Keywords
Joel; Judgment Day
Abstract
The concept of the ‘Day of the Lord’ requires definition in regard to other ‘Days’ in the Hebrew Bible and has proven difficult for scholars to find an agreed approach to, let alone come to a consensus definition. The prophet Joel and its locust imagery provide a matrix for interpreting the term. The militarisation of the locust horde in Joel 2 compared to that of Joel 1 clarifies the author’s metaphorical intent. It also signals the actual, literal Day of the Lord that Joel wishes to signify. While eschatological in nature, this Day of the Lord can be averted by repentance. Thus Peter’s call for repentance in Acts 2, based on the text of Joel 2, can be seen to avert the Day of the Lord and its horrific judgment. In contrast the lack of repentance by the rebellious subjects of Revelation 9 leads to their judgement and the execution of the Day of the Lord upon them.
Recommended Citation
Nessim, Daniel
(2015)
"Coming Kingdom and the Day of the Lord in Joel 2,"
Journal of Messianic Jewish Studies: Vol. 1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/jmjs/vol1/iss1/7
