Joel- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Joel
• Audience: The people of the southern kingdom of Judah
• Original Hebrew Name: יוֹאל
• Translated Greek Name: Ἰωήλ
• Common English Name: Joel
• Transliteration: Yo'el
• Meaning: The Lord is G-d
• Date Created: c 869-809 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 869-809 BCE and future
• Key Individuals:
  • Joel
  • The people of Judah
• Key Themes:
  • The day of locusts (Joel 1:1-2:27)
  • The day of the Lord (Joel 2:28-3:21)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  Joel is a book of prophecy and apocalyptic vision written to the southern kingdom of Judah.  The prophet compares a recent locust plague to the coming "day of the Lord."  Joel corrected the commonly held view that G-d would only judge the nations on that day and made it known that G-d would also punish Israelites who were unfaithful.  He delivers G-d's unceasing call to repentance and tells of a day when G-d would "pour out His Spirit upon all flesh."

• Location Created: Jerusalem
• Content Location: In and around Jerusalem and in Judea
• Teaches:
  • G-d punishes sin.
  • G-d grants forgiveness.
  • G-d promises to pour out His Holy Spirit.
• Chapters: 3
• Verses: 73