Book of Joel

Elie Assis is the head of the Department of Bible Studies at Bar Ilan University. Among his scholarly work are his books From Moses to Joshua and from the Miraculous to the Ordinary: A Literary Analysis of the Conquest Narrative in the Book of Joshua, Jerusalem: 2005 (Hebrew), and Self-Interest or Communal Interest? An Ideology of Leadership in the Gideon, Abimelech and Jephthah Narratives (Judg. 6-12) (Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, 106), 2005.

• IntroductionThe Date and Meaning of the Book of JoelPart I: Description of the locusts, call to the people to turn to God, priests' prayer (1:2-2-17)The First Pericope about the Locusts (1:2-12)The Second Pericope about the Locusts (1:13-20)The Third Pericope about the Locusts (2:1-14)The Fourth Pericope about the Locusts, and the Priests' Prayer (2:15-17)Part II Divine Response to the Priests' Prayer (2:18-4:17) The first Divine reply - Salvation from the Locust Plague, 2:18-27The second Divine reply - Salvation for the People from National Distress 3:1-4:17Outpouring of God's Spirit ans Cosmic Omens for of the Day of the Lord (3:1-5)Judgement of the Nations (4:1-17)The Book's Ending (4:18-21)Salvation of the agriculture (4:18)National Salvation (4:19-21)ConclusionsBibliographyIndex

Assis’ analysis of Joel is positive and erudite. First, his connection between Joel and Lamentations is innovative and suggestive. This connection is worthy of further study. Second, Assis’ discussion of compositional and literary techniques is enlightening. His assertion that, in places, the author of Joel is intentionally ambiguous is interesting and his careful attention to the minute details of the Hebrew texts is helpful. Third, his structural analysis of the entire book and each individual text segment aids in organizing such a complex book. Fourth, Assis’ largely synchronic approach allows him to focus on the interpretive issues that are pertinent to his theological reading... Assis’ volume exemplifies a careful synchronic reading of Joel. His interaction with major commentators makes his study an excellent companion to commentary literature. For those interested in composition and structural analysis of prophetic literature or those working with the book of Joel directly, I recommend this volume.