Joel

Date:

Joel givers us very little information by which to date it. Contrary to Hosea, Joel doe snot provide the names of Israel of Judah’s kings. Neither doe sit give any hysterical reference apart from locust. Although we do see Joel’s father s name, Pethuel, we know no more of him than we do of Joel.

There are no references to kings.

There is mention that the temple sacrifices were still active.

No reference to the Syrians, Assyrians, or Chaldeans. Yet, it does speak of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia.

This information shows that it could not have ben written from the period Amos to Zechariah. gives a likely date of the early 800’s B.C.

Characteristics:

Hosea was a prophet primarily to Israel, while Joel was primarily a prophet to Israel.

Joel is writing during a time of great duress in Israel. Famine had engulfed the people because of a plague of locust God had sent due to their sin.

Yet, Joel’s message was a message of God’s grace and not of God’s judgment. Joel preached so that Israel would repent and turn back to God.

Some of Jonah’s message is reminiscent of Jonah.

Joel 2:12–14 NKJV

12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him— A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God?

Message:

The overwhelming message of Joel is the government of God.

He contrast the wicked governments of man with the righteous government of God.

Joel wants the reader to understand that God has a plan.

Joel wants the reader to proclaim that God’s judgment is coming.