The Written Prophecy of Joel
Quote:
By H. A. (Buster) Dobbs
I. Introduction.
A. The man.
1. Joel is obscure and little known.
a. He lived in Jerusalem.
b. He may have been a priest.
2. He was clear, direct and courageous.
a. A preacher of repentance.
b. Ranks high among the prophets.
B. The background.
1. Lived before the kingdom of Israel was divided.
2. Locusts invaded the land and destroyed the crops.
a. Locusts come during a drought.
b. The land suffered from famine.
c. Locusts consumed the crops.
d. The people suffered.
II. The Book.
A. Chapter one.
1. Joel spoke the word of Jehovah (v. 1).
2. Describes terrible conditions (vv. 2-4).
3. The devastation caused by the locusts (vv. 5-7).
a. Many were drunkards.
b. The locusts destroyed everything.
4. The conditions were insupportable (vv. 8-12).
5. A call for repentance and a national assembly (vv. 13-14).
6. A judgment of God (vv. 15-20).
B. Chapter two.
1. The drought, famine and invasion of locusts pointed to a
coming time when the nation would be destroyed by a
foreign invader (vv. 1-3).
a. This anticipates a division of the kingdom.
b. It points to a time when Israel would be ravaged by a
powerful foe.
c. It may also forecast the desolation of Judah.
2. The coming, but far off invasion, is irresistible (vs. 4-11).
3. Jehovah can and will save and bring future blessings
(vv. 12-14).
4. A call for national repentance (vv. 15-17).
5. Jehovah will answer with kindness (vv.18-20).
6. The prophet speaks of abundant blessings to come
(vv. 21-27).
7. Joel looks to the distant future and prophesies the spiritual
advantage of Messiah's coming kingdom (vv. 28-32). (Note:
this is the beginning of chapter three in the Hebrew Bible.)
a. This is quoted in the New Testament (Acts 2:16-21).
b. Fallings stars, darkened sun and moon, wonders and signs
are prophetic language describing the end of a nation or
economic order.
c. An early Jewish catastrophe and promised relief are used
to forecast the kingdom of Messiah.
C. Chapter three.
1. Opposition to God will result in final condemnation
(vv. 1-8) .
a. The prophet speaks of Jerusalem and Judah by which he
means the covenant people of God (under Messiah this is
the church).
b. The valley of Jehosaphat means the time of judgment. The
word "Jehosaphat" means "Jehovah is judge."
2. Joel explains this refers to the ultimate end of all created
things (vv. 9-13).
3. The prophet speaks again of terrible destruction by which he
forecasts the end of the world (vv. 14-17).
4. Indescribable joy and happiness for the people of God will
follow (vv. 18-20).
Shain1611

"SANCTIFY THEM THROUGH THY TRUTH: THY WORD IS TRUTH
(John 17:17)

And Jesus Speaking; " He that rejecteth me, receiveth not my words, hath one that, judgeth him:the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in
( John12:48 KJV)