Joel

Joel

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Joel was written by the prophet, Joel, son of Pethuel (see Joel 1:1).  It is unclear when this book was written; however, it has traditionally been dated 835 BC.  This is the date in which King Joash assumed the throne of Judah at the age of seven and Jehoiada functioned as both priest and ruler.  A great plague of locusts had destroyed the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  This plague foreshadows the coming day of the LORD.  The prophet, Joel, warned the people of Judah of God's impending judgment upon them; however, he also encouraged them to repent and turn back to the LORD with the promise that the LORD will restore them.

Character and Nature of God

God is judge and God will punish people for their sins.  However, God loves His people and He desires their hearts.  God says, "Turn to me now, while there is time.  Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.  Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead" (Joel 2:12).  Joel 2:13 states, "Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.  He is eager to relent and not punish."  These verses and others demonstrate that God really desires the hearts of His people.  God does hate sin and He will punish people for their sins if they do not turn back to Him; therefore, God encourages His people to turn back to Him so that He will not have to punish them for their sins.  Further, God is a Restorer and He promises to restore them.  God desires our hearts.  God has a heart of love for His people.  God desires His people to have a heart of love for Him as well.

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God will indeed bring judgment upon all people.  However, after judgment comes restoration.  God will restore His people!  For example, Joel 2:28-29 states, "I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.  In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants - men and woman alike."   God will judge all people.  God will restore His people! Finally, the book of Joel concludes with the following verses:

"Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, live in Zion, my holy mountain.  Jerusalem will be holy forever, and foreign armies will never conquer her again.  In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk.  Water will fill the streambeds of Judah, and a fountain will burst forth from the LORD's Temple, watering the arid valley of acacias. . . But Judah will be filled with people forever, and Jerusalem will endure through all generations.  I will pardon my people's crimes, which I have not yet pardoned; and I, the LORD, will make my home in Jerusalem with my people" (see Joel 3:17-21).