The Book of Joel was written between 835 and 800 BC. The setting for the book is the devastation of a horde of locusts that comes over the land and destroys everything, the vineyards, the fields of grain, their gardens and all trees.

The Book of Joel is a prophetic book that warns and calls the people of Judah (the southern kingdom) to repentance because judgment is coming against the nation for her sins and warns them of the coming of the Day of the Lord.

Joel also reveals God’s mercy and future restoration for those who repent and turn to Him. The prophecy has a near fulfilment and a far, even more devastating fulfilment that is still to come, it reaches all the way to the tribulation, also called, “The Day of the Lord”. Joel appeals to the people and the priests of the land to fast and humble themselves before the Lord and seek His forgiveness, if they repent God will forgive them and bless them spiritually. Listen to how God pleads with them:

“Now, therefore” says the Lord, “turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning”. So, rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. (Joel 2:12-13).

Many prophecies warn the world of God’s impending judgment. Again, Joel’s prophecies had a near fulfilment (they came to pass) and a future fulfilment. Many prophets have been warning the world, “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near!” (Isaiah 13:6); “For the day of the Lord is near, even the day of the LORD is near;” (Ezekiel 30:3); “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14. God has been warning us for thousands of years but most of the world is oblivious and uninterested.

Listen to the Apostle Paul: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3.