Joel – The Prophet of God
As I thought and prayed about what to study next, I came upon the book of Joel. I have to admit, I haven’t really heard a lot of sermons or teachings on this book. In fact, the book of Joel could very easily be overlooked. As I read through it, I realized it has a lot to say to us today. In today’s world, we are currently experiencing many things that challenge our faith and walk with God. We are confronted by issues and are involved in causes that, I believe, take our eyes off the important things. Even issues that are “good” can serve as distracters and can become our new gods. The book of Joel helps us focus on the main thing and if we can do that, then perhaps we would see a change in the lives of those around us. So, with this in mind, let’s begin with an overview of this important book.
The first question is – who is Joel? We actually know very little about Joel himself. We know he is considered one of the minor prophets. Minor, by the way, does not mean of lesser importance. It means the book is shorter, only 3 chapters, as opposed to a book like the major prophet Isaiah with it’s 66 chapters. We also know he was the son of Pethuel. The only thing we know about Pethuel is the meaning of his name: mouth of God and that Pethuel named his son Joel, which means Yaweh is God. From father to son we find a honed in understanding that God is the focus of everything. We know Joel is from Judah as his message is directed to the Southern kingdom, and we also believe he is from Jerusalem. Last, we know he has a familiarity with the priests and their work in the temple.
There is a debate as to when the book of Joel was written. There are those who hold to the early pre-exile date and those who hold to the later post-exile date. First the pre-exile date between 835-796. The clues we find for this date are as follows: there is no mention of a king so it could very well be that the prophecy occurred in the aftermath of Judah’s only ruling queen, Athaliah, and before her young son takes over. Joel also makes ample mention of priests, temple rituals, and nations, such as Phoenicia, Philistia, Egypt, and Edom, that were prominent in the late ninth century BC. Another key to dating Joel could be the locust invasion that took place around 845 BC. This invasion would still be fresh on people’s minds, so they would completely understand Joel’s point. Then there is the post-exile date of 538-500 BC. Those who hold to this date will point out the references to an exile, and, once again, no mention of a king. Regardless of the date, the book of Joel had a lot to say to the people of that time, and to us as well.
The book of Joel has three themes with the main theme being “The Day of the Lord”. What is the Day of the Lord? First, it is the day of judgment. There will be a judgment on God’s people and on the nations. In Psalm 7, we discussed the fact that God is righteous and just. “Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. The One who examines the thoughts and emotions is a righteous God. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who shows His wrath every day,” Psalm 7:9-11. The key verse for this point is Joel 1:15 – “Woe because of that day! For the Day of the Lord is near and will come as devastation from the Almighty.” Here we see that a righteous God will judge and His wrath will be poured out.
Second, the Day of the Lord is the day of deliverance. God is a Redeemer and will deliver and restore His people. This purification and restoration of God’s people will be through suffering, so they will have to return to the Lord. Hosea 14:1-2 says, “Israel, return to Yahweh your God, for you have stumbled in your sin. Take words of repentance with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him: “Forgive all our sin and accept what is good, so that we may repay You with praise from our lips.” When we return to the Lord, He will forgive and restore. The key verse for this point is Joel 2:28 – After this I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. Here we find, in God’s mercy, when there is true repentance, God will forgive and redeem.
Third, God is in the midst of His people. God’s character is covenant keeping and He promises to dwell in the midst of His people. This is prominent throughout the entirely of God’s word and stated, and restated, several times throughout Joel. Here are some examples: Joel 2:27 says, “You will know that I am present in Israel and that I am Yahweh your God, and there is no other. My people will never again be put to shame.” Here God has restored Israel after the locusts have devoured everything. Joel ends his book in 3:20-21 with, “But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. I will pardon their bloodguilt which I have not pardoned, for the Lord dwells in Zion.” Finally, the key verse for this point is Joel 3:16 – The Lord will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the Israelites. Yes, God, in His righteousness will judge those who stray, but those who return to Him will find refuge and strength.
If we are going to outline Joel it would look like this: 1. Locusts invade as a forerunner to the Day of the Lord. 2. Judgment will be delivered by a foreign army signifying the Day of the Lord has arrived. 3. God is always merciful and will restore the nation of Israel. 4. God will judge the nations and reside with His people.
So, in the book of Joel we will discover what it means to stand firm in the midst of the chaos around us. We will learn that God is a righteous judge and we must be ready for the Day of the Lord. And, we will learn, when we return to the Lord as a nation, He will redeem us and restore us.
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