“Return to the Lord your God”
Joel is a difficult book to date and, depending on the scholar, can be placed as early as 900 BC to as late as 400 BC. In addition, there is not much information about the prophet himself. His name means “Jehovah is God,” and we do know from the book that he is “the son of Pethuel.” Although we aren’t given enough details to know the date for certain or very much about Joel, his message remains as timely today as to his audience at the time.
Joel is prophesying after a major locust plague has destroyed the land and crops. Joel is using this plague as a reminder to return to the Lord – harkening back to the curses listed in Deuteronomy by Moses which would descend if the people did not remain true to God (Deut. 28:38-42).
Locusts are related to the grasshopper but have larger hind legs. The desert locust is the breed common in the Middle East, and plagues of them have also been common throughout time in this area. The following quote from National Geographic can help us understand exactly how devastating these plagues can be:
As the book of Joel begins, it is clear that this type of plague has occurred, but what is unclear is if the language in chapter two is also related to this locust plague or is referring to a physical army that will be invading. The descriptive language creates an appalling image that includes darkness and gloom (2:2), devouring fire (2:3), and earthquakes (2:10).
Joel mentions the “Day of the Lord” several times throughout the book, and this appears to refer to two different types of judgment. The first is the local judgment placed on the Israelites in the form of a locust plague and invading army. The second refers to the final Day of the Lord – the day of judgment. The book is divided into two primary sections. The first is the prophet speaking and discussing the current and present trials. The second is the Lord speaking and promising the restoration that is possible.
In chapter 1, Joel includes what appears to be a life cycle of the locusts and the damage by one stage is compounded by the next stage. This has left the land and people bereft of any luxuries as well as necessities. It doesn’t even appear that there are enough resources to make grain and drink offerings (1:13). Joel calls the people to repentance and fasting, hoping that this physical devastation will cause a spiritual renewal. Chapter 2 opens with a description of the day of the Lord where the land that originally looked like the garden of Eden is now laid waste after the coming of an army (2:3). Again, Joel urges the people to repent with fasting, weeping, and mourning. However, he makes clear that their hearts are of primary concern when he says, “rend your hearts and not your garments” (2:13). He goes on to say, “Who knows whether He will not turn and relent” but does also remind them of God’s steadfast love and willingness to relent in the past (2:13-14). At the end of chapter 2, the Lord has pity on His people and answers with the promise of blessings. He then gives the promise of the Holy Spirit which is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Finally, in chapter 3, the judgment of all nations is described. Depending on your relationship with the Lord, this day will be a fearful thing, or you will find refuge in the Lord (3:16).
Depending on your age and location in the world, you most likely have some point of reference of a major disaster. In the United States, some can remember where they were when JFK was shot, or the Challenger spaceship exploded, or the Twin Towers collapsed. In more recent years, many probably have a memory of when their local areas shut down from COVID concerns. Regardless of your specific example, this is similar to the disaster Joel is referring to at the opening of his book – it is a disaster that they will tell their children and their children’s children about. Joel wanted the people to turn to the Lord in light of this disaster – but the issue is that if we only turn to the Lord during times of disaster, the change will not last. Instead, we need to remember the character of God that Joel describes and follow the Lord because of who He is and the rich spiritual change and renewal He can provide. Local judgments may come, but our refuge is found in God. A final day of the Lord awaits, but He is the stronghold for those who call to Him. May we remember and apply the word of Joel not just in time of distress, but every day of our lives.
