Highlights from the Book of Joel Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References Index Source Material ............................................................................... 1 Special Note .............................................................................................. 1 An Introduction to the Book of Joel.............................................. 2 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Joel .......................... 3 Locust invasion to strip the land; the day of Jehovah is near (1:1–2:11) ................................................................................................................... 3 Israel invited to return to Jehovah; His spirit to be poured out (2:12-32) ................................................................................................................... 3 The nations will be judged in “the low plain of Jehoshaphat” (3:1-21) 3 Joel – Outline of Contents ............................................................. 4 Why Beneficial ................................................................................ 4 Treasures from God’s Word .......................................................... 5 WT Library Highlights .................................................................... 6 Treasures from God’s Word Chapters 1-3 “Your Sons and Your Daughters Will Prophesy” . 5 WT Library Reference Chapters 1-3 .................................................................................... 6 Highlights from the Book of Joel Source Material This material has been sourced from the updated 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Additional personal research is encouraged. Special Note Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference. Page 1 Index Joel Highlights from the Book of Joel An Introduction to the Book of Joel Joel prophesied to the two-tribe kingdom of Judah during the ninth century B.C.E., and he appears to have recorded his prophecies about 820 B.C.E., in the days of king Uzziah. Joel was a contemporary of the prophets Jonah and Amos. The book contains three chapters and it warns of the approaching day of Jehovah. Chapters 1 & 2 mention a locust plague that will devastate the land, leaving famine in its wake. The locusts have teeth like those of a lion. They run like horses, scale walls like soldiers, and sound like chariots charging into battle. Although false worship flourishes in Jerusalem and Judah, Jehovah will not let the rebellious conduct of the people continue. Judah's only hope lies in repenting, and turning to Jehovah. Did you know? The Apostle Paul quoted Joel when he said “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved”. Calling on God's name involves knowing him, trusting him, obeying him, and putting him first in our life. In chapter 3 the nations are called to account for mistreating God's people. They are to be crushed like grapes and a wine press. Then Jehovah promises future Kingdom blessings, both physical and spiritual. In heaven, and on earth, all will be united in pure worship As you study the book of Joel note how those who make themselves enemies of God fare badly; how different the outcome is for those who repent and return to him; and, how Joel's prophecy finds fulfillment in the proclamation of God's kingdom. Page 2 Index Joel Highlights from the Book of Joel Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Joel A vivid prophecy emphasizing Jehovah’s vengeance and his mercy Written possibly about 820 B.C.E., nine years after Uzziah became king and about a century after Jehovah’s great victory over Moab, Ammon, and the inhabitants of Seir in the days of Jehoshaphat Locust invasion to strip the land; the day of Jehovah is near (1:1–2:11) The coming plague will be talked about for generations The vegetation of the land will be stripped so that grain and drink offerings will cease at Jehovah’s house Priests are told to mourn and cry to Jehovah for help Jehovah’s day is marked by a destructive invasion of “his military force” Israel invited to return to Jehovah; His spirit to be poured out (2:12-32) The inhabitants of Zion are invited to “come back” to Jehovah; he will restore their prosperity and protect them from “the northerner” Jehovah will pour out his spirit on his people, and he will give portents in the heavens and on earth before his “great and fear-inspiring day” Those calling on Jehovah’s name will escape during his great day The nations will be judged in “the low plain of Jehoshaphat” (3:1-21) The nations will be judged for mistreating God’s people They are challenged to prepare themselves for war against Jehovah and to come down to the low plain of Jehoshaphat; there they will be crushed like grapes in a winepress At that time Jehovah will be a refuge for his people Egypt and Edom will become a wilderness, whereas Judah will be inhabited and produce abundantly; Jehovah will reside in Zion Page 3 Index Joel Highlights from the Book of Joel Joel – Outline of Contents An inspired book of the Hebrew Scriptures written by “Joel the son of Pethuel.” (Joe 1:1) Virtually nothing is known about this prophet’s life. From his references to Judah, Jerusalem, and Jehovah’s house there, it may be inferred that he prophesied in Judah and perhaps resided in Jerusalem. (1:9, 14; 2:17, 32; 3:1, 2, 16-20) The fact that he mentioned “the low plain of Jehoshaphat” (3:2, 12) implies that he wrote his book after Jehovah’s great victory on behalf of King Jehoshaphat. But the exact period involved is in question. Why Beneficial 12 Some commentators have described Joel as a prophet of gloom. However, from the point of view of God’s own people, he appears as the proclaimer of glorious tidings of deliverance. The apostle Paul emphasizes this thought at Romans 10:13, saying: “For ‘everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.’” (Joel 2:32) There was a striking fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. On that occasion Peter was inspired to explain that the outpouring of God’s spirit upon Christ’s disciples was a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. (Acts 2:1-21; Joel 2:28, 29, 32) Peter laid great stress on the prophetic import of Joel’s words: “And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”—Acts 2:21, 39, 40. Striking similarities can be seen between the locust plague described by Joel and the plague prophesied in Revelation chapter 9. Again the sun is darkened. The locusts resemble horses prepared for battle, they make a sound like that of chariots, and they have teeth like those of lions. (Joel 2:4, 5, 10; 1:6; Rev. 9:2, 7-9) Joel’s prophecy at Joel 2:31, which tells of the sun turning into darkness, is paralleled as an event by the words at Isaiah 13:9, 10 and Revelation 6:12-17, and also at Matthew 24:29, 30, where Jesus shows the prophecy to apply at the time he comes as the Son of man with power and great glory. The words of Joel 2:11, “the day of Jehovah is great and very fear-inspiring,” are apparently referred to at Malachi 4:5. Parallel descriptions of this ‘day of darkness and thick gloom’ are also to be found at Joel 2:2 and Zephaniah 1:14, 15. The prophecy of Revelation looks forward to “the great day” of divine wrath. (Rev. 6:17) Joel also prophesies of that time, showing that when the great “day of Jehovah” comes upon the nations, those who call on him for protection and deliverance “will get away safe.” “Jehovah will be a refuge for his people.” Edenic prosperity will be restored: “And it must occur in that day that the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the very hills will flow with milk, and the very streambeds of Judah will all flow with water. And out of the house of Jehovah there will go forth a spring.” In presenting these bright promises of restoration, Joel also magnifies the sovereignty of Jehovah God and appeals to those of sincere heart on the basis of His great mercy: “Come back to Jehovah your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.” All who heed this inspired appeal will reap eternal benefits.—Joel 2:1, 32; 3:16, 18; 2:13. Page 4 Index Joel Highlights from the Book of Joel- Treasures from God's Word Treasures from God’s Word Chapters 1-3 “Your Sons and Your Daughters Will Prophesy” Anointed Christians share in the work of prophesying. They speak about “the magnificent things of God” and proclaim the “good news of the Kingdom.” (Ac 2:11, 17-21; Mt 24:14) The other sheep support them by participating in this work What does it mean to ‘call on the name of Jehovah’? • To know the name • To respect the name • To rely on and trust in the One who bears that name Ask yourself, ‘How can I support the anointed in their work of prophesying?’ 1 A severe insect plague (1-14) “The day of Jehovah is near” (15-20) The prophet calls to Jehovah (19, 20) 2 Jehovah’s day and his great army (1-11) A call to return to Jehovah (12-17) “Rip apart your hearts” (13) Jehovah’s response to his people (18-32) “I will pour out my spirit” (28) Wonders in heaven and on earth (30) Those calling on Jehovah’s name will be saved (32) 3 Jehovah judges all the nations (1-17) Valley of Jehoshaphat (2, 12) Valley of decision (14) Jehovah, a fortress for Israel (16) Jehovah blesses his people (18-21) Page 5 Index Joel Highlights from the Book of Joel -WT Library References WT Library Highlights Chapters 1-3 (Joel 1:1) The word of Jehovah that came to Joel the son of Pe·thuʹel: *** w07 10/1 p.