JOEL BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: JOEL’S MESSAGE TO ISRAEL
Joel’s prophecy warned the Israelites of the “Day of the Lord,” a future time when God will intervene to bring judgment and justice. Through vivid imagery, Joel spoke of a locust plague, symbolizing the coming devastation and calling the Israelites to repent. While the message starts with judgment, it also offers hope of God’s promise to restore His people through His Spirit.
Joel demonstrates deep familiarity with the Scriptures and the writings of other prophets by mirroring themes found in Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Obadiah, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Malachi. Unlike other prophets, Joel was more general in his warnings, refraining from directly addressing specific sins and only briefly mentioning enemy nations. Although the exact time period of Joel’s prophecy is unknown, it was most likely given around the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, after the Israelites had been exiled. In this time of uncertainty, Joel pointed to a future time when God would dwell among His people through the Holy Spirit.
MAIN IDEAS: THE DAY OF THE LORD IS COMING
Locust swarms symbolize Jerusalem’s future judgment and destruction. (Joel 1:4-7)
Joel called the Israelites to heartfelt repentance, not just outward religious acts. (Joel 2:12-13)
God’s great compassion fueled His desire to forgive and redeem His people. (Joel 2:18-21)
God promised to restore His people and provide them with His Holy Spirit. (Joel 2:25-29)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: A REFUGE TO HIS PEOPLE
Joel 3:16 states, “The LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.” The book of Joel emphasizes God’s protective nature and His promise to be a safe place for the Israelites, even amid chaos and judgment. God is not only a righteous judge but also a compassionate refuge, showing Him to be both just and merciful.
Throughout Joel’s prophecies, he relied on the Scriptures as a source of strength and reassurance. Joel remembered God’s trustworthy character and referenced Exodus 34:6-7, recalling that God is slow to anger and full of steadfast love. The book reminds believers to turn to Scripture to remember God’s protective and compassionate nature. Serving as a faithful example, Joel encouraged God’s people to seek God and His Word as a refuge, specifically in times of trouble or uncertainty.
JESUS IN JOEL: THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT + HIS RETURN
Joel foretold a time when God’s Spirit would come to dwell within His people. This prophecy was later fulfilled in Acts 2 during an event known as Pentecost. This event marked a significant moment in history, as the Holy Spirit came to live within believers. Joel 2:28-29 points forward to Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14:16-17, connecting God’s plan for redemption throughout Scripture.
When Joel referenced the “Day of the Lord,” he was foreshadowing Christ’s second coming, when the final victory of justice and restoration will take place. In Revelation 22 (the final chapter of the Bible), Jesus confirmed this second arrival and promised His return, affirming Joel’s prophecy.
