Joel
Joel son of Pethuel
Joel uses a devastating locust plague as a picture of the coming Day of the Lord. He calls Judah to repentance and promises that God will restore what the locusts have eaten. The book contains the famous prophecy of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh, fulfilled at Pentecost.
Chapters
Book Outline
Description of the devastating plague and call to mourn.
Warning of judgment, call to repentance, promise of mercy.
Promise of restoration, outpouring of the Spirit, final judgment of nations.
Key Themes
The Day of the Lord
A day of judgment and darkness for those who oppose God, but salvation for those who call on Him.
Call to Repentance
God calls for genuine, heartfelt return characterized by fasting, weeping, and mourning.
The Spirit Poured Out
God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, not just prophets.
Key Verses
I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit.
The promise of the Spirit, quoted by Peter at Pentecost.
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.
Call for genuine internal repentance, not just external mourning.
And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.
Universal offer of salvation to all who call on God.
Main Characters
Biblical Locations
Connection to Christ
Pentecost Fulfillment
Peter identified the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost as fulfillment of Joel's prophecy.
ACT 2:16-21Calling on the Name of the Lord
Paul quotes Joel 2:32 to show that salvation comes to all who call on Christ.
ROM 10:13