Joel
The Book of Joel presents the LORD God’s response of mercy to Judah’s pleas for help.
RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize
SUMMARY
Title
The Book of Joel is named for its principle character, who is also its author.
Author
According to Joel 1:1, the author of this book is Joel the son of Pethuel.
Date
The Book of Joel provides no information for establishing the timeline. It lacks clear historical references.
Many dates are possible, ranging from the ninth to the second centuries BC.
Purpose
The Book of Joel presents the LORD God’s response of mercy to Judah’s pleas for help.
“Locusts”
In chapter one there are locusts. They are described in the past tense.
Then in chapter two there is a plague of locusts. They are described in the present tense. Regarding this plague of locusts:
- Is Joel writing about literal insects?
- Is Joel writing figuratively about a vast foreign army?
“The Day of the LORD”
Generally speaking, in the Bible, that expression describes the swift and decisive nature of the LORD God’s victory over his enemies.
So when the Book of Joel uses that expression:
- Is Joel writing about a particular historical event in the past?
- Is Joel writing about an eschatological battle in the future?
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
Joel 1:1. Joel introduces himself
THE LOCUST PLAGUE
Joel 1:2-4. Joel recalls the locust plague
Joel 1:5-7. Drunkards should mourn
Joel 1:8-10. The land should mourn
Joel 1:11-12. Farmers should mourn
Joel 1:13. Priests should mourn
Joel 1:14. Joel calls them to fast
Joel 1:15-20. The significance of the locust plague
THE UPCOMING DAY OF THE LORD
Joel 2:1-11. The Day of the LORD is at hand
A RENEWED CALL TO REPENTANCE
Joel 2:12. Joel calls them to repent
Joel 2:13-14. Step 1. Personal repentance
Joel 2:15-17. Step 2. National repentance
FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION
Joel 2:18-27. The LORD God will forgive and restore them
PROMISES OF A GLORIOUS FUTURE
Joel 2:28-32. The LORD God will renew and deliver them
Joel 3:1-16. The LORD God will judge the nations
Joel 1:17-21. The LORD God will ultimately restore Zion
MEMORIZE
Here are some great verses to memorize:
Joel 2:13. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment. (NAB translation)
Joel 2:25. I will repay you double what the swarming locust has eaten, The hopper, the consuming locust, and the cutter, my great army I sent against you. (NAB translation)
SEE ALSO:
Great verses to memorize from the entire Bible
JOEL
RESOURCES: Summary, Outline, Memorize
Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.