The Book of Joel

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The Book of Joel

Joel is the second of the twelve Minor Prophets. The book of Joel is set in the early eighth century BC in a time of great prosperity for Judah.2 Joel uses three easily identifiable formulas to convey his message to the people. What struck me about the book of Joel is his vivid writing style that includes the vivid use of simile and metaphor and the use of repetition and summary to reiterate his message. The main message of Joel is God’s offer of hope despite the present locust situation and if Israel repented there would be a coming day of God’s blessing.3

Joel is the second of the twelve Minor Prophets and was the son of Pethuel. Not much is known about Joel as a person other than what is contained in the three chapters of text, but it is believed he prophesied in Judah and was a contemporary of Amos and Isaiah.4 There is no date in the heading of the book, nor is any date in the body of the book, but the known data suggests the early eighth century B.C.5

The book of Joel is set in a time of great prosperity for Judah during the reign of Uzziah, the tenth king of the southern kingdom. The people were unaware

that Israel was suffering both physically and spiritually. This era seems very similar to our era of today and was one of great expansion militarily, administratively, commercially, and economically. People were enjoying great success and taking it for granted. The book of Joel takes place when a great plague of locusts and a drought, like the drought experienced in Texas but much longer, came upon the people of Judah and affected all aspects of society.

Joel’s writing style is significant and easily followed. It is very smooth, understandable, and identifiable. He ...

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“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all who

dwell in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; Yes, it is near, a

day of darkness and of gloom, a day of clouds and somberness! Like dawn

spreading over the mountains, a people numerous and mighty! Their like has

not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant

generations.”

Bibliography:

Bibliography

Patterson, Richard D., Joel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 7, ed. Frank E.

Gaebelein. Zondervan. Publishing House, 1985.

http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/index.html.

Trimiew, Anna. Bible Almanac. Lincolnwood. IL: Publications International, 1997.

Heyford, Jack W. Twelve Voices For Truth: Minor Prophets. Nashville, TN: Thomas

Nelson, Inc, 1995.

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