The Day of the Lord: Why Study the Book of Joel?

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, ²I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land— Joel 3:1-2

Introduction

God loves His people and wants to get their attention before it is too late. His method? Natural disasters like locusts and droughts. By turning, indeed, returning to the LORD, they will be restored and blessed.

The Book of Joel introduces us to the ‘Day of the Lord.’ For the unrighteous, it will be calamitous but for the righteous, it will be a great reward. In addition, we learn about the latter day outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the final gathering of rebellious nations to the Valley of Decision, leading to their defeat and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Hebrew Name of Joel

Yo’el means ‘Yahweh is God.’ The accent mark is on God and His majestic sovereignty.

Author of Joel

It is safely assumed that the author of the Book of Joel is Joel, the son of Pethuel (1:1). Just by the context of his remarks, especially involving Zion and the house of God, he is probably a Judean and Jerusalemite. He also seems to know about priestly things, implying that he may be a priest himself (Jeremiah 28:1,5).

Portrait of Christ in Joel

Jesus Christ has a twin-role: He sends the Holy Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21) and serves as the Judge in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (3:2, 12).

Theme of Joel

‘The Day of the Lord,’ in the past, current events, and the future Messianic kingdom. There will be judgment and also the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The plague of locusts in Joel’s day is a dress rehearsal to the the Day of the Lord, where God intervenes in world affairs, banishes wickedness, and sets up a kingdom where righteousness finds its true home. In addition to locusts, there is also plagues, famine, fires, armies of conquest, and signs in the heavens. In summary, for the wicked, ‘The Day of the Lord’ is their worst nightmare because they will reap what they sow; for the righteous, it is their vindication and reward of future blessing.

Key Verses of Joel

(2:11) And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

(2:28-29) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: ²⁹And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.