Today, the lyrical prophecies of Joel, harbinger of doom, and messenger of hope.
God’s judgements
Joel 2:1-11
Exhortation to repent
Joel 2:12-17
Results of repentance
Joel 2:18-27
The great promise
Joel 2:28-32
Nations judged
Joel 3:1-17
Judah’s restoration
Joel 3:18-21
Jehoiada’s death
2 Chronicles 24:15-16
Princes backslide
2 Chronicles 24:17-19
Joash bribes Hazael
2 ings 12:17-18
Jehoahaz’s death
2 Kings 13:8-9
Jehoash
2 Kings 13:10-11
Zechariah slain
2 Chronicles 24:20-22
Judah defeated
2 Chronicles 24:23-24
Joash slain
2 Chonicles 24:23-24
Joash slain
2 Chronicles 24:25-7, 2 Kings 12:19-21
Joel speaks about the Day of the Lord - a common phrase among the prophets, but the first time I have heard it. You might think it’s good news - God’s going to come and sort things out, but it’s a great and terrible day. The locusts have become a human army now, poised to attack, and people need to cry out to God for mercy, then perhaps they will not attack.
Amidst the gloom Joel has the most amazing promise: God will repay his people for all the locust years - all that has been lost and devoured, and then he will pour out his spirit on everyone, young and old, slave and free. He finishes with a promise of restoration, invoking Jehoshapaht’s name, as the last good king.
Returning to history, we read about Joash’s fall from grace. As soon as the old priest Jehoiada dies, things go wrong. Jehoiada is buried with the kings, and rightly so, for he was the power behind the throne. Without him, things swiftly go wrong, and Joash even murders his son. Revenge is taken on him, and the Arameans launch a devastating attack. The locusts are coming.
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