Book 29 of 66 · Old Testament

Joel

A locust plague becomes a preview of the day of the LORD, and a promise of the Spirit poured out on all flesh

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Joel - illustrated Bible scene
30Questions
3 chapters · Old Testament
The book in brief

Joel at a glance

A locust plague becomes a preview of the day of the LORD, and a promise of the Spirit poured out on all flesh

Chapters3
TestamentOld Testament
Questions30 · 1 quiz

Joel, son of Pethuel, prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem; the book gives no king's name, so its date is uncertain, but its message is timeless. Second of the twelve Minor Prophets, Joel takes a devastating locust plague, wave after wave of palmerworm, locust, cankerworm, and caterpiller stripping the land bare, and reads it as a trumpet blast announcing something greater: the day of the LORD, when God himself comes in judgment.

The book moves in two sweeps. First, Joel summons priests and people to lament, fast, and gather in solemn assembly, urging them to rend your heart, and not your garments, because the LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger. Then God answers: he will restore the years that the locust hath eaten, pour out his spirit upon all flesh so that sons and daughters prophesy, and judge the nations in the valley of decision, while whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.

Joel matters because Peter stood up at Pentecost and declared this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2 is Joel 2 fulfilled. The book teaches that calamity is a call to repentance, that God's mercy outruns his judgment for all who turn to him, and that history is heading toward the great day of the LORD.

The day of the LORDRepentance from the heartThe outpoured SpiritRestoration after loss
Verse to remember

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Joel 2:13 King James Version

Structure & cast

Explore Joel

How Joel unfolds

6 sections
  • 1
    The locust devastation (ch. 1)An unprecedented plague strips vine and fig tree; Joel calls drunkards, farmers, and priests alike to mourn, fast, and cry unto the LORD.
  • 2
    The day of the LORD nears (ch. 2:1-11)The locust army becomes a picture of the LORD's own great and terrible day, a great people and a strong before whom the earth quakes.
  • 3
    A call to return (ch. 2:12-17)Turn ye even to me with all your heart: rend your heart and not your garments, gather a solemn assembly, and plead for God to spare his people.
  • 4
    Restoration promised (ch. 2:18-27)The LORD pities his land, drives off the northern army, sends corn, wine, and oil, and restores the years that the locust hath eaten.
  • 5
    The Spirit poured out (ch. 2:28-32)Afterward God will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, with wonders in heaven and earth, and whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.
  • 6
    The nations judged, Zion blessed (ch. 3)God gathers the nations to the valley of Jehoshaphat, multitudes in the valley of decision, and dwells in Zion, whose hills flow with milk and new wine.

People to know

4 figures
  • JoelSon of Pethuel, the prophet who interprets the locust plague as a summons to national repentance.
  • The priestsMinisters of the LORD called to weep between the porch and the altar and lead the solemn assembly.
  • The people of Judah and JerusalemElders, children, bridegroom and bride, all summoned to return to the LORD with all their heart.
  • The nationsTyre, Zidon, Philistia, Egypt, and Edom, gathered for judgment in the valley of decision.
Verses to remember

Words worth carrying with you

And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

Joel 2:13 · KJV

And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Joel 2:28 · KJV

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Joel 2:32 · KJV
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Think you know Joel?

30 questions from the King James Version, all ages welcome. Keep score, then challenge a friend or your whole group.

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Bible Quiz: Joel - The Day of the Lord | 30 Questions