Joel, author of the book of Joel, reveals nothing more about himself than his father Pethuel’s name. The Hebrew Yo’el, means “Yahweh is God.” Joel lived and ministered specifically in Judah. Unlike some prophets, he does not state under which king he ministered. Since he says nothing of the Assyrian or Babylonian empires, some scholars place him in the 9th century B.C. before either nation became significant.
Others think Joel ministered under Josiah in the 7th century B.C., as Assyria weakened and Babylon was strengthening; however, Joel refers to Tyre and Sidon as Judah’s enemies and these two nations did not clash with Judah until the latter part of its history. Consequently, still other scholars place Joel after the Babylonian exile. This view would explain his references to Tyre, Sideon and Greece and his lack of references to Assyria, Babylon, or a Judean king. However, this late a date makes his lack of mentioning Persia strange.
Joel vividly describes the utter destruction of Judah by locusts, a divine judgment against the nation for her sins. The plague may be interpreted either literally or allegorically, representing the invasion of enemy armies. Most scholars favor the literal view, but either way, the disaster serves as Joel’s basis for an appeal to repent. The two themes dominating the book are the plague and the future outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was at least partially fulfilled at Pentecost. With a description of the Jews’ reward for repentance, the book offers hope for reconciliation if only the Israelites will repent and humble themselves before God.
The time period in which the Minor Prophets ministered resembled our own in its pursuit of materialism and commercialism and the social evils that prevailed. Today, Joel reminds us of God’s sovereignty—both nature and nations are under His control. Sometimes “bad things” happen in order to turn our hearts to God. The same reward awaits us that awaited the Jews: repent and enjoy God’s blessing!