WHO WROTE:  Joel.

 

 

WHAT TIME PERIOD IS COVERED:  The many references to Judah and Jerusalem and the Temple (Joel 1:14; 2:1 & 15 & 22; 3:1-2 & 6 & 16-21) imply that his ministry was in the southern kingdom.  There is no mention of a king in the Book.  Therefore, the dating of It is sticky.  There is no specific mention of any national sins, and in particular, of the worship in or of the high places.  There is no mention or allusions of any foreign nation, not even of the kingdom of the ten tribes in the North (However, see Joel 1:4; 3:4-6).

 

The only expression which has been taken to be significant in this connection is the word translated, “the northern,” referring to an army, in Joel 2:20, which may refer to the Assyrians, or of a later apocalyptic time, or both.  Also, Joel 3:6 & 8 & 19 are futuristic in their statements and play no part in determining Joel’s time period.

 

 

WHEN WRITTEN:  Since the Book of Joel was addressed to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  It must have been written sometime before B.C. 836.  Joel is quoted in Amos 1:2 (Joel 3:16 & 18), which means his Book was already in existence when Amos wrote his Book, between B.C. 836 - B.C. 795.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:  Joel, means, “Jehovah is his God,” or “Jehovah is God,” or “Yahweh is God.”  Another meaning could be, “He that wills or Commands,” or “To whom Jehovah is God.”  Joel spoke often of the priests and their duties (Joel 1:9 & 13-14 & 16); and for this reason, many scholars believe he may have been a temple prophet.

 

The name Joel has as its most popular meaning being, “Yahweh is God,” as it seems to have been common in the Bible; since we find at least a dozen other persons bearing it at various periods of the Biblical history.  However, beyond the fact that he was the son of Pethuel, there is no intimation in the Book as to his native place, date, or personal history; nor is he mentioned in any other part of the Old Testament (any other Joel you find is not this Joel, the prophet).

 

The Book of Joel stands second in the collection of the twelve Prophets in the Hebrew Canon.”

 

Interesting in the Book’s makeup, and contrary to most Books of the Old Testament, the Book begins in gloom, while It closes in luster; with the turning point being Joel 2:18: “Then will the LORD be jealous for His land, and pity His people.”

 

The Expression, “The Day of the Lord” is prominent in the Book of Joel:  Joel 1:15; 2:1 & 31; 3:14.  The Bookbecomes linked with the New Testament in Peters address to the assembled multitude in Acts 2:16.  Also, and maybe his most important work and statement, is that Joel uses the expression “your God,” seven times; admonishing to his listeners a personal relationship that was and needs to be returned to.

​