JOEL: The Coming of the Day of Yahweh
Lessons From Joel
- The externals of religion are not to be regarded lightly
- God desires a broken heart
- Calamity tends to turn men and make them more willing to hear
- Those who live in sinful rebellion to God should tremble at the judgment coming
- God is merciful to all
- God will render just and severe judgment to those who refuse to obey
- The outpouring of the Spirit confirmed on Pentecost the Messianic age spoken of by the prophets
- God's people are under His protection and need not fear even in times of persection
Purpose:
To warn Judah of God's impending judgment because of its sins and to urge the people to turn back to God Author: Joel son of Pethuel Original Audience: The people of Judah (the southern kingdom) |
Date Written:
Probably during the time Joel may have prophesied, from approximately 835-796 B.C. Setting: The people of Judah had become prosperous and complacent. Taking God for granted, they had turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel warned them that this kind of life-style would inevitably bring God's judgment. |
Key Verses:
"'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD, your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and relents from sending calamity" (2:12, 13). |
Key People:
Joel, the people of Judah Key Place: Jerusalem Key Themes: Punishment, Forgiveness, Promise of the Holy Spirit |
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"It is in the face of this calamity that Joel urges the calling of a national assembly for repentance. Uniquely he does not mention and condemn specific sins either private or national, but he calls for rending of hearts as a contrast to external show of torn garments. It was no washing of the outside of the cup affair. Since the LORD is merciful, who knows but that He may relent. The priests are called upon to appeal to the LORD's 'tender nerve': 'Spare Thy people, O LORD, and make not Thy heritage a reproach and a by-word among the nations." —(Jack P. Lewis, Minor Prophets, pgs. 82, 83) |