Welcome to Bible Fiber where we are encountering the textures and shades of the prophetic tapestry in a year-long study of the twelve minor prophets, one prophet each month. I am Shelley Neese, president of The Jerusalem Connection, a Christian organization devoted to sharing the story of the people of Israel. Joel is a slim three-chapter book, but there is a lot going on. This week we are studying the second chapter of Joel.
Joel 2:1-11 describes the terrible devastation visited upon the land by a locust swarm. Scholars differ on whether or not Joel is describing the same locust swarm that was presented in the first chapter, or if the second chapter is describing another even worse invasion. Joel 2:25 states that Yahweh will repay Judah for the “years that the locust devoured.” That verse points to more than one invasion.
Either way, in the second chapter, Joel lengthens his poetic stride and quickens his pace. His language in chapter two is more fervent, dramatizing Yahweh’s role as commander of what He refers to as “my great army.” It almost feels like Joel is amplifying everything he said in the first chapter because the people have yet to awaken from their spiritual stupor. This time Joel is explicit. There is no way to explain the unprecedented locust attack other than divine retribution. Joel 2 warns about the future Day of the Lord. If the people do not repent and turn to God, the present crisis will pale in comparison to what is coming. Joel quotes heavily from other prophets, which raises the question: how were the prophets influenced by each other? In the end, Joel’s petition was successful. The people repented, providing a timeless example of how a softened heart and humble spirit are the key to renewing a relationship with our Creator.
