The word of the Lord came to Joel (Joel 1). Not a lot is known about this prophet to Judah who brought a word of warning to the people to bring them back to God. God’s intention through warning and punishment is to bring us to repentance.
Judah was afflicted with a plague of locusts (V4) that was destroying crops, but what was coming would be far worse (V6). Yet, beyond the immediate difficulties there would be a future that would make previous sufferings easy by comparison; the day of the Lord (V15).
This is speaking of the future tribulation which the Lord will bring in the last days and for which people will not be prepared because they ignore God’s word (Joel 2). It will be a terrible time (V11). The only hope is repentance (V12) and restoration from God (V19, 25) as He pours out His Holy Spirit (V28). Salvation will come on whoever calls on the name of the Lord (V32).
When the final battle takes place the Lord will judge the nations (Joel 3) in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (V12). God will judge and Israel will know that He is the Lord God (V17) and He will acquit them when the Lord dwells in Zion.
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