 )

Coming Judgements   (   3    )

 

COMING LOCUSTS   Chapters 1 - 2

The locusts are figurative and allegorical, describing the four invasions by locusts under four different names.  This corresponds with Daniel, representing the curses of the four national powers; Babylon, Persia, Greece and the Roman kingdoms.   Joel 1:4_________________________

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The prophet holds out the hope of forgiveness and blessings if they will really repent.  2:12____________________________________________

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The promise of the Holy Ghost which will stay with the Church until the last day (terrible day of the Lord) is foretold in 2:28.  In verse 32 the remedy is presented to escape and be saved.  "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered."

 

COMING JUDGMENT  Chapter 3

We have a forecast of judgment upon all nations.  First there is a summons to a battle of judgements in which God pours out His wrath upon these nations.  The book closes with final victory; spiritual Israel (the church kingdom) will prevail.  2 Corinthians 5:10__________________________

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