Tags

, ,

Joel is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible, but his life and ministry are shrouded in mystery. Here are some facts and insights about this ancient prophet and his message.

  • Joel’s name means “Yahweh is God” or “one to whom Yahweh is God”. This reflects his devotion to the covenant God of Israel and his role as a messenger of God’s word.
  • Joel was the son of Pethuel, a name that is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We do not know anything about his family, tribe, or occupation.
  • Joel prophesied to the southern kingdom of Judah, most likely during the reign of King Joash (835-796 BC). Some scholars suggest that he might have lived later, after the Babylonian exile, but there is no clear evidence for this. His prophecy does not mention any foreign powers or historical events that could help us date it precisely.
  • Joel was probably from Judah or Jerusalem, since he shows familiarity with the temple, the priests, and the sacrifices. He also describes the locust plague and the drought that devastated the land as a divine judgment on Judah’s sins.
  • Joel’s main message was a call to repentance and a promise of restoration. He urged the people to turn back to God with fasting, weeping, and mourning, and to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.
  • Joel also announced that God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh, and that he would restore Judah’s prosperity and security. He also predicted a future day of judgment, when God would gather all nations and judge them for their hostility against his people.
  • Joel’s prophecy has been quoted or alluded to by other biblical writers, such as Amos, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zephaniah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, and Revelation.
  • Joel’s vision of the outpouring of the Spirit was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the apostles spoke in different languages by the power of the Holy Spirit. His prophecy also points to the final day of the Master, when the Messiah will return in glory and judge the living and the dead.

Joel was a faithful prophet who spoke God’s word to his people in a time of crisis and hope. His prophecy still speaks to us today, reminding us of God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and grace.