Joel

(i) Introduction

– There are 12 others in the Old Testament by this name (1 Samuel 8:2; 1 Chronicles 6:33; 1 Chronicles 4:35; 5:4,8,12; 6:36; 7:3; 11:38; 15:7,11,17; 23:8; 26:22; 27:20; 2 Chronicles 29:12; Ezra 10:43; Nehemiah 11:9). Joel the prophet seems unlikely to be identified with these. Therefore little is known of him apart from his book. His name means “the Lord is God” or “the Lord is my God”. His father was called Pethuel meaning, “God delivers”. Joel may have lived in or near Jerusalem for that seems to be the place he speaks to most (2:1,9,15,23,32; 3:1,20). He was primarily a prophet to the Southern Kingdom, Judah. Since he mentions no king’s name it is difficult to date him. Dates suggested vary from 800-400 B.C. among conservatives (liberals will sometimes choose anywhere up to 200 B.C.).

Depending on which date is taken, Joel was either a pre-exilic or post-exilic prophet.

(ii) Purpose

– One writer says that “Joel used local things to lasting things; the current events as a basis for reminding of coming events.” (T. F. Knight). The message is short and to the point. A literal locust plague on the land was a reminder of God’s judgment

(Deuteronomy 28:38-39) and the need for true repentance. True repentance always brings blessing, rejoicing, and restoration. The locusts, of course, are then used by the prophet to point to a future “day of the Lord” (2:28ff).

(iii) Outline

Ch 1:1-2:11 ravaged

Ch 2:12-17 repentant

Ch 2:18-3:21 restored

N.B. Joel is the prophet referred to in Acts 2:16-21, the Day of Pentecost; he has been called the prophet of the Holy Spirit.