JOEL CHAPTER 2: Peeking Forward to the Messiah

Read Joel 2 

Joel wants a trumpet (shophar) sounded to make sure the message about judgment is sent out and heard.  He wants to make sure that everyone is warned.  This warning is not because people were being attacked by foreign invaders, but rather because the Day of the Lord (the Day of Judgment) was approaching. 

The language indicates that the judgment will come upon Israel. 

The language indicates that judgment will then come upon all humanity. 

The image of fire is used in verse 3 which is a common theme in the prophets (see our study on Amos for further examples) to indicate judgment from God.  Two words are used: devour and burn to indicate the intensity and the consuming nature of God’s actions.  Ash is left.  Think of the word… extinction.  The words of verse 11 are also meant to show this as the rhetorical question is asked: “who can endure it?”  God does not lack power or ability or perseverance or intensity or cause when it comes to discipline and judgment.   

Mid-chapter in verse 12 (all the way to verse 27) we see God sending another message at the same time: 

“return to me” (verse 12) (verse 13) 

“fast” (verse 12) (verse 15) 

“weep: and pray (verse 17) 

The God of the Universe is not without the will and desire to relent (verse 14) when people repent and turn to Him.  This is literally the point of exasperated Jonah and is included at the end of most if not all, prophetic books lining out gloom and doom.  God wants to give grace and mercy for He is life-giving.   

Make sure when you read Joel, look at it as straightforward symbolism.  Joel describes a judgement coming on Israel, a reaction of their repentance, and a future Messianic Age fulfillment.  This pattern is present and how He deals with repentance.  This is how God operates: 

Judgment Warned 

Repentance Desired 

Judgment Given 

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Gospel Given (a warning to be sure!) 

Repentance Desired 

Judgment Given by Messiah 

Verses 28-32 are a direct prophecy of Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost.  On Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit like never before on people and showed wonders.  This is all in response to repentance.  God heals.  God restores.  God adds.  God gives His Spirit.  People deserve nothing and yet God gives of Himself because of His intent for humanity.  God will have His humanity the way He wants it according to His sovereign will.  People accepted Jesus Christ as Lord (33AD).  Judgment came as well (70AD).  This is a type and shadow of God’s bigger picture in the Messianic Age at the End of Days.   

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