V1 We know very little about Joel; there is no reference to the kings who ruled during his ministry. Perhaps our approach to this book should be to see the longer term fulfilment of his words.
V2-12 The descriptions of the plagues of locusts.
V2-3 “Hear this,” for it is urgent; see v5, 8, 11, 13; 2.1,15; since something serious is about to happen, it is essential that the people take notice, and seek the Lord (v13-14).
V4-6 The repeated invasions of locusts may refer to the powerful nations, as foreign armies came time and again into Israel and Judah.
V7-11 There is devastation; first “my vines … my fig-trees,” referring to God’s people; laid waste, ruined, stripped off, thrown away; such is the effect of the attacks. The illustrations are mixed with the observations; grain offerings and drink offerings are stopped, priests mourn; the fields are ruined, the farmers and vine growers impoverished.
V12 Back to the vine and fig-tree, this time in the singular; and with other fruit trees. This is a reference to godly believers (Ps 1.3; Is 61.3), who have become fewer, see Ps 12.1. The godly could hardly be found amongst the people of God; no wonder the people’s joy has been lost.
V13-20 The call to repentance.
V13-14 Genuine repentance; a change of heart and deep felt sorrow. A reminder that tears are part of our life and ministry; Jer 9.1; Luke 19.41.
The priests and elders, leaders in the land, have to take the lead in repenting.
V15 The day of the Lord, destruction from the Almighty. This is described both by Joel and Zephaniah;
- a day of darkness and gloom, clouds and blackness, 2.2; Zeph 1.15-16;
- it is great and terrible, or dreadful, 2.11, 31;
- the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, His wrath, His fierce anger, Zeph 1.7-8, 18; 2.2-3;
- “the day I rise up for plunder,” Zeph 3.8.
The day of the Lord is followed by the restoration of the children of Judah, 2.30-32, Zeph 3.9-20. The gathering up of the church appears to precede the day of the Lord, 1 Thess 5.2-4; 2 Thess 2.1-4. Acts 2 presents a partial fulfilment of these events, but clearly that was not the day of the Lord as described here.
V16-18 The people have already endured some suffering, a foretaste of the day of the Lord. These things are no accident or coincidence.
V19-20 As the people depart from the Lord, Joel himself prays for them; here is his godly concern and example. He has seen that whatever has already happened, worse is to follow. His prayer is therefore informed and passionate.