Joel

Why Valuable

1. What day does the book of Joel emphasize, and to what does it refer?

THROUGHOUT the book of Joel, Jehovah reveals details concerning an important subject that he wants everyone​—especially his worshippers—​to know about: “the day of Jehovah.” In fact, the book of Joel may be the first Bible book to mention that expression, doing so five times. (1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14) In the Scriptures, “the day of Jehovah” refers to various special periods of time when Jehovah glorifies his great name and executes judgment on those who oppose him.

2. How do other Bible books help us to understand Joel’s prophecy about “the day of Jehovah”?

² Other Bible books contain important information that helps us to understand Joel’s prophecy related to “the day of Jehovah.” (See Box 29-A.) For example, Joel prophetically describes a symbolic locust invasion. The land of Judah eventually experienced a locustlike invasion by the Babylonian (Chaldean) army that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., a fact confirmed by Jeremiah and Ezra. (Joe 1:6; 2:1, 8-11, 20, 25; compare 2Ch 36:17, 19; Jer 32:43.) Centuries later, Jesus used language similar to that of Joel to describe a future time of judgment. (Joe 2:31; Mt 24:29, 30) The apostle Peter applied a part of Joel’s prophecy to the outpouring of holy spirit at Pentecost 33 C.E. (Joe 2:28-32; Ac 2:16-21) That event occurred “in the last days” of the Jewish system of things, which ended with a “day of Jehovah” in 70 C.E. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem. In addition, the apostles Peter and Paul referred to a future “day of Jehovah,” indicating that Joel’s prophecy would have a greater fulfillment.​—2Pe 3:12, 13; 1Th 5:2-4.

3. Which nations did Jehovah judge, and why?

³ Joel declares that “the day of Jehovah is near” for the nations that mistreated God’s people. (3:2-6, 12, 14, 19) Joel records prophetic judgments against the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon as well as Edom, Philistia (Ashdod, one of its principal cities), and Egypt. Joel’s prophecies are in harmony with other prophetic judgments against these nations. (Compare Eze 29:14-18; Am 1:8; Mal 1:3, 4.) Secular history proves that the prophecies were fulfilled, which strengthens our faith in the future fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

4. What key lesson about salvation does the book of Joel contain?

⁴ Through Joel, we discover the key to surviving “the day of Jehovah.” We learn that “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (2:31, 32) In quoting Joel, Paul explained that Christians must call on Jehovah’s name in order to be saved and that doing so involves putting faith in Him.​—Ro 10:13, 14.

5. What does the book of Joel reveal about Jehovah?

⁵ The book of Joel reminds us that Jehovah is “merciful, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love.” (Joe 2:13; Ex 34:6) He warmly invites his worshippers who have strayed to return to him; he wants to forgive and bless them. (2:12-14, 21) However, he will not hold back from justly punishing unrepentant sinners and those who mistreat his people.​—1:15; 3:19.

What to Know Before Reading

6. Where and when does Joel seem to have prophesied?

⁶ Writer: We know little about the prophet Joel apart from his name, which means “Jehovah Is God.” Joel’s references to Judah, Jerusalem, and the temple may indicate that he lived in Jerusalem and prophesied in Judah. (1:9, 14; 2:17, 32; 3:1, 2, 16-20) In the Hebrew Bible, the book of Joel is placed between Hosea and Amos, which may suggest that Joel served around the same time as those prophets in the ninth century B.C.E. Joel may have been quoted by Amos, who completed writing his book about 804 B.C.E. (Joe 3:16; Am 1:1, 2) If so, this would mean that Joel wrote his prophecy before Amos wrote his, perhaps about 820 B.C.E. This dating would also allow for the possibility that Joel’s ministry overlapped with that of Jonah.

7. What can be said about Joel’s message and style of writing?

⁷ Background: In 820 B.C.E., Uzziah (also called Azariah) was king of Judah. He “continued to do what was right in Jehovah’s eyes,” and the nation enjoyed military success and prosperity. (2Ch 26:3-14) However, many of his subjects were involved in false worship. (2Ki 15:1-4) Joel’s message, therefore, was timely and urged them to repent and return to true worship. (2:1, 12) Joel writes in Hebrew poetry with a vivid and expressive style. He adds emphasis through repetition and striking similes, as seen in his description of the symbolic locust invasion. (1:4, 6; 2:7) Although Joel’s message could seem grim, it actually assures us that Jehovah protects His faithful worshippers when He executes judgment on those who oppose Him.

Summary

8. How devastating is a plague of locusts?

⁸ A symbolic locust invasion strips the land. (1:1–2:11) Joel describes a terrifying vision of locusts devastating the food supply. With no food left, even offerings at the house of Jehovah cease. The locusts are compared to a nation that is “mighty and without number” as well as to an army “carrying out [God’s] word” on “the day of Jehovah.”​—1:6; 2:11; see Box 29-B.

9. What does Jehovah ask of his wayward people?

⁹ Jehovah urges his people to repent and return to him. (2:12-32) If they repent, he will show compassion and reconsider the calamity he plans to bring on them. He will bless and forgive them, and he will pour out his spirit on them.

10. What will Jehovah do to those who mistreat his people?

¹⁰ Jehovah judges the nations for mistreating his people. (3:1-21) God will bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem. He will then gather the nations and execute judgment on them in “the Valley of Jehoshaphat,” also called “the valley of the decision.” (3:12, 14) The book concludes: “Jehovah will reside in Zion.” (3:21) Those words assure God’s people that he will bless and protect them.