JOEL LESSON 2
We will begin this lesson in Joel 2:1 "Blow ye the trumpet in
Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants
of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh
at hand;"
This is the call to worship with the blowing of the trumpet here.
The trumpet blowing is an alarm, that they must gather and repent of
their sins. Zion, many times, symbolizes the church. I would say it is
time today to blow the warning trumpet in the church. God will not
always look the other way for the abominable sins that are going on in
our nation today. Homosexuality, which God speaks of as an
abomination, is an accepted lifestyle in our land. Profanity is so
commonplace, even little children know the words. I could go on and
on, but you get the picture. Their trembling was because of the sins
they had committed. Our trembling should be for the same reason. Just
as John the Baptist shouted, Repent, for the Lord is coming, it should
be the cry of every Christian today. The Lord is coming. The "day of
the LORD" speaks of a time of judgement.
Joel 2:2 "A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds
and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a
great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither
shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations."
This darkness can be of a spiritual nature, or it could be dark
because of the number of locusts. There is a third possibility as
well. Matthew 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days
shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and
the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall
be shaken:" Perhaps, all three of these things are spoken of here. In
the physical sense, the locusts are so thick that it is dark as night.
The fact that they had eaten all vegetation would bring great
gloominess. Perhaps, the fact that there were 4 different types of
locusts at once was unique to this area. Darkness, both physical and
spiritual, comes with judgement from God. We must remember this is a
judgement from God.
Joel 2:3 "A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame
burneth: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind
them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them."
The magnitude of locusts, spoken of here, would easily turn a
garden of Eden into a very desolate place, as if it had burned.
Perhaps, the farmers tried to burn the locusts out, and the fire came
from there. It is possible, also, that God sent fire on the crops and
burned them up.
Joel 2:4 "The appearance of them [is] as the appearance of
horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run."
The noise these locusts would make would sound like many horse
hooves. They can destroy an entire farm in just a few minutes.
Revelation 9:7 "And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses
prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like
gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men."
Joel 2:5 "Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains
shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the
stubble, as a strong people set in battle array."
There will not even be stubble left, because the 4 types of
locusts even destroy the stubble. This is speaking of literally
millions of locusts. There would be a deafening roar from their wings.
This would leave the land in terrible shape, as if it had been
devastated by a fire.
Joel 2:6 "Before their face the people shall be much pained: all
faces shall gather blackness."
Some of the translators say this is speaking of a paleness that
comes over the face, when the blood runs out. Their hearts would fail
them for fear of things coming upon the earth. Thinking of it as
blackness, it could mean that smoke from the fire blackened their
face. It could very well be speaking of mourning, to the extent that
the face became black with death.
Joel 2:7 "They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the
wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and
they shall not break their ranks:"
This is speaking of them being in swarms that do not separate
out, but move as a unit. A wall would be nothing to them. They would
just go over it and destroy behind it. The wall might slow down a
natural army, but not these locusts. The movement across the land is
swift, and their destruction is total.
Joel 2:8 "Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every
one in his path: and [when] they fall upon the sword, they shall not
be wounded."
Normal weapons of war will be no help against these locusts. They
are so well organized, they do not destroy each other in their
conquest.
Joel 2:9 "They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run
upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter
in at the windows like a thief."
Their houses were not airtight, and these locusts got into the
houses, as well. There will be nothing safe before them.
Joel 2:10 "The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall
tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall
withdraw their shining:"
This is still speaking of the terror the locusts put into the
hearts of men. It is, also, speaking of the time of the end, when the
sun and the moon do not shine. At that time, there will be an
earthquake felt around the entire world. This near devastation that
Joel is speaking of, here, is a type and a shadow of that great and
terrible day at the end of the age. Mark 13:24 "But in those days,
after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall
not give her light," Mark 13:25 "And the stars of heaven shall fall,
and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25 "And
there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and
the waves roaring;" Luke 21:26 "Men's hearts failing them for fear,
and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for
the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Joel 2:11 "And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army:
for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his
word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who
can abide it?"
This could be the army of the locusts, or the army of the LORD
that is made up of all the believers in Christ. The weapon that each
of them use, is the Word of God {two-edged sword}. This army is
obedient to the wishes of the LORD. The answer is, no one can abide
against God. Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and
the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of
kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and
faithful. Revelation 19:11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a
white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."
Joel 2:12 "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to
me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with
mourning:"
This is for the near time of Joel, and for now, as well. God's
people must fast and pray in sincerity. The prayers must come from
our hearts, and God will hear and answer our prayers. There is such a
spread of A.I.D.S, that it threatens to wipe out many of our children
and grandchildren. This, in my opinion, is a judgement of God upon a
society that has gone mad. Only God can stop it. We must call our
nation to true repentance now.
Joel 2:13 "And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn
unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to
anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
There are several instances in the Bible, where God changed His
mind and reversed a curse. True repentance would bring this for Joel's
day and for ours. Exodus 32:14 "And the LORD repented of the evil
which he thought to do unto his people." Micah 7:18 Who [is] a God
like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the
transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his
anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.
Joel 2:14 "Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave
a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering
unto the LORD your God?"
God, perhaps, will stay His judgement, and instead of placing a
curse on them for their sins, will bless them mightly. He will restore
their food supply greatly. They will be able to, again, offer the meat
offering and drink offering daily.
Joel 2:15 "Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a
solemn assembly:"
If there is a possibility of the plague of locusts being stopped,
blow the trumpet and gather the people to repent. This is just as true
today. We must blow the trumpet, and cause revival to sweep across our
land, if we expect God to stay the plague of A.I.D.S.
Joel 2:16 "Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble
the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let
the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her
closet."
At this gathering, there would be no excuses accepted. Everyone
must repent. Even the babies and little children must come, and be set
aside for God's purpose.
Joel 2:17 "Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep
between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O
LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should
rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is]
their God?"
In this giant prayer service, the ministers should lead the
prayers. They must plead with God to show mercy on the people. This is
the same message Moses gave God at the mount, when the people had made
the golden calf. Exodus 32:12 "Wherefore should the Egyptians speak,
and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the
mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from
thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people." Exodus
32:13 "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou
swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your
seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of
will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit [it] for ever."
Exodus 33:13 "Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy
sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find
grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation [is] thy people."
Joel 2:18 "Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity
his people."
This is forgiveness on the way. This reminds me of the following
Scripture. Luke 15:20 "And he arose, and came to his father. But when
he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion,
and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
Joel 2:19 "Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people,
Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be
satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the
heathen:"
They did not deserve it, but God forgave them, and restored their
land.
Joel 2:20 "But I will remove far off from you the northern
[army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his
face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea,
and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because
he hath done great things."
God drives the enemy out, and the curse is over.
Joel 2:21 "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD
will do great things."
With the blessings of God upon the land, it will bloom again. The
crops will be abundant. It will rain at the needed time, and they will
prosper.
Joel 2:22 "Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the
pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit,
the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength."
All natural vegetation springs forth to feed the beasts of the
field. The fruit trees will abundantly produce fruit, and the vines
will bring forth in strength.
Joel 2:23 "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the
LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and
he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the
latter rain in the first [month]."
There is a double meaning here. In the natural, there will be two
rains to make the crops grow. This, however, is, also, speaking to the
church {Zion}. The former rain was the outpouring of the Spirit at
Pentecost. The latter rain happens at the end of the age. This is a
mightier outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh.
Joel 2:24 "And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats
shall overflow with wine and oil."
In this, we see the results of the abundant rain on the crops.
This is, also, speaking of the abundance of the Spirit bringing many
into the kingdom of God. Wheat symbolizes the Christians. Wine and oil
symbolize the Holy Spirit of God.
Joel 2:25 "And I will restore to you the years that the locust
hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm,
my great army which I sent among you."
This is speaking of all that the locusts destroyed, being
restored. God miraculously does it.
Joel 2:26 "And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and
praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with
you: and my people shall never be ashamed."
Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto
us." Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Joel 2:27 "And ye shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel,
and [that] I [am] the LORD your God, and none else: and my people
shall never be ashamed."
Revelation 21:3 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with
them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with
them, [and be] their God."
Joel 2:28 "And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will
pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters
shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall
see visions:"
The following is a confirmation of this very Scripture. Acts 2:16
"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;" Acts 2:17 "
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out
of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall
dream dreams:" It was very important for this to be in two different
Scriptures, because by two a thing is established. The word that
prophecy was translated from means to speak by inspiration. This is
made available to all flesh, male and female. We can see from this
that spiritual dreams and visions are, also, from God.
Joel 2:29 "And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in
those days will I pour out my spirit."
Notice the word "pour". This is speaking of an abundace, not just
a few drops. It is a gift from God to His followers.
Joel 2:30 "And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the
earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke."
Matthew 24:7 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places." Matthew 24:29 "Immediately after the
tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon
shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and
the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:"
Joel 2:31 "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon
into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come."
Mark 13:24 "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun
shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light," Mark 13:25
"And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven
shall be shaken." The very best thing a Christian can do, is be ready
to meet their Lord. We are not to fear these things, but rejoice when
they happen, because our redemption is near. Luke 21:28 "And when
these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
Joel 2:32 "And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call
on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in
Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the
remnant whom the LORD shall call."
What a wonderful promise, that God will save everyone who calls
upon His name. Notice Zion, which is the church. It is spoken of
separately from Jerusalem, which represents the physical house of
Israel. The remnant, here, is the 144,000 natural Jews that turn to
the LORD. The Christians are the large number beyond counting.
Revelation 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount
Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his
Father's name written in their foreheads."
Notice, the Father's name is written in the foreheads of natural
Israel, who have turned to the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude,
which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people,
and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands;"
These are the Christians {spiritual Israel}. They are dressed in
white robes washed in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 "And I
said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they
which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Praise God! there is hope.
Joel 2 Questions
1. Quote verse 1 of Joel chapter 2.
2. What is this a call to do?
3. Zion, many times, symbolizes the _________.
4. God classifies homosexuality as an ______________.
5. Why were they trembling?
6. What should be the cry of every Christian today?
7. What does the "day of the LORD" speak of?
8. What is this day like?
9. Quote Matthew chapter 24 verse 29.
10. Darkness, both physical and spiritual, comes with __________ from
God.
11. What is verse 4 speaking of?
12. Quote Revelation chapter 9 verse 7.
13. What was like the noise of chariots?
14. Describe the faces of the people.
15. Quote Joel chapter 2 verse 10.
16. Quote Mark chapter 13 verses 24 and 25.
17. Quote Luke chapter 21 verses 25 and 26.
18. Who makes up the army of the LORD?
19. What are their weapons?
20. Quote Revelation chapter 17 verse 14.
21. Quote Revelation chapter 19 verse 11.
22. What must God's people do?
23. How bad is the disease A.I.D.S.?
24. Rend your _______, and not your garments.
25. Where do we find that God repented and forgave His people?
26. If God repents and turns again to the people, what will He leave
them?
27. Quote Joel chapter 2 verse 15.
28. Who must repent?
29. Quote Luke chapter 15 verse 20.
30. Why are the beasts of the field told not to be afraid?
31. What does verse 23 promise God will do?
32. What are the two meanings of this Scripture?
33. When was the former rain fulfilled?
34. Wheat symbolizes the ________.
35. Wine and oil symbolize the ______ _______.
36. Quote Romans chapter 5 verse 5.
37. Quote Revelation chapter 21 verse 3.
38. God will pour out of His Spirit upon ______ flesh.
39. Why was it important for there to be a confirmation of this
Scripture?
40. What does the word that prophecy was translated from, mean?
41. Quote Joel chapter 2 verse 30.
42. When will the sun turn into darkness and the moon into blood?
43. What attitude should the Christian have at this time?
44. What promise did God make about who would be saved in verse 32?
45. Who are the multitude in verse 9 of Revelation chapter 7?
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