Joel
Author
Joel, whose name means “Jehovah is God.” Some scholars believe that Joel was serving as a priest whenever the Lord called him into the prophetic ministry.
Date
The date of writing is unknown, as the author gives neither kings or world events which would help us to place it. Due to the generalities given in Joel’s prophecies, scholars tend to place Joel as either the earliest writing prophet, around 800 B.C., or as writing post-Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, after 515 B.C.
(As there is a great debate among scholars and a very large amount of evidence to consider concerning Joel’s placement in history, I highly recommend you refer to other commentaries and research materials for more insight.)
Audience and Purpose
Joel is writing to the Jewish people, speaking of coming judgements for their sin and to press the people to return to the Lord. His major focus is on the final judgement of God on “the day of the Lord,” which we understand, in light of the New Testament, will happen at the return of Christ.
The people of Israel assumed that “the Day of the Lord” would bring God’s judgement on pagan nations, alone, while Israel was left out. Joel’s prophecy, however, paints a different picture. Only the righteous, who repent of their sins and live in faithfulness to the Lord would be spared from the great day of judgement.
Major Themes
- The Day of the Lord.
- Judgement.
- Salvation.
Key Scriptures
- Joel 2:28-29 — ““And it shall come to pass afterward, that 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. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”
- Joel 2:32 — “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved…”
Outline
- Joel 1:1-2:17 — Prophecy Concerning The Day of the Lord and a Great Military Invasion
- Joel 2:18-32 — Prophecy of Restoration for God’s People
- Joel 3:1-21 — Prophecy of God’s Judgement on the Nations
Gospel Summary
Joel’s prophecy deals with both God’s salvation of individuals, as well as the future global restoration and Kingdom of God.
As Joel prophesies God’s coming judgement day on the nations, he informs us that God (Jesus) will judge every person according to their faith in Him, Joel makes it evident that your family heritage and bloodlines will not matter. All sinfulness, Jew and Gentile alike, will be brought to justice before Him before the restoration of Jerusalem and the final establishment of God’s eternal Kingdom.
Hidden within Joel’s prophecy of destruction and judgement, however, are gospel gems like the Key Scriptures mentioned above. Judgement day will not be hopeless for faithful believers. Joel tells us that it is not by works, but by placing our faith in the Lord that we will be saved (2:32), and he gives us the famous promise that God’s Spirit will be poured out as a gift on all mankind! This passage is quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:16-21, when the Holy Spirit did, in fact, come in power on the church.
If you’re enjoying the content I produce, a little caffeine to keep me going would be appreciated!
© Anthony Scott Ingram 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!