29 - Joel

TLDR: Locust plague as a sign of the day of the LORD; call to repentance. Then: "I will pour out my Spirit on all people" — promise fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2).

Overarching Storyline

Locust invasion and lament (ch. 1). Day of the LORD (ch. 2:1–11). Return to the LORD (ch. 2:12–17). Promise of restoration and Spirit (ch. 2:18–32). Judgment on nations; blessing on Zion (ch. 3).

Bible Project: Joel overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Joel, the LORD.
• Image: Locusts, day of the LORD, Spirit poured out.
• Number: 3 (chapters), 2 (parts: judgment, restoration).
• Phrase: "Rend your heart" (2:13); "I will pour out my Spirit on all people" (2:28).

Highlights

• Joel 2:12–13 — Return with fasting; rend your heart; he is gracious and compassionate.
• Joel 2:28–29 — I will pour out my Spirit on all people (cited Acts 2:17–21).
• Joel 2:32 — Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: Hosea; Joel is short and focused on day of the LORD and Spirit.
• After: Amos; Joel's Spirit promise is Pentecost in Acts 2.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Spirit and salvation. Peter in Acts 2 quotes Joel: the last days have begun, the Spirit is poured out, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Interesting Facts

• Pentecost — Acts 2:16–21 quotes Joel 2:28–32; the Spirit is the sign of the new age.
• Locusts — Literal plague and metaphor for invading army (day of the LORD).