About Joel
The Day of the LORD is both terrifying judgment for the unrepentant and glorious restoration for those who call on his name - respond now before it is too late.
"I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy."
Joel 2:28
Written
Unknown; circa 835-400 BC (estimates vary widely)
Author
Joel
Genre
Prophecy
Position
29th of 66 books - Minor Prophets
Authorship
Joel son of Pethuel. Beyond his name and father's name, nothing is known about Joel. The book's precise historical setting is debated, with scholars placing it anywhere from the 9th to 4th centuries BC.
Historical Context
A devastating locust plague provided the immediate backdrop for Joel's prophecy. The plague was interpreted as a foretaste of the coming Day of the LORD - the ultimate divine judgment and renewal.
Purpose
To interpret a natural disaster as a divine warning and call the nation to genuine repentance, promising restoration and a future outpouring of God's Spirit on all people.
Key Message
The Day of the LORD is both terrifying judgment for the unrepentant and glorious restoration for those who call on his name - respond now before it is too late.
Book Structure
Interesting Facts
Joel 2:28-32 is the passage Peter quoted on Pentecost to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17-21).
The phrase Day of the LORD appears 5 times in Joel - more concentrated than in any other prophetic book.
Joel 2:13 - Rend your heart and not your garments - is one of the most powerful calls to genuine repentance in the OT.
The valley of decision in Joel 3:14 has become a famous metaphor for the urgency of spiritual response.