Joel

Author: Joel
Date of Writing: 9th century BC
Type of Book: Prophetic
Theme: The coming day of the Lord

We know almost nothing about the prophet Joel. We do know the was the son of Pethuel, but we don't know who Pethuel was. Most of the prophets mentioned kings who reigned at the time of their writings, but Joel didn't. Scholars generally agree that Joel was prophesying in Judah, because of his many references to Jerusalem and his familiarity with the temple. The book of Amos quotes Joel, so we know he predates Amos, and Amos prophesied around 790 BC. Joel was probably written sometime in the early ninth century BC, which would make him a contemporary to Elisha and perhaps Elijah. This would mean that Joel was one of the oldest prophetic books written.

Although this is a short title book, it packs a powerful message. Joel began by describing a local plague of locusts. He used this devastation to call God's people to repentance. He let them know that the recent event was nothing compared to further judgment that would surely come upon the people if they continued in their sinful and rebellious ways.

He then extended his prophecies into the future, as he told of the coming day of the Lord, which included future events of judgment to come upon the earth and upon Israel as a nation including the great tribulation, and the millennial reign. Joel also prophesied concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days from which Peter quoted when he began his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16).

It is interesting that perhaps the oldest of the prophetic books looks forward in time to the last days and to the various events that have yet to be fulfilled. God has always seen the end from the beginning, and it all fits into His plan of redemption.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible