BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

A dark cloud rises, swirling up from the horizon until the sky blackens with locusts. Billions of them. The seething swarm floods the land, leaving chewed, dry wastelands in its wake. Proud groves of olive and fig stripped to withered stumps. Lush pastures become cracked and barren ground. Golden fields of grain transform to ragged patches of stalks. There’s not a scrap of green in sight, not even a blade of grass.

So goes the memorable introduction to the book of Joel. The prophet uses the visceral image of a locust invasion to describe the coming “Day of the Lord,” when Yahweh will show up in a powerful way to confront human evil. Joel warns that God is sending disastrous judgment on Israel’s disastrous sin. Another bristling wave crests the horizon, surging toward Jerusalem in a ravenous swarm: not locusts this time, but enemy soldiers.

Judgment is imminent—but not inevitable. Joel reminds the people that Yahweh’s mercy has always been more powerful than Israel’s sin. If they repent, Yahweh will pour out rain that turns ravaged deserts back into gardens. Even better, Yahweh promises to pour out his life-giving Spirit. Watch the video to learn about the great and terrible Day of the Lord in the book of Joel.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Peter’s quotation of Joel 2:28-32 in his speech in Acts 2. How does Joel’s prophecy about Yahweh pouring out his Spirit shape your understanding of Pentecost?
• The description of God’s character in Joel 2:13 first appeared in Exodus 34:6, shortly after the golden calf story. What does that context reveal about God’s promise of mercy in the book of Joel?