Joel Introduction

The second part of Joel (2:28–3:21) turns to the future when the Lord will judge the nations and restore Judah and Jerusalem. By intertwining the concepts of judgment and repentance, Joel stressed that while that day will be utter blackness, God will hear those who call on him. The response of the Lord to Judah’s repentance during the locust plague therefore prefigured his response to all Israel in the last days. God will destroy the nations who have harmed Judah just as he destroyed the locusts, and he will restore the fortunes of his people just as he made up for the devastation of the locusts.

Joel tells us how God will make his Spirit abundantly available in the last days and be a refuge to all who call upon him (2:28-32; see Ac 2:14-39). Prophecy is meant to challenge God’s people to live righteously in the face of opposition and struggle. Prophets like Joel show us the cosmic dimensions of life. Joel also shows us that God is at work in all aspects of life; even disasters are a part of his plan. Joel underlines God’s control of the physical aspects of life in an age that increasingly seeks only scientific explanations. Such explanations may be helpful, but they do not explain why, only how.

Joel also teaches the importance of repentance and regular communication with God. The greatest tragedy of the locust plague was not the loss of daily bread but the loss of fellowship with God. Jesus reiterated the words of Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man must not live on bread alone” (Mt 4:4).