Joel 1:3

Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.

Study Bible

Tell it to your children;
This phrase emphasizes the importance of oral tradition in ancient Israelite culture. The transmission of stories and teachings from one generation to the next was crucial for maintaining the identity and faith of the people. This command reflects the broader biblical mandate to teach children about God's works and laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are instructed to diligently teach their children. The act of telling ensures that the lessons and warnings of the past are not forgotten, particularly the events described in the book of Joel, which include a devastating locust plague symbolizing divine judgment.

let your children tell it to their children,
This continuation underscores the multi-generational aspect of faith transmission. It highlights the responsibility of each generation to pass on the knowledge and experiences of God's dealings with His people. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 78:4-6, which speaks of declaring God's praises and wonders to the next generation. The emphasis on storytelling serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where each generation is called to remember and uphold the covenant.

and their children to the next generation.
The phrase extends the chain of transmission indefinitely, suggesting that the lessons learned are timeless and perpetually relevant. This reflects the biblical view of history as a continuum where God's actions and teachings are ever-present and applicable. The call to pass on these teachings aligns with the prophetic tradition, where prophets like Joel serve as messengers of God's word, meant to be heeded by all future generations. This enduring legacy is also seen in the New Testament, where the teachings of Jesus Christ are to be shared with all nations, as in Matthew 28:19-20, ensuring that the message of salvation reaches every generation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joel
The prophet who authored the book, delivering God's message to the people of Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Joel's prophecy was directed.

3. The Locust Plague
A devastating event described in Joel, symbolizing judgment and calling for repentance.

4. Generations
The focus on passing down the message through successive generations.

5. The Day of the LORD
A central theme in Joel, referring to a time of divine intervention and judgment.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Spiritual Legacy
Passing down faith is a biblical mandate. We are called to ensure that the knowledge of God and His works is not lost but rather enriched and expanded through each generation.

Active Storytelling
Sharing personal testimonies and biblical accounts with children and grandchildren can instill a deep-rooted faith and understanding of God's character and deeds.

Responsibility of Parents and Elders
Parents and elders have a crucial role in teaching and modeling a godly life. This responsibility is not just about words but also about living out faith authentically.

The Power of Remembrance
Remembering and recounting God's past faithfulness can strengthen faith and provide hope during challenging times. It serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature.

Preparing for the Future
By teaching the next generation, we prepare them to face future challenges with a strong foundation in God's truth and promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you actively share your faith and experiences of God's work in your life with the next generation?

2. What are some practical ways to incorporate the teaching of God's Word into your daily family routine?

3. Reflect on a time when remembering God's past faithfulness helped you through a difficult situation. How can you share this testimony with others?

4. In what ways can the church community support parents and guardians in passing down the faith to children?

5. How does understanding the concept of "The Day of the LORD" in Joel influence your perspective on current events and future hope?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Emphasizes the importance of teaching God's commandments to children, highlighting the continuity of faith across generations.

Psalm 78:4-6
Speaks about declaring God's works to the next generation, reinforcing the theme of passing down spiritual heritage.

Exodus 10:2
God instructs Moses to tell future generations about the signs performed in Egypt, illustrating the importance of remembering and recounting God's deeds.

2 Timothy 2:2
Paul instructs Timothy to entrust teachings to faithful people who can teach others, mirroring the generational transmission of faith.

Proverbs 22:6
Advises training a child in the way they should go, underscoring the long-term impact of early spiritual education.