Joel 1:14-17

The day of the Lord -- Joel 1:14-17: Joel encouraged the priest to call for a fast all across the land. It was time for the entire nation to repent. The Law of Moses did not require a regular fast. However the people were required to fast on certain occasions. The season of fasting that God called for here was to encourage respect and love for God. This solemn assembly was to take place in the Temple. It was to be a time of scriptural worship and prayer to God. They were to cry to the Lord because of how sinful the nation had become. The "Day of the Lord" was at hand. Judah would now face God's judgment or the "destruction of the Almighty."

The devastation would be so great in the land that there would be a lack food and necessary supplies. Their being in the House of God would no longer be a time of joy and gladness. Complete devastation of the land was described in the words, "The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered." (Joel 1:17) The cause of this misery was the evil conduct of the Jewish nation.