Joel

Joel is similar to the pattern of the other prophets. The format of it is something like this. Yahweh promises judgment on Judah by a swarm of locusts (1:2-12). Then, He calls for repentance because "the day of Yahweh is near" (1:13-14). Next Joel describes the day of Yahweh (2:1-11). And again there is a call to return to Yahweh so He may relent from this disaster (2:12-17). In 2:18 the tone switches. "Yahweh became jealous for His land and had pity on His people." So all the way through verse 27 He tells them all the ways that He will bless them (note that these things are all in future tense). Now in verses 28 and 29 God does something amazing. Like in Ezekiel 36 He promises to give them His Holy Spirit, "even on male and female servants" (the lowest of the people). Next comes a brief description of the day of Yahweh, followed by this, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of Yahweh shall be saved." That is amazing. I think this is one of the few times I have heard something along those lines in the Old Testament. Then chapter 3 is God's judgment on the surrounding nations for their violence to the people of Judah.

I know this was short. I just wanted to give a brief summary of what was said. These are very short books so go ahead and read them as I go along.

All for His glory,

Mitchell