JOEL “The Day of the Lord”

Who Wrote the Book? Prophet Joel; son of Pethuel preached to the people of Judah Jerusalem, priests, temple, center of worship in Judah (Joel 1:13–14; 2:14, 17) Some content from:

Where and When? Date? (explicit; mention ruling kings?) (Likely) Aftermath of Judah’s only ruling queen, Athaliah (d. 835 BC). Left son Joash to rule (7), priest Jehoida ruled (caretaker) until came of age. Priests, temple rituals, and nations, such as Phoenicia, Philistia, Egypt, and Edom, that were prominent in the late ninth century BC. Points to a date of approximately 835 BC. Prophetic judgment on the southern kingdom of Judah, frequent references to Zion and temple worship (Joel 1:13–14; 2:23, 32; 3:16, 21)

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Why is Joel so Important? First to develop “the day of the Lord,” most striking and specific details in all of Scripture – days cloaked in darkness – armies that conquer like consuming fire – the moon turning to blood This time of ultimate judgment, still future for us today (2 Thess 2:2; 2 Pet 3:10), makes clear the seriousness of God’s judgment on sin

The Day of the Lord Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God… 2 Thess. 2:1-4

The Day of the Lord The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:9-10

What’s the Big Idea in Joel? Used well-known locust plague in Judah (dispense message of judgment and the hope of repentance) Joel able to brand message of judgment The day of the Lord, not single day but a period of judgment and restoration; 3 Features: – Judgment of God's people – Judgment of foreign nations – Purification and restoration of God's people through intense suffering

Day of the Lord & Redemption The Day of the Lord: 2:1–11* Return to the Lord: The Lord had Pity: The Lord will Pour Out His Spirit: 28-32* The Lord Judges the Nations: 3:1–16 The Glorious Future of Judah: 17-21

Water, grain/oil, restore years locusts

How Do I Apply This? Future visions (Joel, Rev) can often seem remote from our day-to-day existence Vivid pictures of destruction awaken us from our spiritual stupor (complacency?) Open our eyes to faithfully following after God every moment of your life The Judge and Our Redeemer is Coming!