Prophet to: Israel (Northern Kingdom)Some suggest that Joel lived in the 9th century BC while others assign him to the 5th or 4th century BC. Judging from Judah's prominence in his prophecy, he may have been a prophet associated with the ritual of either Solomon's or the Second temple, depending on the date when he lived.
A devastating swarm had come to Judah, and it was no small infestation; the people had never seen anything like it:
“What the gnawing locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten;
And what the swarming locust has left, the creeping locust has eaten;
And what the creeping locust has left, the stripping locust has eaten.” (Joel 1:4)
The crops were gone leading to great hunger among the people and their animals. Joel explained to the people that what the Lord wants from them is repentance. Joel’s message has two strong points:
1. God is judging Judah, but He will bless and restore them again when they repent.
2. God will judge all the nations on Judah’s behalf.
God disciplines His people, but He also defends them. Joel declares that although Judah is under God’s wrath, the future holds exciting things for the people...
Joel’s message is stern but also highlights God’s love and desire to be with His people. Rather than let them starve after sending the locusts, God sends Joel to direct their hearts back to Him.
Joel is the second minor prophet who ministered to the Southern Kingdom of Judah. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles and they began speaking in tongues (on the day of Pentecost ). Peter explains that this is what Joel prophesied about in Joel 2:28–32.
Artist Renderings
