Joel 1
BSB1 This is the word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel: 2 Hear this, O elders; and give ear, all who dwell in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. 4 What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten. 5 Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness. 7 It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white. 8 Wail like a virgin dressed in sackcloth, grieving for the husband of her youth. 9 Grain and drink offerings have been cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests are in mourning, those who minister before the LORD. 10 The field is ruined; the land mourns. For the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, and the oil fails. 11 Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The grapevine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple— all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up. 13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. 15 Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty. 16 Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes— joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away. 18 How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. 19 To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. 20 Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
Study Notes — Joel 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joel 1
- Themes from Joel 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Joel 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a description of the locust plague that has ravaged the land, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake (Joel 1:1-4). The prophet then calls the people to repentance, urging them to return to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning (Joel 1:5-14). He warns of the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and destruction that will come upon the nation if they do not turn back to God (Joel 1:15). The chapter concludes with a plea for the people to cry out to the Lord, seeking His mercy and forgiveness (Joel 1:19-20).
Context for the Chapter
Joel chapter 1 is part of the book of Joel, a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The chapter is set in the context of the kingdom of Judah, during a time of spiritual decline and moral corruption. The prophet Joel is calling the people to repentance, warning them of the dangers of ignoring God's law and turning away from His mercy. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy in the face of judgment and disaster.
Heart Application
As we read Joel chapter 1, we are reminded of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in our own lives. We are urged to examine our hearts, turning away from sin and seeking the Lord with humility and repentance. May we learn from the example of the prophet Joel, crying out to God for mercy and pleading for His forgiveness on behalf of ourselves and our nation.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Joel chapter 1 is about a devastating locust plague that hits the land of Judah, serving as a call to repentance for the people. The prophet Joel urges the people to return to the Lord, seeking His mercy and forgiveness (Joel 1:13). The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster, and reminds us of the need to examine our hearts and turn away from sin.
Voices from the Church
“The locusts of Joel's day were a type of the judgments of God, and the prophet's call to repentance is a reminder of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Day of the Lord is a time of judgment and destruction, but it is also a time of mercy and redemption for those who seek God with humble hearts.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Locust Plague (1:1-4) — The chapter begins with a description of the locust plague that has ravaged the land, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
- The Call to Repentance (1:5-14) — The prophet Joel urges the people to return to the Lord, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
- The Day of the Lord (1:15) — The prophet warns of the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and destruction that will come upon the nation if they do not turn back to God.
- The Plea for Mercy (1:19-20) — The prophet Joel pleads for God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people, seeking to avert further judgment.
- Conclusion (1:1-20) — The chapter concludes with a call to repentance and a plea for God's mercy, emphasizing the importance of seeking the Lord with humble hearts.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The locust plague that devastates the land is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power, reminding us of His control over all things.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The prophet Joel's call to repentance emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster.
- The Day of the Lord
- The Day of the Lord is a time of judgment and destruction, but it is also a time of mercy and redemption for those who seek God with humble hearts.
- The Mercy of God
- The prophet Joel's plea for God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people reminds us of God's loving-kindness and compassion towards those who seek Him.
Lessons from Joel 1
- The Importance of Repentance — The prophet Joel's call to repentance reminds us of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster.
- The Sovereignty of God — The locust plague that devastates the land is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power, reminding us of His control over all things.
- The Day of the Lord — The Day of the Lord is a time of judgment and destruction, but it is also a time of mercy and redemption for those who seek God with humble hearts.
- The Mercy of God — The prophet Joel's plea for God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people reminds us of God's loving-kindness and compassion towards those who seek Him.
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God with humble hearts, turning away from sin and seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
Themes from Joel 1
- Judgment and Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster and sin.
- The Sovereignty of God — The locust plague that devastates the land is a demonstration of God's sovereignty and power, reminding us of His control over all things.
- The Day of the Lord — The Day of the Lord is a time of judgment and destruction, but it is also a time of mercy and redemption for those who seek God with humble hearts.
- The Mercy of God — The prophet Joel's plea for God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people reminds us of God's loving-kindness and compassion towards those who seek Him.
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God with humble hearts, turning away from sin and seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the locust plague in Joel chapter 1, and how does it relate to the call to repentance?
- How does the prophet Joel's call to repentance apply to our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to seek God's mercy and forgiveness?
- What is the Day of the Lord, and how does it relate to the themes of judgment and redemption in Joel chapter 1?
- How does the prophet Joel's plea for God's mercy and forgiveness on behalf of the people remind us of God's loving-kindness and compassion?
- What are some ways we can apply the lessons of Joel chapter 1 to our own lives, seeking to examine our hearts and turn away from sin?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Locust Plague (1:1-4)
| 1:1 | The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. |
| 1:2 | Hear this, you elders, and give ear, all inhabitants of the land. Has such a thing happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? |
2. The Call to Repentance (1:5-14)
| 1:5 | Awake, you drunkards, and weep; and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the new wine, for it is cut off from your mouth. |
| 1:6 | For a nation has come up against my land, strong, and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the fangs of a lioness. |
3. The Day of the Lord (1:15)
| 1:15 | Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the Almighty. |
4. The Plea for Mercy (1:19-20)
| 1:19 | O Lord, to you I call; for fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and flames have burned all the trees of the field. |
| 1:20 | The beasts of the field also cry out to you, for the water brooks are dried up, and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the locust plague in Joel chapter 1?
The locust plague is a symbol of God's judgment and a call to repentance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster and sin (Joel 1:1-4).
How does the prophet Joel's call to repentance apply to our own lives?
The prophet Joel's call to repentance reminds us of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster. We can apply this to our own lives by examining our hearts, turning away from sin, and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness (Joel 1:5-14).
What is the Day of the Lord, and how does it relate to the themes of judgment and redemption in Joel chapter 1?
The Day of the Lord is a time of judgment and destruction, but it is also a time of mercy and redemption for those who seek God with humble hearts. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, and of the need to turn away from sin and seek the Lord with humble hearts (Joel 1:15).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel 1:1 → Isaiah 13:6 | The locust plague in Joel 1:1 is similar to the judgment described in Isaiah 13:6, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster. |
| 2 | Joel 1:5 → Jeremiah 25:15 | The call to repentance in Joel 1:5 is similar to the call to repentance in Jeremiah 25:15, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster. |
| 3 | Joel 1:15 → Isaiah 2:12 | The Day of the Lord in Joel 1:15 is similar to the Day of the Lord described in Isaiah 2:12, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of judgment and destruction. |
| 4 | Joel 1:19 → Psalm 107:35 | The plea for mercy in Joel 1:19 is similar to the plea for mercy in Psalm 107:35, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's loving-kindness and compassion in the face of disaster and sin. |
| 5 | Joel 1:1 → Matthew 24:21 | The locust plague in Joel 1:1 is similar to the judgment described in Matthew 24:21, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster and sin. |
| 6 | Joel 1:5 → Acts 2:20 | The call to repentance in Joel 1:5 is similar to the call to repentance in Acts 2:20, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster. |
| 7 | Joel 1:15 → 1 Thessalonians 5:2 | The Day of the Lord in Joel 1:15 is similar to the Day of the Lord described in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of judgment and destruction. |
| 8 | Joel 1:19 → Romans 11:25 | The plea for mercy in Joel 1:19 is similar to the plea for mercy in Romans 11:25, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's loving-kindness and compassion in the face of disaster and sin. |
| 9 | Joel 1:1 → Revelation 6:17 | The locust plague in Joel 1:1 is similar to the judgment described in Revelation 6:17, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster and sin. |
| 10 | Joel 1:5 → 2 Peter 3:10 | The call to repentance in Joel 1:5 is similar to the call to repentance in 2 Peter 3:10, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of sin and disaster. |
Sermons on Joel 1
| Sermon | Description | |
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A Burning Heart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel chapter 1. He emphasizes the need for repentance and laments the state |
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God Will Resore All Your Wasted Years by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of two verses from the book of Joel in the Bible. These verses describe the destructive power of worms and insects that devou |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of Go |
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Weeping Between Porch and the Altar by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the superficiality of modern Christian gatherings with the deep devotion and sacrifice of believers in the past. He highlights the story of a |
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Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel and false prophets on believers. He describes witnessing people engaging in strang |
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Isaiah 64 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying Acts 26 and Isaiah 40 in order to understand the role of a preacher and the concept of God. He encourages preache |
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Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes. |
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An Urgent Call to Prayer by Al Whittinghill | Al Whittinghill emphasizes the urgent need for prayer within the church, highlighting the significance of a Solemn Assembly as a time for believers to come together, set aside pers |
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(Through the Bible) Joel 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Joel in the Bible and how it describes a future battle. The nation of Israel needs to be established again in order for the prophe |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joel 1
In his commentary on Joel chapter 1, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and forgiveness in the face of disaster and sin. He notes that the locust plague that devastates the land is a symbol of God's judgment, and that the prophet Joel's call to repentance is a reminder of the need to turn away from sin and seek the Lord with humble hearts. Henry also emphasizes the importance of the Day of the Lord, a time of judgment and destruction that will come upon the nation if they do not turn back to God. He urges readers to examine their hearts, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, and to turn away from sin and seek the Lord with humble hearts. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Devastation of the Locusts
The locust plague that strikes the land is described in vivid detail, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. The people are left with nothing, and the land is devastated.
The Call to Repentance
The prophet Joel urges the people to return to the Lord, seeking His mercy and forgiveness. This call to repentance is a central theme of the chapter.
The Role of the Priests
The priests and ministers are urged to lead the way in seeking God's mercy, putting on sackcloth and lamenting the withholding of the grain and drink offerings.