the Third Week of Advent
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Bible Commentaries
Box's Commentaries on Selected Books of the Bible Box on Selected Books
The Locust Plague as a Symbol of Judgment.Chapter 2
The Coming Day of the Lord; Call to Repentance.Chapter 3
God's Judgment on Nations; Future Restoration of Israel.
- Joel
by Charles Box
THE DAY OF THE LORD
-- JOEL--
Joel is called the Pentecost Prophet because Peter quoted his prophecy on that occasion. ( Act_2:28-32 ) The book of Joel has been called a "literary gem." It is very fluent and polished in style. The name Joel means "Jehovah is God." About twelve men in the Old Testament are named Joel. This Joel was only identified as "Joel the son of Pethuel." Many of the prophetic books are dated by the names of kings or historical events that are mentioned. This is not the case with Joel. King's reigns or major historical events are not mentioned. Therefore an exact date for the book would be impossible.
Joel was from the Southern kingdom of Judah. He warned Judah of the coming of the "day of the Lord." ( Joe_1:15 ) The background of his book is a very serious locust plague. Joel considered this plague as a warning from God. It was a warning that if the people did not repent the "day of the Lord" would bring even more destruction. In the Bible the expression "the day of the Lord" relates to the doctrine of God's judgment. The day of the Lord came for nations when they received the punishment that was due because of sin. The final day of the Lord will come at Judgment. Those that died in sin can only say, "Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." ( Joe_1:15 )
