Author: Joel, son of Pethuel (1:1). Little else is known about him.
Date: Unclear but possibly just before the Babylonian invasion of Judah in 586 BC.
In Ten Words or Less: Locust plague pictures God’s judgment on His sinful people.
Details: A devastating locust swarm invades the nation of Judah, but Joel indicates this natural disaster is nothing compared to the coming “great and very terrible” day of the Lord (2:11). God plans to judge His people for sin, but they still have time to repent. Obedience will bring both physical and spiritual renewal: “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh,” God says (2:28). When the Holy Spirit comes on Christian believers at Pentecost, the apostle Peter quotes this passage to explain what has happened (Acts 2:17).
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
