The Minor Prophets are so named not because their messages were any less important or inspired but because their writings were shorter. Often God called them to deliver one specific message and then they went back to their vocation. Some are very familiar like Jonah. Others like Nahum or Zephaniah are not so well known. Over the next several study tips, we'll look at these short books and point out what makes them relevant and worth a closer look.We know next to nothing about the prophet Joel except his father's name. Scholars have combed through his words looking for clues about where he was from or even when he delivered his message, and they've come up empty-handed. All we know is that a swarm of locusts had destroyed the crops, and now the nation was facing a famine. God prompted Joel to seize this moment of natural disaster and warn of even greater calamity if the people didn't repent.
Joel is only three chapters and easily read in one sitting. It is straightforward with vivid imagery. As you read look for these things:
- The locust invasion is described in chapter 1. What is the outlook following this disaster? What actions does Joel call for the people to take?
- In the first half of chapter 2 another invasion is described. How is it like the locust invasion? Midway through chapter 2 what action is recommended to prevent a second invasion?
- The rest of the book describes God's response to the people's repentance. What do you learn about God from His response?
- A key phrase in the book is "The Day of the Lord." To what does it refer? Is there a single "day"? Many times, prophecy has a short term and a longer term fulfillment. Is this the case with the "day of the Lord"?
BONUS: Peter and Paul both quote from Joel. What do they say? Do they give new insight into the prophet's words?
BTW – I used some Scripture from Joel in Precedent. Next week: Amos and Obadiah.