Tuesdays Are for the Old Testament
7/23/24
Lessing, R. Reed, & Steinmann, Andrew E. (2014). "Chapter Twenty-Nine: Joel." In Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. (461-468).
Lessing and Steinmann note that the name of Joel is associated with numerous Old Testament figures. However, the book of Joel provides no historical context, thus leaving considerable uncertainty as to the authorship, overall theological context, and interpretation of the message (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 461). They do, however, find a consistent literary picture of God's response to national calamity. At the outset, the people are called to repent. Then God's response is a promise of restoration.
The composition is full of metaphors and similes, which, depending on the date of composition, may have drawn from work of other prophets or been drawn on by others (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 462). In this relatively short work, Lessing and Steinmann find 22 parallels with 12 other prophetic books.
In the first portion of Joel, two catastrophes are described: a plague of locusts and the "Day of Yahweh" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 462). The themes are interwoven to create a call to repentance. In the second portion God cares for the plague and promises his Spirit to deal with national enemies.
Lessing and Steinmann note the text of Joel is well preserved with the exception of 2:23, which is cryptic in nature (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 463).
The historical setting of Joel is difficult. The book gives no specific details other than a locust plague, which was a common event. It has been dated from the 9th to the 2nd century B.C. (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 463). The monarchy is absent, or at least not a significant help to the community. However, there is an assumption of the temple in Jerusalem. Enemies are mentioned, but they are traditional, long-term enemies.
Lessing and Steinmann consider the possibility that Joel's plague of locusts may be a reference to a military attack (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 464). However, it may just as well refer to real locusts or other trials expected with the approach of the Day of the Lord. A second theological emphasis is Yahweh's authority over all nations (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 465). While God will judge the nations, he will also give them grace by pouring out His spirit on "all flesh" (Joel 2:28). The Holy Spirit has been seen in other portions of the Old Testament. Yet in Joel it is a more universal outpouring than seen elsewhere.
Joel's call to repentance is couched in terms of God's mercy. Lesisng and Steinmann see this as a sign of Christ, who brings God's mercy face to face with mankind (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 465). The delivery of the Holy Spirit by Jesus after the resurrection may also be seen in Joel's prophecy of the Holy Spirit.
Though particular sins are not enumerated in Joel, Lessing and Steinmann see the plague of locusts as a judgment on sin. God's grace is seen in his promises of restoration (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 466).
7/23/24
Lessing, R. Reed, & Steinmann, Andrew E. (2014). "Chapter Twenty-Nine: Joel." In Prepare the Way of the Lord: An Introduction to the Old Testament. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House. (461-468).
Lessing and Steinmann note that the name of Joel is associated with numerous Old Testament figures. However, the book of Joel provides no historical context, thus leaving considerable uncertainty as to the authorship, overall theological context, and interpretation of the message (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 461). They do, however, find a consistent literary picture of God's response to national calamity. At the outset, the people are called to repent. Then God's response is a promise of restoration.
The composition is full of metaphors and similes, which, depending on the date of composition, may have drawn from work of other prophets or been drawn on by others (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 462). In this relatively short work, Lessing and Steinmann find 22 parallels with 12 other prophetic books.
In the first portion of Joel, two catastrophes are described: a plague of locusts and the "Day of Yahweh" (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 462). The themes are interwoven to create a call to repentance. In the second portion God cares for the plague and promises his Spirit to deal with national enemies.
Lessing and Steinmann note the text of Joel is well preserved with the exception of 2:23, which is cryptic in nature (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 463).
The historical setting of Joel is difficult. The book gives no specific details other than a locust plague, which was a common event. It has been dated from the 9th to the 2nd century B.C. (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 463). The monarchy is absent, or at least not a significant help to the community. However, there is an assumption of the temple in Jerusalem. Enemies are mentioned, but they are traditional, long-term enemies.
Lessing and Steinmann consider the possibility that Joel's plague of locusts may be a reference to a military attack (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 464). However, it may just as well refer to real locusts or other trials expected with the approach of the Day of the Lord. A second theological emphasis is Yahweh's authority over all nations (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 465). While God will judge the nations, he will also give them grace by pouring out His spirit on "all flesh" (Joel 2:28). The Holy Spirit has been seen in other portions of the Old Testament. Yet in Joel it is a more universal outpouring than seen elsewhere.
Joel's call to repentance is couched in terms of God's mercy. Lesisng and Steinmann see this as a sign of Christ, who brings God's mercy face to face with mankind (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 465). The delivery of the Holy Spirit by Jesus after the resurrection may also be seen in Joel's prophecy of the Holy Spirit.
Though particular sins are not enumerated in Joel, Lessing and Steinmann see the plague of locusts as a judgment on sin. God's grace is seen in his promises of restoration (Lessing & Steinmann 2014, p. 466).
RSS Feed