Faith & Reason Nexus

Meaning: “Yahweh is God”

Author: Joel

Time Written: Around 835 B.C.

Position in the Bible:

• 29th book in the Bible
• 29th book in the Old Testament
• 7th of the 17 books of Prophecy (Isaiah to Malachi)
• 2nd of the 12 Minor Prophets

Structure:

• Found in the “Holy Bible” (Hosea to Malachi)
• Chapters: 3
• Verses: 73
• Words: 2,034

Background:

• Joel was the son of Pethuel, whose name means “Persuaded of God.”
• It’s believed that Joel lived near Jerusalem.
• He was an early prophet of Judah, possibly a contemporary of the prophet Elisha in Israel.
• Joel delivered God’s message during the reign of King Joash (835-796 B.C.).

Significant Notes:

• The apostle Peter quotes Joel in Acts 2:17-21 during the day of Pentecost, following the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
• The Book of Joel emphasizes the theme of disasters, including:
• Locusts
• Plagues
• Famine
• Fires
• Invading armies
• Celestial events
• Joel encourages the people to repent and turn to God to avoid an even greater catastrophe.

Key Verses:

• Joel 2:11: “The LORD gives voice before His army, for His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; who can endure it?”
• Joel 2:28-29: “Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God and there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”