Joel
JOEL, whose name, according to ST. JEROME, signifies THE LORD GOD: or, as others say, THE COMING DOWN OF GOD: prophesied about the same time in the kingdom of Judea, as OSEE did in the kingdom of Israel. He foretells under figure the great evils that were coming upon the people for their sins: earnestly exhorts them to repentance: and comforts them with the promise of a TEACHER OF JUSTICE, that is, CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD, and of the coming down of his holy SPIRIT.
The prophet describes the judgments that shall fall upon the people, and invites them to fasting and prayer.
The prophet foretells the terrible day of the Lord : exhorts sinners to a sincere conversion : and comforts God's people with promises of future blessings under Christ.
The LORD shall judge all nations in the valley of Josaphat. The evils that shall fall upon the enemies of God's people: his blessing upon the church of the saints.