The Book of Joel
Joel calls for repentance in the face of judgment (a devastating locust plague becomes a parable of the Day of the LORD) and promises the outpouring of God's Spirit on all people — fulfilled at Pentecost.
- Testament
- Old (3 chapters)
- Type
- Minor Prophet
- Author
- Joel son of Pethuel; little else known.
- Date
- Uncertain — possibly 9th c. BC or postexilic.
The day of the LORD
Joel sees national disaster as a warning — the day of God's reckoning is real. The call: 'rend your heart, and not your garments' (2:13). Real repentance, not just religious display.
The outpoured Spirit
In chapter 2, God promises 'I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy' (2:28). Peter quotes this on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21) — Joel's vision becomes the church's birth certificate.
Key verses (KJV)
“Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful.” — Joel 2:13 (KJV)
“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” — Joel 2:28 (KJV)
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.” — Joel 2:32 (KJV)
How to read Joel
Three chapters — read in one sitting. Then read Acts 2 and notice how Peter wields Joel's words to interpret what just happened on Pentecost.
Read Joel on your iPhone
Read the full book of Joel in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read Joel free on iPhone.
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