JOEL 1

DESTRUCTION IS COMING UPON JERUSALEM 

The prophet Joel warns the Israelites of the coming “Day of the Lord,” a time when God will intervene to bring judgment and justice to the Earth. In this warning, Joel vividly describes a locust swarm invading and attacking Israel. The description of this infestation uses similar language as Exodus 10, when a plague of locusts was sent upon Israel’s oppressors, the Egyptians.

Through Joel, God warns that a great swarm of locusts will cause devastation to the land, comparing the locusts to an attacking army. To explain the total destruction that would occur, Joel describes the vines being stripped and the fig trees withering due to the locusts. Although it is possible that these are literal locusts, it is likely that this imagery is used to describe an army or foreign nation swarming into Jerusalem.

Because of this agricultural upheaval, the people will not have any food or crops to provide for their families or for offerings to God. Everyone in Jerusalem will suffer from this impending judgment. Joel calls for lamenting among the nation as a sign of repentance and mourning.

JOEL 2

GOD WILL BOTH JUDGE + RESTORE HIS PEOPLE 

Joel continues his warning of a future Day of the Lord, including military-like depictions of destruction. God will send an invading army upon Jerusalem, who has sinned and turned away from God. Joel wonders if anyone will be able to endure God’s wrath.

Joel calls for repentance among the people, begging for the Israelites to submit their hearts towards God instead of ripping their garments in a religious act of mourning. God does not want false religiosity or showy behavior; He desires a heart-level response from His people.

Joel remembers God’s trustworthy character and references Exodus 34:6-7, recalling that God is slow to anger and full of steadfast love. He believes that although there is desolate wilderness in the Israelite’s past, there will be a fruitful garden in their future.

God responds to the people and shows pity towards them, providing them food and protection. He reveals His abundant nature by returning the rain for the crops, filling the threshing floors with wheat, and overflowing the vats with wine. God’s restoration includes a complete reversal of the locust damage, showing how He will renew Jerusalem physically and spiritually (Joel 2:25).

God tells of a future time when He will pour out His Spirit among His people, which is fulfilled in Acts 2 and is known as Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within God’s people.