From the Depths of Despair to the Promise of Presence: A Rhetorical Reading of the Book of Joel

by Joel Barker

Overview

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 and military invasion and the distress that they cause. It then reveals the concern of YHWH for the covenant community as it systematically reverses the crises that it announces. The book of Joel also offers a window into the rhetorical function of “the day of YHWH” as it uses the phrase to announce both judgment and restoration. Reflecting the creativity of the Old Testament prophetic spirit, the book then guides its readers from utter anguish to the hope of restoration, rooted in the presence of YHWH.

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 to a time of crisis. Barker evaluates the state of the discussion surrounding Joel’s composition and relationship to the Book of the Twelve. He develops a model of rhetorical criticism that builds on the foundations of previous approaches and proposes modifications that address the specific challenges posed by the book of Joel. He then puts this model into practice and demonstrates that the book of Joel moves from scenes of devastation to promises of restoration in articulating the necessity of calling and relying on YHWH in all circumstances. He explores the persuasive potential of Joel by focusing on its rhetorical structures and strategy. He examines the way the book of Joel engages its audience and guides the people to realize that they must turn to YHWH so that YHWH will turn and bring restoration.

From the Depths of Despair to the Promise of Presence invites the reader to enter into the world of Joel. It calls the reader to experience the ways in which the book of Joel intertwines threats of destruction and the hope of renewal in order to reveal the character of YHWH.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781575062877
Publisher:	Penn State University Press
Publication date:	01/20/2014
Series:	Siphrut , #11
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.07(d)

Table of Contents

Preface

Abbreviations

General

Reference Works

Introduction

Survey of Research

Methodological Survey

Purpose and Organization

1. The Process of Persuasion: A Rhetorical-Critical Model for Studying Prophetic Literature

Introduction

Model

2. Announcing the Crisis: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 1:1–14

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

3. “To You, O Yhwh, I Cry”: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 1:15–20

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

4. Despair in the Great and Dreadful Day of Yhwh: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 2:1–11

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Joel 2:10–11: Return to the Day of Yhwh

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

5. Signs of Hope: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 2:12–17

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

6. Reversing the Crisis: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 2:18–27

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

7. Pouring Out the Spirit of Yhwh: Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 3:1–5

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

8. The Promise of Yhwh’s Presence Rhetorical Analysis of Joel 4:1–21

Introduction

Rhetorical Unit

Rhetorical Situation

Rhetorical Strategy

Rhetorical Effectiveness

Conclusion

Conclusion

Summary of Results

Elements of Persuasion in Joel

The Persuasive Potential of Joel

Indexes

Index of Authors

Index of Scripture