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(Cont. from Page 19/2/86).

JOEL. (2).

THE SYMBOLIC "LOCUSTS" OF THE BOOK OF JOEL.

Verses 1 to 4 of Joel chapter 1 describe a spiritual fulfilment to take place at a future time among particular sons who will survive the desolating work prophesied to take place within the spiritual "land" of God. And because of the imminence of the "fear-inspiring day" of Jehovah, nations of the world under His Judgement shall also undergo desolating events. (2:31). We shall witness these events symbolically described in the prophecy of Joel being fulfilled both spiritually and literally. In nations of the world, described as "Egypt" and "Edom" (3:19), desolating events are destined to take place as Almighty God reverses the fortunes of spiritual "Judah and Jerusalem". (3:1,2 NEB).

For "ten days" (years) servants of God experienced the bitter-sweet effects of corrective denunciations issued through devouring anointed "locusts" of God. (Rev 2:10. 10:8-11). And today, "Edomite"* nations are being plagued with locust swarms, damaging their fragile economies. Ethiopia is also suffering prolonged drought and famine. (Isaiah 18:1 7). The desolating of Egypt has drawn near! (3:19).

The book of Joel also describes the Judgement of God upon the inhabitants of "Tyre", "Sidon" and the "regions of Philistia". This judicial decision of God (at "Jehoshaphat") was foreknown by Him. Jehovah knew that the spirit rebellion of their forefathers against Him many centuries ago would continue unchecked in their offspring and descendants, and that their continued mistreatment of "sons of Judah" would necessarily require speedy execution of His Judgement upon the inhabitants of those regions. (3:4). As the Spirit of the Lord's Judgement desolates the rebellious spirits of mankind, they will not even appreciate the light of the sun or the moon. (3:15,16). And because of the violence done to "Judah", the Lord has said: "I will spill their* blood, the blood I have not yet spilt." (3:21 NEB).

"Locusts" are symbolically used to describe faithful anointed sons of God whom Jehovah has instructed by Spirit and whom He sends to devour apostate error in His spiritual "land" and "because of the violence to the sons of Judah, in whose land they* shed innocent blood." (3:19). In fulfilment "Judah" represents Spirit anointed sons of God. (Rev 9:3,4).

THE PROCLAMATION FOR SURVIVORS.
Only anointed priests of The Eternal receive His Spirit instructions and may approach Him on behalf of His people. I called a solemn assembly. It was ignored. I now proclaim a time of solemn fasting to make our request to God that He spare His people from reproach. (2:15-17 NEB). It is the Will of God that we sanctify a time of fasting. All that is described in the book of Joel will be fulfilled by the Spirit of The Lord's Judgement. (3:2. Isaiah 30:27,28).

(Cont. on Page 4/3/86).

28/2/86.