Joel Introduction
Introduction
It is hard to know exactly when the book of Joel was written. That’s because it does not talk about the rule of an individual king. But the purpose of the book of Joel is very clear. It was written to bring a powerful message to God’s people in Judah. Joel calls them to ask for forgiveness from their sins and return to the Lord.
The book of Joel begins by describing a swarm of locusts that has covered the land. These insects have eaten everything in sight. Then Joel states that the locusts are like an attacking army led by the Lord. The prophet states that the day of the Lord has come. And that day is a day of judgment. It is not what the people were expecting. The prophet Joel renews his call for the people to turn away from their sins. They are to do this through fasting, community prayers and heartfelt sadness. If the people repent, Joel promises that God will drive away the locusts. And that’s not all. God will give the people more than what the locusts have eaten.
Joel also speaks about things that will happen in the future. He states that God will destroy all nations that oppose his people. Joel tells the people of Judah that good things will happen to them. But these things will happen only if they repent. He states that God will give his Spirit to those who survive his judgment. And they will experience rich blessings when the day of the Lord comes.
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Joel Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
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