The book of the prophet Joel is probably best known for two things. First, for his invasion of locusts in the first half of the book, and then for his prophecy of God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh, a verse quoted by Peter at Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21).
Little is known about Joel, and there is uncertainty about the dates of the letter. Estimates range from 870 BC to 200 BC. Given that neither Assyria nor Babylon are mentioned, but the Philistines, Phoenicians, Egyptians and Edomites are, an earlier date seems most likely. He presumably lived in or near Jerusalem, given his concern with these places. However, an alternative view is that the latter part contains allusions to the fall of Jerusalem and the Jewish diaspora, along with possible references to other prophets (Isaiah and Amos), though of course they may have been quoting from Joel! The short answer to the question of a date is “nobody knows!”.
Joel teaches on the Day of the Lord, this is not necessarily a specific date, but refers to a time when God’s plans are fulfilled, with evil being judged and overthrown, and those who trust in the Lord being vindicated. There is also the message that repentance can avert God’s wrath. Indeed this could be said to be the gospel message, though sadly much of the church seems to ignore repentance these days.
Unlike some of the other prophets, the judgement he issues is against Israel, rather than the other nations. Blessing follows only after blessing and judgement. It is a pity that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not grasp this aspect of God’s working.
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