The Book of Joel

The Book of Joel is a very dynamic text that makes use of words to create lifelike images. Chapter one describes the nation of Israel as their land is devastated by locusts and drought. The chapter offers a wealth of visuals as it speaks of the nation's resources, such as its grain and water supply, being overtaken by natural disasters. But the reader can also hear grief and despair in the writing. "Wail like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the bridegroom of her yourth...Be ashamed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers...rejoicing
dries up from the sons of men." These are the words used to describe Israel's overwhelming lamentation
for their ruined land. In chapter two, the reader senses the fear of an entire city as it is invaded by an enemy army. "When they burst through the defenses, they do not break ranks. They rush on the city, they run on the wall; They enter through the windows like a thief." Then, later in the same chapter, we are given a picture of hope as the Lord promises to provide deliverence for His people. At one spot in the chapter it says, "Then the Lord will be zealous for His land and will have pity on His people. Then later it adds, "And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls."
Though Israel has failed to be faithful to God over the last thousands of years up to this point and though the consequences of their actions are meted out through horrific judgements, He offers them the opportunity to repent of their transgressions and follow Him once more.