The Book Of Joel
Author	Joel
Date Written	Between 835 and 800 BC
Time Span	While the exact length of Joel's ministry is not known, his prophecies span the time until the future restoration of Jerusalem is complete.
Title	The book is named after its author: the prophet Joel. Joel has been called the “prophet of Pentecost.” The name Joel means “Jehovah is God.”
Background	Judah, the setting for the book of Joel, is devastated by a vast horde of locusts. This invasion of locusts destroys everything: the fields of grain, the vineyards, the gardens, and the trees. Joel symbolically describes the locusts as a marching human army and views all of this as divine judgment coming against the nation for her sins.
Where Written	Probably Jerusalem.
To Whom	Primarily to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, but also to all Jews and Gentiles.
Content	A terrible locust plague is followed by a severe famine throughout the land Joel uses these happenings as the catalyst to send words of warning to Juda} that unless the people repent quickly and completely, enemy armies will devour the land as did the natural elements. Joel appeals to all the people and the priests of the land to fast and humble themselves as they seek God's forgiveness If they will but respond, there will be renewed material and spiritual blessing' for the nation. But the Day of the Lord is coming. At this time the dreaded locusts will seem as gnats in comparison, as all nations receive their judgment Finally, Joel gives an account of Jerusalem's ultimate restoration and prosperity.
Themes	Without repentance, judgment will be harsh, thorough, and certain. Our trust should not be in our possessions-which can be taken from us-but in the Lord our God. God at times may use nature, sorrow, or other common occurrences to draw us closer to Him. God's Covenant with His people will endure forever.
Key Words	“Locusts”; “Spirit.” The book of Joel is highlighted by 2 major events. One is the invasion of “locusts,” which devastates the lands of rebellious Judah. The other is the outpouring of the “Spirit” upon all flesh, which will result in sons and daughters prophesying, old men dreaming dreams, and young men seeing visions. The initial fulfillment of this is quoted by Peter in Acts as having taken place at Pentecost.
Outline	1:1-2:11  Invasion of locusts 2:12-2:27  God's mercy on the repentant 2:28-3:21  Final judgment and triumph of God
More	Audio of the Book of Joel

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