Who wrote the book, and what was his father's name?
The author is the prophet Joel, and his father was Pethuel (Joel 1:1).
How does Chapter 2 conclude with a promise of deliverance?
"And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Joel 2:32)
What is the valley called in (3:14) due to the vast crowds gathering there?
The Valley of Decision (Joel 3:14).
What natural phenomenon or disaster opens the book?
A severe, destructive locust attack that devoured all green vegetation in the land (Joel 1:4).
What famous promise of restoration does God give in Joel (2:25)?
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten."
What is the location or valley where God gathers the nations for judgment?
The Valley of Jehoshaphat (which means "The Lord Judges") (Joel 3:2).
What was cut off from the house of the Lord because of the disaster?
The grain offering and the drink offering were cut off from the house of the Lord (Joel 1:9).
Where was the trumpet commanded to be blown, and why?
In Zion and on the holy mountain, to warn of the coming of the dreadful "Day of the Lord" (Joel 2:1).
How is Jerusalem described after being cleansed of strangers?
It will be holy, and no aliens shall pass through her anymore (Joel 3:17).
What did Joel ask the priests and altar ministers to do?
To gird themselves with sackcloth, wail, spend the night in sackcloth, and lead the people toward repentance (Joel 1:13).
What great promise concerning the last days is given in (2:28)?
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh: sons and daughters will prophesy, old men will dream dreams, and young men will see visions.
What crimes did the nations commit against God's people to warrant judgment?
Scattering God's people, dividing His land, casting lots for His people, and selling the boys and girls of Jerusalem (Joel 3:2-3).
How did the prophet call the people to spiritually respond to this crisis?
By calling them to consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly, gather the elders and all inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord, and cry out to Him (Joel 1:14).
What is God's famous call to repentance in (2:12-13)?
"Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God."
What is the fate of Egypt and Edom compared to Judah and Jerusalem at the end of the book?
Egypt will become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness because of violence; but Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation, for the Lord dwells in Zion (Joel 3:19-21).