|
lesson 27 JOEL I. BACKGROUND 1. Author - The prophet Joel 2. Date - Probably during the reign of Joash, King of Judah: 835 - 796 B.C. 3. Setting - A plague and a drought together in the land form the setting for God's warning of worse things to come and a call to repentance for the people of Judah and Jerusalem. II. PURPOSE OF THE BOOK 1. Key Verse: 1:15; 2:11-17; 27-29 2. Theme: God, through His prophet Joel, called Judah to repentance. God had demonstrated His judgment in a plague of locusts and in a drought, and now Judah was warned to repent to avoid future judgments and to turn to God to receive His blessings. 1) Past judgments were: a. A plague of locusts: 1:4-12 b. A terrible drought: 1:13-20 2) Judah was warned of impending doom a. A terrible invasion was near: 2:1-11 b. Salvation was possible if they repented: 2:12-14 3) Future blessings promised for Judah a. Judgment on the enemies of Judah: 2:20; 3:1-4; 12-15 b. Captives to return to Jerusalem: 3:1; 7 c. God to bless His people: 2:18-19; 21-27 d. Salvation promised: 2:28-32; 3:16-18 III. ABOUT THE MESSIAH Messiah was the agent through whom God's Spirit was poured out upon all flesh - 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-42 IV. APPLICATIONS - LESSONS 1. When troubles come God's people should first examine their need for repentance and crying unto God 2. Plagues and drought are minor and can be survived compared to the "day of Jehovah" 3. God responds to true repentance because of His nature 4. Blessings from God deserve gladness and rejoicing in Jehovah our God 5. If any one would not be put to shame, let him be truly one of God's people 6. Even early in the kingdom of Israel God planned for and promised better things, like pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. JOEL QUESTIONS 1. What did God mean by "rend your heart and not your garments"? 2. Did God lie when He said, "My people shall never be put to shame." and then later caused Israel to go into captivity? 3. When did God pour out His Spirit upon all flesh? 4. Is there any way to escape the punishment of God? 5. Are physical troubles, like drought and plagues, the worst things that can happen to people? 6. Do others ever listen to those who speak God's messages? |