Joel

1.       First Impressions

·         Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

Joel is a voice God uses to speak to Judah. There is a debate about the time Joel lived and when it was written but according to Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible maps and charts Joel is traditionally dated c. 835 B.C around the time when Joash was placed on the throne (pg 241). Joel speaks about a time of a lot of previous prosperity in Joel 1:10, 17 and 18. The people were doing the religious acts (Joel 1:9/2:12, 13) but their hearts were not with God.

This results in their material possessions and religious sacrifices being taken away. The destruction Joel speaks of includes several disasters for example locust plagues, famines, fires, invading armies and celestial phenomena.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Through Joel one can see God’s justice in judging sin and yet his mercy in giving the people hope for restoration in the future. God requires us to act not from just our heads but from our hearts; we see this in Joel 2:12-13. Joel 2:13 also shows us more about God; “He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” In a strange way reading all the prediction of the destruction because of sin just again showed me God’s desire for people who obey and love Him. He wants intimacy with us. He is sovereign and will judge if needed but more than that He desires to have our hearts.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

So far the clearest I’ve seen God’s redemptive plan in giving us His Spirit to walk with us and guide us id the prediction of Pentecost found in Joel 2:28-32. It speaks of God pouring out His Spirit resulting in prophesy, dreams, visions and further into the future wanders in the heavens and on the earth. This prophecy is fulfilled after Jesus returns to God, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:16-21. This day is the continuation after Jesus being on earth and dying for our sin of “God with us”. At the core of God’s redemptive plan is man being reunited and in relationship with God; the Holy Spirit in us believers is a huge step towards this.