Introduction to Joel

The Book of Joel is the second book in the Minor Prophets (from Hosea to Malachi), a loose collection, so called because these books are relatively short compared to the Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). The Minor Prophets are also sometimes referred to as the Twelve (because there are twelve books) and, together with Hosea, Joel forms part of a double introduction to it. These two books highlight key themes that recur in the collection. Hosea’s focus is on the relational aspect of the connection between God and His people, while Joel’s overwhelming concern is with ‘the Day of the LORD’, a future event of both judgment and restoration.

The prophet and the historic background of his ministry

Unlike some of the prophetic books, Joel’s introduction is brief (we only learn his father’s name; Joel 1:1), but nothing about the reign of kings under whom he may have ministered or any other clues to the historic events of his time. Given this sparsity of information, scholars date the book anywhere from the ninth to the second century BC. The key to remember is that the lack of a concrete historic background does not make the book less applicable. It still has a message that we can relate to our lives.

The only clues we have are from the internal evidence of the book. The mention of the temple (Joel 1:9, 13-16; 2:15-17) and Jerusalem (also called Zion) suggests a focus on Judah (Joel 2:1, 15, 23; 3:1, 6, 16). Thus, when Israel is named, it is in context a reference to Judah (Joel 2:27; 3:2, 16) and this is a feature of later books after the northern kingdom of Israel have gone into Assyrian captivity. Although an argument from silence, there is no mention of kings, nor of Assyria or Babylon, the two great powers that threatened God’s people during their history. The only leaders referred to are elders and priests (Joel 1:2, 13; 2:16), again a characteristic of the post-exilic period. Finally, the scattering of God’s people among the nations as a past event (Joel 3:2) similarly point to a background after the exile (the temple is in operation, so it cannot be during the exile).

There are traits in the book which may be ambiguous as to dating. Thus, for instance, the slave trade in Joel 3:4-8 could be from the ninth century to the fifth BC. Likewise, the evidence from language and style cannot conclusively establish a date. Some themes (e.g. the gathering of nations in battle against the Lord [Joel 3:9-17], the spring or fountain flowing from the temple [Joel 3:18]) occur in later prophetic books (e.g. Ezek 38-39; Zech 12:1-5; 14:1-7; Ezek 47:1-12; Zech 14:3-8), but it cannot be proven that they could not have occurred earlier. However, the balance of evidence makes a late, i.e. a post-exilic date more likely.

Structure and message

Part I – judgment and the call to repentance

• Joel 1:1-20         locust plague and lament
• Joel 2:1-17         invasion on the Day of the LORD

Part II – God’s restoration work envisaged

• Joel 2:18-32     agricultural blessing and the outpouring of the Spirit
• Joel 3:1-21         the nations judged

The book falls into two major parts. It opens with a lament over a locust plague that destroyed the crop. This seems to be a precursor of a future event, a foreign invasion described in language reminiscent of the locust plague. The people are called to turn to God (i.e. repent). The second part of the book envisages future restoration. God will bring blessing to the land in agricultural terms and pour out His Spirit on all. He will also bring judgment on the nations who mistreated His own people.

What this outline highlights is that the events happening in the present may be a precursor of future ones. For Judah, the devastation of the locust plague is a warning and a challenge. Will the people recognise the signs that this catastrophe is because of their sins, or at least because of drifting from the Lord? How they respond now, whether they turn to the Lord for help in humble submission or not may foreshadow their future reaction when the climactic ‘day of the LORD’ comes. The popular understanding of this phrase was an expectation of Israel’s glorious restoration when their enemies were to be judged. Joel, however, warns that matters are not that simple. Yes, God will restore His people but seeking Him is necessary for that to happen and only those who call on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:32). However, those who do, will find Him generous not only in making up for what has been lost earlier but in pouring out His Spirit without distinction of age, gender, or social status (Joel 2:28-29). Through it, God will be present with His people in an intimate way beyond anything that they could have imagined before.

The message then is obvious. How we live now matters because it is the practice run for the future. Thus, admitting sin in repentance and continuing to turn to God in our daily walk is the preparation for what is to come. The book also reminds us that the Lord is sovereign over both nature (locusts) and history (enemy invasion), a compassionate and gracious God (Joel 2:13) and a refuge (Joel 3:16) to those who seek Him out.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with others.