Joel: Return before the day of the LORD

Where Joel sits

In the story

Act IV, Israel · Divided, c. 930–586 BC

In the Bible

Old Testament · Prophets · book 29 of 66

Before it in the story

2 Kings

After it in the story

Jonah

A devastating locust plague and drought interrupt Judah's harvest and temple offerings. Joel uses the crisis to announce the day of the LORD.

Joel summary

Joel in context

Written by

Joel son of Pethuel, named in 1:1.

Written to

Judah and Jerusalem, including elders, priests and the whole congregation.

Setting

A devastating locust plague and drought interrupt Judah's harvest and temple offerings. Joel uses the crisis to announce the day of the LORD.

When

Undated; proposals range from before the exile to the Persian period.

Why

To summon heartfelt repentance and announce the LORD's saving presence, Spirit and final judgment.

Themes of Joel

• The day of the LORD
• Repentance and the Spirit

Key verses in Joel

• Joel 2:13

  So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

• Joel 2:32

  And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.

Joel chapter by chapter

Part 1 · A ruined land cries out 1

1. 1
   Joel 1: A devastated land calls for lament

   The locust plague and drought summon the whole community to cry to the LORD before His coming day.

Part 2 · Return and receive the promised Spirit 2

1. 2
   Joel 2: Return with the heart and receive the Spirit

   The LORD summons repentance, restores His people and promises His Spirit and salvation to those who call.

Part 3 · The nations judged and Zion secure 3

1. 3
   Joel 3: The Judge becomes His people's refuge

   The LORD judges violence against His people and promises holy, fruitful life in His presence.

See the outline of Joel