Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Joel

by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield

Book Introduction - Joel

Read first chapter of Joel
Joel, a prophet of Judah, probably exercised his ministry during the reign of Joash (2Chr 22. to 24.). In his youth he may have known Elijah, and he certainly was a contemporary of Elisha. The plagues of insects, which were the token of the divine chastening, give occasion for the unveiling of the coming "day of the Lord" (Isaiah 2:12, refs.), in its two aspects of judgment on the Gentiles and blessing for Israel.
Joel is in three chief parts:

• The plague of insects, 1:1-20.
• The day of the Lord, 2:1-3:8.
• Retrospect of the day of the Lord, and full kingdom blessing, 3:9-21.

CHAPTER 1

Verse 4

palmerworm
The palmerworm, locust, etc., are thought to be different forms, at different stages of development, of one insect. The essential fact is that, according to the usual method of the Spirit in prophecy, some local circumstance is shown to be of spiritual significance, and is made the occasion of a far-reaching prophecy (e.g.) Isaiah 7:1-14 where the Syrian invasion and the unbelief of Ahaz give occasion to the great prophecy of verse 14. Here in Joel a plague of devouring insects is shown to have spiritual significance Joel 1:13,14 and is made the occasion of the prophecy of the day of the Lord, not yet fulfilled. (See Scofield "Isaiah 2:12"). This is more developed in Joel 2., where the literal locusts are left behind, and the future day of Jehovah fills the scene.
The whole picture is of the end-time of this present age, of the "times of the Gentiles" Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 of the battle of Armageddon ; Revelation 16:14; 19:11-21 of the regathering of Israel. (See Scofield "Romans 11:26") and of kingdom blessing. It is remarkable that Joel, coming at the very beginning of written prophecy (B.C. 836), gives the fullest view of the consummation of all written prophecy.
The order of events is:

• (1) The invasion of Palestine from the north by Gentile world-powers headed up under the Beast and false prophet Joel 2:1-10 "Armageddon," (See Scofield "Revelation 16:14").
• (2) the Lord's army and destruction of the invaders Joel 2:11; Revelation 19:11-21.
• (3) the repentance of Judah in the land Joel 2:12-17 (See Scofield "Deuteronomy 30:3").
• (4) the answer of Jehovah Joel 2:18-27
• (5) the effusion of the Spirit in the (Jewish) "last days" Joel 2:28,29.
• (6) the return of the Lord in glory and the setting up of the kingdom Joel 2:30-32; Acts 15:15-17 by the regathering of the nation and judgment of the nations Joel 3:1-16
• (7) full and permanent kingdom blessing Joel 3:17-21; Zechariah 14:1-21. (See Scofield "Matthew 25:32").

CHAPTER 2

Verse 11

his army
To verse 10 inclusive the invading army is described; at verse 11 Jehovah's army. This "army" is described, Revelation 19:11-18. The call to repentance is based upon the Lord's promise of deliverance, Joel 2:12-17. At verses Joel 2:18-20 we have the deliverance (Joel 2:20); see "Armageddon," (See Scofield "Revelation 16:14") , and kingdom blessing in verses Joel 2:21-27. Verses 28-32 give the outpouring of the Spirit, and verses 29-32 the cosmical signs preceding the day of the Lord. See Scofield "Revelation 19:11".

Verse 13

repenteth
(See Scofield "Zechariah 8:14").

Verse 28

afterward
Cf. Acts 2:17 which gives a specific interpretation of "afterward" (Heb. acherith= "latter," "last"). "Afterward" in Joel Joel 2:28 means "in the last days" ( (Greek - ἔσχατος^[1] ), and has a partial and continuous fulfilment during the "last days" which began with the first advent of Christ Hebrews 1:2 but the greater fulfilment awaits the "last days" as applied to Israel. (See Scofield "Acts 2:17") , for phrase, "the last days." See Scofield "Acts 2:17".

Verse 32

remnant
(See Scofield "Jeremiah 15:21").

CHAPTER 3

Verse 1

remnant
(See Scofield "Jeremiah 15:21").

Verse 9

Prepare war
Verses 9-14 refer to Armageddon; verses 15,16 are parallel with Joel 2:30-32. From verses 9 to 16 we have a resume of Joel 2:9-32.

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