INTRODUCTION TO JOEL
The book of Joel may be small in length, but its message is powerful and far-reaching. Joel, whose name means "Jehovah is God," was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah, ministering in or around Jerusalem. Though little is known about his personal life, his prophecy carries immense significance.
Joel’s central theme is "the Day of the Lord"—a time of divine judgment and ultimate restoration. He describes a devastating locust plague that serves as both a literal disaster and a symbol of future judgment. Yet, alongside warnings of destruction, Joel offers a message of hope: God calls His people to repentance, promising restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit on all who turn to Him (Joel 2:28-29).
Joel is among the earliest written prophets and lays the foundation for later prophetic messages about the coming judgment and the kingdom of God. His prophecy also finds fulfillment in the New Testament when Peter references Joel’s words on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21), showing that God's promises extend beyond Israel to all who call on His name.
Through Joel, we see that God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy. Those who repent will experience His blessing and salvation, culminating in His eternal reign.
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