Joel 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

Joel introduces his prophecy, urging the elders and the inhabitants of the land to listen closely. He asks if they have ever witnessed such devastation before. The swarming locusts have consumed everything in their path, leaving nothing for future generations to eat.

Key verse

“Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders, and all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of Yahweh, your God, and cry to Yahweh.”

Joel 1:14 (WEB)

Outline

1. Joel 1:1–2 Introduction of the Prophecy
2. Joel 1:3–4 The Locust Plague Described
3. Joel 1:5–12 Call to Mourning and Lamentation
4. Joel 1:13–14 Urgent Call for Assembly
5. Joel 1:15–16 The Day of Yahweh
6. Joel 1:17–20 Desolation and Divine Cry

Discussion questions

1. In v4, what has the swarming locust left for the great locust to eat?
2. What does Joel ask the priests to do in vv. 13-14?
3. The phrase 'the day of Yahweh is at hand' in v15: what implications does this have for the people?
4. In v10, why is the land described as mourning?
5. When have you felt a loss of 'joy and gladness' like in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joel 1: Joel 2, Exodus 10, Psalm 78.

Before next time: read Joel 2.