Joel was a minor prophet in the Old Testament of the Bible. He is the author of the Book of Joel, which bears his name. Not much is known about Joel’s personal life or background. Here is an overview of key information about Joel and his prophetic book:
Identity of Joel
The Book of Joel mentions Joel’s father as Pethuel (Joel 1:1), but nothing else is said about his family or lineage. Joel likely lived in Judah since his prophecies focus on Jerusalem. His frequent mentions of priests, the temple, and offerings indicate he had a priestly background or affiliation. Based on the contexts of his prophecies, scholars believe Joel ministered between 835-796 BC, during the reigns of King Joash and King Uzziah over the southern kingdom of Judah.
Themes of the Book of Joel
The overarching theme of the Book of Joel is “the day of the Lord.” Joel issued warnings about God’s coming judgment, using graphic descriptions of a devastating locust plague to foreshadow future judgment. He called the people to repentance in light of coming judgment. Joel also prophesied about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the blessings of the messianic kingdom.
Some key themes include:
- The “day of the Lord” – God’s judgment for sin (Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11; 3:14)
- A locust plague as a picture of judgment (Joel 1:4, 12, 17)
- Calls to lament, mourn, declare a holy fast (Joel 1:13-14; 2:12, 15-17)
- Pleas for mercy and forgiveness (Joel 2:13-14, 17)
- Promises of blessing and restoration (Joel 2:18-27)
- Prophecies of God’s Spirit being poured out (Joel 2:28-29)
- Promises of future blessing in God’s kingdom (Joel 3:18-21)
Outline of Joel
The Book of Joel can be divided into the following sections:
- Plague of Locusts (Joel 1:1-20)
- The Coming Day of the Lord (Joel 2:1-17)
- Repentance and Restoration (Joel 2:18-27)
- Promised Blessing of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-32)
- Judgment on the Nations (Joel 3:1-16)
- Future Blessings for God’s People (Joel 3:17-21)
Key Details about Joel
- He prophesied to the southern kingdom of Judah
- Probably ministered between 835-796 BC
- Book is focused on “the day of the Lord” and a call to repentance
- Used a locust plague as an illustration of judgment
- Prophesied the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cited in Acts 2)
- Little is known about his personal life or background
Contribution to Scripture
Though brief, the Book of Joel provides some key contributions to the Bible’s overall message:
- Paints a vivid, ominous picture of the “day of the Lord” and coming judgment
- Calls Judah to repentance and signals new hope beyond judgment
- Promises the Holy Spirit being poured out on “all flesh”
- Looks ahead to future blessings in the messianic kingdom
- Highlights God’s mercy in the midst of warnings of judgment
The Apostle Peter declared at Pentecost that the outpouring of the Spirit predicted by Joel had begun to be fulfilled (Acts 2:16-21). Overall, Joel’s prophecies give insight into how the Old Testament prophets understood the working of God regarding judgment, mercy, repentance, and the hope of future blessing through the Messiah.
Key Passages about Joel
Here are some important verses to understand the ministry and message of Joel:
“The word of the Lord that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel.” (Joel 1:1)
“Consecrate a fast; call a sacred assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” (Joel 1:14)
“Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a sacred assembly.” (Joel 2:15)
“Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” (Joel 2:13)
“I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28)
“Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14)
Joel as a Prophet
As a prophet, Joel functioned in several important roles:
- Warner – He delivered warnings about God’s coming judgment.
- Preacher – He called the nation to repentance and faith.
- Intercessor – He appealed for God’s mercy on behalf of the people.
- Comforter – He gave future hope beyond the judgment.
- Visionary – He saw ahead to the outpouring of the Spirit.
Like other prophets, Joel represented God’s interests to the people. His messages confronted sin and rebellion, while holding out the offer of forgiveness, restoration, and blessing for those who repented. By warning Judah about the “day of the Lord,” Joel sought their repentance and realignment with God’s righteousness.
New Testament References
In addition to Peter’s citation of Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2 regarding the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, there are other New Testament references:
- Jesus referenced the “abomination of desolation” from Daniel and Joel when speaking about the end times (Matthew 24:15; cf. Daniel 9:27, Joel 2:31).
- In Romans 10:13 Paul quotes Joel 2:32, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- The imagery of Revelation 9:1-12 about plague of locusts tormenting the unrepentant echoes Joel’s plague imagery regarding the day of the Lord.
These connections reveal Joel’s ongoing relevance regarding prophecy, the working of the Spirit, and God’s unchanging desire for all people to know His salvation through faith in Christ.
Lessons from Joel
Some key lessons from the Book of Joel include:
- God hates sin and rebellion; judgment is coming for those who defy Him.
- True repentance involves mourning over sin and turning back to God.
- God eagerly forgives, restores, and blesses those who return to Him.
- The Holy Spirit empowers God’s people and will one day fill “all flesh.”
- God has great mercy even amidst warnings of judgment.
- There is hope and security for those who trust in the Lord.
Joel’s vivid imagery and urgent pleas for repentance remind believers in every age about the need to turn from sin and follow the Lord wholeheartedly. His assurances of future blessing offer hope that God’s purposes will triumph. All who call upon the Lord’s name will be saved.