What is God Saying to Us?

O. T. #2072 "What is God Saying to Us?"

Nov. 22, 2021

Introduction to Joel

The Word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. (verse 1)

 

I want to take this time and thank you for your faithfulness in joining me as we study the 12 minor Prophets. It is difficult to find encouragement during such discouraging writings. Yet, we know God is in control and we have a hope in Jesus, our Savior. May the Lord bless you! And if you have joined us recently, may we grow together in the knowledge of our gracious and merciful God.

Background

Author:

Little is known about this Joel who wrote these words in 3 short chapters and 73 verses. There are at least a dozen other men mentioned with the same name in the OT. He is mentioned in the NT in Acts 2.

The name Joel, pronounced Yow'el (Yo-ale'), means Jehovah (is his) God, in the Hebrew language.

The only background we have on this Joel is that his father was named Pethuel, which is mentioned no where else in the Scriptures. Other sources say that Joel was from the tribe of Reuben and from the town of Bethom or Bethharam, located northeast of the Dead Sea on the border of Reuben and Gad. It is hinted that Joel was a Judean from the Jerusalem vicinity, since the tone of a stranger is absent.

There are various opinions as to when Joel wrote his prophesies. There are no hints as to the world powers. He may have written them post-exilic prophets or during the reign of Joash (835-796 BC), which seems most convincing. Anyway, his message is timeless and can be applied in any age.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Apparently Joel was not a priest. His ministry may have occurred shortly after the days of Elijah and Elisha. That would have made him an early prophet of Judah. He doesn't mention Nineveh or Babylon, but does mention the Phoenicians, Philistines, Edomites, and Egyptians.It is possible that Joel could have written after the Babylonian captivity because the walls of Jerusalem are mentioned, so that would have placed Joel after Ezra and Nehemiah.

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Setting:

Throughout the years, Judah experienced droughts, attacks of enemies, and economic devastation, leaving them a weak southern kingdom.

Judah had become prosperous and complacent, taking God for granted. They turned to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel warned them that this kind of lifestyle would inevitably bring God's judgment.

Theme or Purpose:

A day of judgment was coming because of Judah's sins, resulting in devastation of the land (locust plague and drought) and the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD). The Day of the Lord will bring restoration, though. There is hope of the material, spiritual, and national restoration for Judah.

In verse 1, Joel begins his prophecy by authenticating his prophetic office. The words he wrote had their source in God. Joel did not seek this message. He was called by God. The King came to a servant and commanded the servant to comply. (Tony Evans)

What is God saying to us? Joel wanted the people to know what God was saying to them through those critical events.

Give us ears to hear Your Word to us in this time, Lord.

Open our eyes to see our sins, bring us to repentance, and change our heart so we honor You.

 

 

 

 

 

LET IT GO