Introduction to Joel

The prophet and his prophecy--Nothing is known of Joel except that he was the son of man named Pethuel (Joel 1:1); his name means "Jehovah is his God." Since he doesn’t mention any of the later world powers, such as Assyria or Babylon, it’s often been suggested that he prophesied early, perhaps in the 9th century, or several decades before Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, Micah, who were the great 8th century prophets. There is a reference in Joel 3:1 to bringing back “the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,” but this is in a Messianic context and probably doesn’t refer to the Babylonian captivity. I think the book was written early, i.e, late 9th century B.C. The context of the book is a devastating locust plague, “my army” the Lord calls it in 2:25. It appears to be a warning from God, a reminder that the people of Israel need to be faithful to Him. When the warning doesn’t work and the people remain idolatrous, then the prophets Hosea, Amos, etc. show up, denounce the idolatry, and predict captivity. That appears to be the sequence. God gave Israel a chance to repent; and Joel will advise that frequently through his book. It doesn’t work, so Assyria and Babylon will come for further punishment. “The day of the Lord” is a frequent theme running through the book.

The most significant passage in Joel is 2:28-32, which is the Scripture Peter quotes on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2; the events of that day were the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. And since 2:28-32 ends that chapter, and the first verse of chapter 3 begins, “For behold, in those days and at that time,” we have to understand chapter 3 as referring to the New Testament church age. I’ll discuss that more when we get there.

Joel is a short book, but contains some powerful lessons for us. It is certainly worthy of our study.