The opening chapter of the prophecy of Joel involves a description of the calamities God would bring upon the people of Judah because of their sins, including a locust plagued unequaled in the history of the land, a drought, and an ensuing famine. Joel 2:1-17 gives a metaphorical description of the carnage the army of locusts would wreak upon Zion. Then God issues a call to repentance in Joel 2:12-17. If the people would tear their hearts on the inside—weeping and fasting—rather than merely the outward display of tearing their garments, then the Lord would be merciful (Joel 2:12-13). What follows is a description of what the Lord would do for His people who had repented. It is important for us to understand the attitude God has for His people who turn to Him in repentance.
God would be jealous for His land and pity His people (Joel 2:18). Notice both the land and the people are called “His.” The jealousy of God refers to His zeal and devotion for what is properly His. When one commits an offense against the Lord, His jealousy/zeal is kindled (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; 32:21; Joshua 24:19; Isaiah 42:13; Zephaniah 3:8). Moreover, when His people suffer, His jealousy is triggered (Ezekiel 36:1-5; Zechariah 1:14-17; 8:1-8). Thus, the jealousy that brought destruction to Judah because they would not give God what was properly His would be the same as the zeal that would come to the aid of those who had repented and come back to Him.
God would send corn, wine, and oil (Joel 2:19-20) to reverse what the locusts (1:10) and the drought (1:19-20) had cut off. In answer to the prayer in 2:17, God would no more make the people a reproach among the heathen nations (2:19). The invading army from the north so often referred to in the prophets as a threat to God’s people (Isaiah 41:25; Jeremiah 1:14-15; 4:6; 6:1; 10:22; 13:20; 26:24; 47:2; 50:3, 9; 51:48; Ezekiel 26:7; 38:15; 39:2; Daniel 11:15-45) would be far removed (Joel 2:20). The joy and gladness that had been cut off (Joel 1:16) would return because of what the Lord would do (2:21). Indeed, it was God who caused this great change. He would send the rain so that the threshing floors could be full of wheat and the vats could overflow with oil and wine (Joel 2:23-24). Because of their repentance, God promises, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. 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. 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” (Joel 2:25-27).
God is a consuming fire to those who transgress His will and fail to render what is due Him who alone is the Almighty God. However, He is a powerful force for healing and restoration in the lives of those who in penitence turn to Him. Have you repented of your sins?
-Mark Day
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