A terrible locusts plague is followed by a severe famine throughout the land. Joel uses these happenings as the catalyst to send words of warning to Judah that unless the people repent quickly and completely, enemy armies will devour the land, as did the natural elements. Joel appeals to all the people and the priest of the land to fast and humble themselves as they seek God's forgiveness. If they will but respond, there will be renewed material and spiritualblessings for the nation. But the Day of the Lord is coming. At this time the dreaded locust will seem as gnats in comparison, as all nations receive their judgment. Without repentance, judgment will be harsh, thorough and certain. Our trust should not be in our intellect, our works our possessions, or anything else but in the Lord our God. God at times may use nature, sorrow or other common occurrences to draw us closer to Him.