Introduction to Joel

Lesson 1 – Introduction

I. JOEL: A Teaching Outline

I. The Day of the Lord in the Past 1

A. The Past Day of the Locust 1:1-12

B. The Past Day of the Drought 1:13-20

II. The Day of the Lord in the Future 2:1-3:21

A. The Coming Day of the Lord 2:1-27

1. Prophecy of the Coming Invasion of 2:1-11 Judah

2. Conditional Promise of the Salvation 2:12-27 of Judah

B. The Ultimate Day of the Lord 2:28-3:21

1. Last Events before the Terrible Day 2:28-32 of the Lord

2. Events of the Terrible Day of the 3 Lord

a. Judgment on the Gentiles 3:1-17

b. Restoration of Judah3:18-21

(From Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

II. Introduction - The Book of Joel is the second of the twelve minor prophets. They are not minor because what they have to say is of less importance, but because they are smaller works.

Joel - his father Pethuel is named, possibly well known, sometimes we are known by someone else, however we know nothing of him, except they were of the tribe of Reuben, and the city of Bethraran. Pethuel means God's Opening, or Mouth of God, while Joel means "one to whom Jehovah is God, or one that is a worshipper of Jehovah."

It is very probable that Joel lived in Jerusalem due to his interest in the city throughout his prophecies, however according to Adam Clarke he prophesied in the Kingdom of or to Judah; He repeatedly referenced Zion, and the sacred rites and rituals of his people. Joel would not have been a priest because he sets himself apart from them by commanding them. (Joe_1:13) he also was not an elder because he addresses them in the second verse.

We are not told when the Book of Joel was written, nor are we told when Joel was born or when he died. There is a lot of controversy as to when it was written. We will for the sake of peace for the most part leave this aspect of the book of Joel alone. Scofield places Joel's minstry during the reign of Joash (2 Chron. 22-24) if this is correct he would have known Elijah in his youth and would have been a contemporary of Elish, and Jonah. Some have suggested somehwere between 835-789 B.C.

III. Political Climate in Joel -

Queen Athaliah would have recently pulled her political manuver to become sovereign. You find this recorded in 2 Kings and Chronicles in a couple of places.

1. - When Athaliah queen of Northern Kingdom of Israel, married to Jehoram. King of southern kingdom Judah

2. Jehoram dies her son Ahaziah reigns in his stead.

3. Ahaziah dies and Athaliah in wicked political conniving slew all of her grandchildren and anyone else she thought might get in the way of her ruling. Except one.

4. Jehosheba took Ahaziah's youngest son, Joash and his nurse and hid him away in the temple for six years.

5. They then brought him out and at seven years old was crowned king.

6. Athaliah when she heard about it rushed to the temple tore her robe off and cried treason, treason.

7. They turned on her and ran her out of the temple (they were told not to pollute the house of God with human blood) and slew her at the stable.

8. This is a glimpse of some of the political climate at the time of this writing.

9. Joel mentions the temple, but makes no mention of a king. Perhaps it was during this time that Joel ministered.

IV. The Teaching of Joel -

1. Encompasses the "Day of Jehovah, or The Day of The Lord."

A. When the Lord in a great crisis will manifest his power in conquering all enemies, and delivering His children.

B. He shows in his picturesque manner some of the phenomena in nature that will take place.

2. Encompasses the "Day of Pentecost" the outpouring of God's Divine Spirit.

3. Encompasses the "Way of Repentance" is the only way to find mercy in God's wrath.

V. The Message in a nutshell -

1. The Day of the Lord in the Past (Chapter 1)

2. The Day of the Lord that is coming (Chapter 2)

3. The Ultimate Day of the Lord. (Chapter 3)

VI. The Book of Joel begins with an interesting phrase, "The Word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel."

1. He begins in the right place - The Word of the LORD came to him.

A. Joel understands the divine source of the prophecy. Jehovah.

B. He doesn't have to look at the stars, or get out a Zodiacal chart or find a palm reader; God's word came to him.