There is very little known about the prophet Joel and the circumstances of his prophecy. His name means, YAHWEH is God, and this is seen in this book. The LORD is put on display over and above the nations as Joel predicts the certain judgment of God upon evil and the vindication of God’s people. Chapter 1 begins with the plague (1:1-7), which will an invasion of locusts that comes upon the nations. This infestation of locusts also impacts Judah. This near fulfillment foreshadowed a future event identified as, “the day of the LORD is coming” (2:1). Joel 1 continues with the plea (1:8-20). The serious prediction of a plague is followed with a call to mourn. Judah is called to lamentation (1:8). The priests are called to lament (1:13). They are to mourn, “And cry out to the LORD” (1:14,19). Only the LORD can save them! And the LORD invites Judah and the priests to pray, confess, fast, and repent. The LORD is their only Savior and deliverer from certain judgment. This plea of rescue from the plague is a beautiful display of God’s vast love. The LORD saves us from the plague of His judgment on evil and clears away the blame and guilt of sin when we cry out for His mercy.