Opening Up Joel
Overview
The Opening Up Commentary Collection offers accessible and easy-to-read introductions to the books of the Bible. The commentaries tackle the key issues in each book by introducing the history and context and by giving an overview of important themes and events. The authors wrestle with the hard questions and navigate through the difficult issues, with a keen eye toward application and relevance for today.
Is God responsible for natural disasters? Some would say that He punishes us by sending storms and floods. In Joel’s time, Judah was suffering the after-effects of a severe plague of locusts. Joel was in no doubt that God had sent the locusts to chastise the people of Judah for their sinful lifestyles, an indication of the coming "great and dreadful day of the Lord." Speaking of the judgment that would fall first on God’s own people and then on all the nations of world, Joel called everyone to repent. This book seeks to relate these long-ago events.
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- Discussion questions for further reflection and study
- Contains study guides, maps, and timelines
- Resource for students, pastors, and general readers
Top Highlights
“The Holy Spirit did not descend and come into them; he was ‘poured out’ upon them, just as Joel had prophesied.” (Page 71)
“It describes the completeness of the destruction of the crops. Similarly, the plague of locusts described in Exodus 10:13–15 ‘devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.’” (Page 14)
“Joel revealed the identity of the commander of this invading army. We can image the incredulous surprise of the people of Jerusalem when they learned that it was their own Lord who ‘thunders at the head of his army’.” (Page 51)
“They should return to the Lord in a sincere and unreserved desire to repent of their past waywardness” (Page 54)
“is sad, but often true, that people take no notice the first time they are warned of danger” (Page 18)
Michael Bentley has written an accessible and attractive devotional commentary on Joel—as straightforward and down-to-earth as the prophet himself!
—Canon David Winter, former head of Religious Broadcasting, BBC
In this volume Michael Bentley ably opens up the book of Joel with interesting observations, convincing explanations, challenging applications, and encouraging exhortations. This Minor Prophet’s message must have a major impact on the life of any reader who carefully considers the clear narrative and ponders the probing questions which conclude each chapter of this little book.
—Dafydd Hughes, Pastor, Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Palmerston North, New Zealand
When he preaches, Michael Bentley has the gift of drawing you in on a helpful and interesting journey of biblical understanding, insight and discovery. Michael’s writing is no different, and this well-written and highly readable commentary on Joel will challenge and encourage you to go deeper with this prophet and with God.
—Reverend Alan Bradford, St Michael’s Church, Warfield, Bracknell, UK
- Title: Opening Up Joel
- Author: Michael Bentley
- Publisher: Day One
- Publication Date: 2010
- Pages: 96