JOEL [15-16 JULY DAY 197-198]

INTRODUCTION

The Book of Joel was written to wan Judah of Gods impending judgment because of its sins and to urge the people to turn back to God.

It was written by Joel, son of Pethuel to the people of Judah. Likely written during the time of Ezra-Nehemiah or from approximately 835-796 B.C during time of Joash, king of Judah. He quotes from Amos, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Nahum, Obadiah, Zephaniah and Malachi

Chapter 1 The past day of the LORD God allowed the locust plague (1 :4) as it is the day of the Lord (1:15). The desolations made by hosts of noxious insects is described (1:17). It brought the land to ruin was meant to bring them to repentance. God was getting their attention that what happened to Egypt when He delivered them could happen to them as well. He called upon the priests and himself to repentance.

Chapter 2 The future day of the LORD dark army bringing fire and fear with earth quake (2:10) and the Lord utter His voice (2:1) now in military might. Once again he calls upon the people to repent and he said how sincere they have to be about their repentance (2:12-17). Why should they repent? God promises mercy upon their repentance as He did in their past when they worshipped the golden calf. He will then bring about the pouring out of the Spirit in the latter days. that will lead to recovery and restoration with His divine presence (2:18-32),

Chapter 3 The prophetic future day of the LORD - Spiritual blessing promised for the prophetic future pouring out of His Spirit like day of Pentecost (Acts 1:4; 2:17) They will turn their ploughshares to sword (3:32). At the valley of decision, the Lord will judge those on His side and those otherwise (3:28) to bring about justice; taking vengeance over the nations, vindication for Israel and restoration of the whole world.