Joel

The book of Joel is the twenty-ninth book of the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to the prophet Joel. Its central message interprets an unprecedented locust plague as a warning foreshadowing the coming Judgment Day. At the same time, it proclaims God’s promise of salvation for those who repent, urging the people to return to Him.

Joel
Abbreviation	Joel
Class.	Old Testament
Category	Minor Prophets
Chapters	3
Record Related
Writer	Joel

Writer and Date

The book identifies its writer as Joel, son of Pethuel. The name Joel means “The LORD is God.”

Beyond his name, little is known about the prophet, making it difficult to determine the book’s date of composition. Many scholars suggest a context during the reign of Joash, the 8th king of Judah. Supporting arguments include:

1. The mention of the Valley of Jehoshaphat (the 4th king of Judah), which is taken to indicate a period after King Jehoshaphat’s victory over Edom and its allies.
2. The identification of Philistia, Egypt, and Edom as nations subject to judgment, with no reference to Assyria or Babylon, suggesting an early setting.
3. The absence of a reigning monarch, with priests appearing as the main leaders, which some interpret as reflecting the regency of Jehoiada the high priest during Joash’s minority.

Structure and Contents

Chapters	Content
Chapter 1	Israel’s Sin and the Locust Plague
Chapter 2	Warning of the Day of the LORD
Chapter 3	Judgment on the Nations and Restoration of Israel

The locust plague in Joel’s time devastated the land, leaving the fields barren and causing suffering not only to the people but also to livestock. Even temple offerings ceased. Joel interprets this disaster as a consequence of Israel’s sin and warns of a greater and more dreadful day of the LORD still to come. Nevertheless, he proclaims that if the people repent wholeheartedly, God will remove the calamity, send both the early and the latter rains, restore their former abundance, and pour out His Spirit on His people. He also writes that on that day, God will be a refuge and stronghold for His people.