Theological+Theme+of+Joel

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= = =Introduction and Background=

The main theme in the book of Joel is the Day of the Lord and Israel’s place in that day. The dating for the book is hard to place, because so little is known about the time period and the author. However, there are two possible time frames: pre-exilic or postexilic. Both these time frames are supported by the content of the text. Joel introduces himself as Joel, son of Pethuel. Nothing more is known about Joel, besides conjecture that he is connected with the temple, and lived near Jerusalem. =The Day of the Lord Begins=

Joel opens with a locust plague of seismic proportions. (Joel 1:4) Joel uses the plague to get the attention of a nation that he describes as drunk, a nation that has become complacent. Joel emphasizes the locust plague as the beginning of the Day of the Lord, and Israel will be judged first. Joel’s first prophecy concerning the Day of the Lord in 1:16 is congruent with that locust plague. From Joel we see that the Day of the Lord is not a single event, but a broad spectrum of events spanning thousands of years. The locust plague sparks the Day of the Lord in that is marks the beginning of judgment on the nations, of which Israel is the first. The next step in the Day of the Lord that Joel describes is mighty army that will destroy Judah. (Joel 2:7) Joel uses the same imagery of the locusts and the army to show that they both come from the Lord. =Israel Repents=

A reoccurring thought in Joel is, “ Who knows whether He (Yahweh) will not turn and relent   and leave a blessing behind Him.” (2:14) Joel calls for Israel to fast, and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. A popular practice in the Old Testament to seek the Lord’s forgiveness was to fast. However, due to the severity of Israel’s sin, a nationwide fast is needed if God is to be appeased. Joel calls for all Israel to fast; if some are not willing to come, they are to be dragged. (Joel 2:16) Israel’s doom will be very great, and Joel is trying to awaken Israel to their predicament. Although Joel does promise salvation for Judah in the end, their repentance does not guarantee immediate deliverance. = Future Events in the Day of the Lord  =

Joel looks even further into the Day of the Lord, to the day of judgment. In this foretelling, the Day of the Lord is not longer hidden, or limited to a group of people, but it affects the whole universe. (Joel 3:12) In context with Joel, the darkening of the sky suggests that creation itself will be undone. J oel ends the Day of the Lord with the promise of salvation. This salvation is not for Israel alone, but everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
 * Joel uses the fast to jump from the present judgment to the future blessings that await Israel because of the Day of the Lord. Israel is promised a complete reversal of their present suffering. As Joel opened with a cry for mourning, he now cries for rejoicing. [[file:///C:/Users/Ruth/Documents/Fall 2010/Minor Prophets/WIKI Article- Joel.docx#_edn8|[viii]]]  Joel also prophesies complete restoration for the land which was devoured by the locusts in chapter one. (Joel 3:18) Joel changes gears again, and focuses on the Day of the Lord that will not take place until after the resurrection of Christ. This sign of the Day of the lord will be the pouring out of God’s spirit on his people. (Joel 2:28) This prophecy is fulfilled in Acts on the day of Pentecost. By pouring out His spirit on Israel, God is reaffirming that they are his people.  [[file:///C:/Users/Ruth/Documents/Fall 2010/Minor Prophets/WIKI Article- Joel.docx#_edn9|[ix]]]  The fact that the gentiles also received God’s spirit implies that they are God’s people as well.   **

Unger, Merril F. //Unger's Bible Dictionary.// Chicago: Moody Press, 1957. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Limburg, James. //Interpretation: Hosea-Micah.// Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1935. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Limburg, James. //Interpretation: Hosea-Micah.// Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1935. Limburg, James. //Interpretation: Hosea-Micah.// Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1935. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997. Garrett, Duane A. //The New American Commentary: Hosea, Joel v. 19a.// Broadman and Holman, 1997.

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