Joel 1: 14 - 3: 21 can come under the heading of "call to repent" and as such its

structure is as follows:

1: 14. Call to fast

1: 15. Reason

1: 16-20. Consequences

2: 1a. Call to blow the trumpet

\

2: 1b. Reason

} PEOPLE

2: 2-11. Consequences

/

2: 12, 13a. Call to fast

2: 13b. Reason

2: 14. Consequences

2: 15-17a. Call to blow the trumpet

\

2: 17b. Reason

} PRIESTS

2: 18 - 3: 21. Consequences

/

In this study we shall look in detail at the first half of this structure; that is at

Joel 1: 14. The call by Joel for a solemn assembly should remind the people of Judah

of such events recorded in the law of Moses (Lev. 23: 36; Num. 29: 35; Deut. 16: 8).

At these, the people were told to do no servile work but to bring sacrifices and so there

would be food. Here Joel precedes the call for a solemn assembly with the call for a fast

probably because the people were unable to supply certain of the offerings (Joel 1: 9, 13)

but fasting was associated with the forgiveness of sin and the Day of Atonement

(Lev.xvi.29) was a day of fasting. Thus forgiveness may have been behind the call, for

Joel does later call the people to repent. Also, bearing in mind that in the past the people

had abused the solemn assemblies to such an extent that the Lord had said "it is an

iniquity, even the solemn assembly" (Isa. 1: 13) and that King Jehu had set up a solemn

assembly for the worship of Baal (II Kings 10: 19-21), it may be that Joel wanted to

emphasize that such an assembly was of no value unless the heart of the people was

penitent. Thus a solemn assembly is called and the people told to fast. All the elders and

all the inhabitants of the land are gathered into the house of God and told to "cry unto the

Lord". Why?