Bibliographic information:
Barker, Joel. From the Depths of Despair to the Promise of Presence: A Rhetorical Reading of the Book of Joel (Siphrut 11; Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2014).
Description:
Description:
For decades the prophetic book of Joel has been the focus of scrutiny that belies its brevity. It captures readers with its vivid descriptions of locusts, military invasion, and the distress that they cause. It then reveals the concern of YHWH for the covenant community as it systemically reverses the crises that it announces. The book of Joel also offers an important window into the rhetorical function of the day of YHWH since this short prophetic book uses it to announce both judgment and restoration. The book of Joel reflects the creativity of the Old Testament prophetic spirit as it guides its readers from utter anguish to the hope of restoration.
From the Depths of Despair to the Promise of Presence delves into Joel’s rhetoric and explores the ways in which it seeks to persuade its audience to adopt its perspective in order to respond in a time of crisis. This book evaluates the state of the discussion surrounding Joel as it relates to its composition and its relationship to the Book of the Twelve. It develops a model of rhetorical criticism and puts it into practice, seeking to demonstrate that the book of Joel deliberately moves from scenes of devastation to promises of restoration through its persuasive evocation of divine and human responses in order to articulate the necessity of calling and relying upon YHWH in all circumstances.
Publisher:
Eisenbrauns (website: https://www.eisenbrauns.com/ECOM/_3ZR1FG3XU.HTM)