oa Tekst, structuur en betekenis van Joel 2:1-11

Joel 2:1-11 shows the structure of concentric symmetry; the theme of the Day of YHWH forms the inclusion (vs. 1, 2a; 10, 11) and the centre (vs. 6) of the pericope. In between one finds the description of a plague of locusts, beginning and ending with theophanic motifs. These motifs as well as those of the Day of YHWH do not indicate that Joel 2:1-11 is meant as a description of (apocalyptic) enemies threatening Juda and Jerusalem, they are merely due to Joel’s conviction that the plague of locusts represented a portent of the approach of the terrifying Day of YHWH.