Joel

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yôʾēl (“Yahweh is God”), affirming covenant loyalty to the LORD.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (date uncertain within Judah’s prophetic history).
• Main References: Joel 1–3.
• Key Connections: Judah and Jerusalem; “Joel the son of Pethuel” (Joel 1:1); temple priests and elders as covenant leaders in worship and communal lament.

Who was Joel?

Joel was an Old Testament prophet associated with Judah and Jerusalem.
He is identified as “the son of Pethuel” and delivers his message in the book that bears his name.
His prophecy addresses a national crisis and interprets it within the covenant framework of the “day of the LORD.”

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Interpreted a devastating locust plague and drought as a communal warning and summons to repentance (Joel 1:4–20).
• Event 2: Called for a sacred assembly with fasting and priestly lament at the temple (Joel 2:12–17).
• Event 3: Announced future restoration for Judah and divine judgment on hostile nations, centered on Zion (Joel 2:18–3:21).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Joel portrays national calamity as an occasion for covenant renewal through communal repentance and hope in the LORD’s promised restoration.

Key Verse

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." — Joel 2:28, ESV