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The Rise And Fall Of A Time Of Wine And Plenty When Joel Emerges As Prophet

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Israel has experienced the rise and fall of three empires and is in a time of wine and plenty when Joel emerges as prophet. As prophet, Joel’s role is to awaken the people from apathetic living and give them insight into what is on the horizon for them if they continue in their current state. Joel highlights the dichotomy of the elders of the land and the inhabitants of the land, throughout the book. This type of class dichotomy comes from a structuring of society that disregards the order God first set into motion for the people of Israel in the wilderness. The tabernacle at that time acted as the center of society and caused the inhabitants to see one another when they looked to it. The elders and leaders had a connection to God that caused them to serve the people through education, healthcare and settling disputes. However, during Joel’s time, temple theology is strong and rather than servant leaders, it appears the elders, or leaders of the land have economic advantage over the people and the now temple, is not serving its purpose. Joel understands the negative effects this has on the people and will have on the nation, but lacks revelation that could lead to reform or change. He reads the signs, and even the words but lacks understanding of the way God would bring resolve to the issues Israel faces. Joel has good intentions, but many of his suggestions seem to be similar to common answers dealt out by the religious system, and could be qualified in the end more along

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