Title and Author: The book of Joel is named after its author, the prophet Joel, whose name means "Yahweh is God." Joel is considered one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. The Berean Standard Bible attributes the book to Joel, the son of Pethuel, though little else is known about him personally.

Historical Context: The exact date of Joel's writing is debated among scholars, with estimates ranging from the 9th to the 5th century BC. However, a conservative Christian perspective often places it around the 9th century BC, during the reign of King Joash of Judah. This period was marked by a locust plague and a severe drought, which Joel uses as a backdrop for his prophetic message.

Audience: Joel's primary audience was the people of Judah and Jerusalem. His message was directed towards the Israelites, calling them to repentance and warning them of the impending "Day of the LORD."

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Joel is to call the people of Judah to repentance in light of a devastating locust plague, which serves as a precursor to the coming "Day of the LORD." Joel seeks to awaken the spiritual consciousness of the nation and urge them to return to God.

Genre and Style: Joel is a prophetic book characterized by vivid imagery and poetic language. It combines elements of lamentation, exhortation, and eschatological prophecy.1. Joel (Joel 1:1)
- Joel is the prophet and author of the book. He is the son of Pethuel and delivers God's message to the people of Judah. The book begins with "The word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel."

2. Pethuel (Joel 1:1)
- Pethuel is mentioned as the father of Joel. There is no additional information provided about him in the text.

The Book of Joel primarily addresses the nation of Judah and its people collectively, rather than focusing on individual characters. The text is rich with imagery and prophecy concerning a locust plague, a call to repentance, and the promise of future blessings and the outpouring of God's Spirit.1. Judah (Joel 1:2)
- Judah is the southern kingdom of the Israelites, where the prophet Joel directed his message. It is the primary setting for the events and prophecies described in the book.

2. Jerusalem (Joel 2:1)
- Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah and a central location in the Book of Joel. It is the site of the temple and the focal point of the religious and political life of the people. Joel calls for the sounding of the alarm in Zion, which is a part of Jerusalem.

3. Zion (Joel 2:1)
- Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, often used to refer to the city itself or the temple mount. It holds significant religious importance as the dwelling place of God and the center of worship.

4. Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2)
- This valley is mentioned as the place where God will gather all nations for judgment. The name "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh judges," symbolizing divine judgment.

5. Tyre and Sidon (Joel 3:4)
- These are ancient Phoenician cities located on the Mediterranean coast, known for their trade and wealth. They are mentioned in the context of God's judgment against the nations that have wronged Judah.

6. Philistia (Joel 3:4)
- Philistia refers to the land of the Philistines, located along the southwestern coast of Canaan. Like Tyre and Sidon, it is mentioned as a target of divine retribution for its actions against Judah.

7. Greece (Joel 3:6)
- Greece is mentioned in the context of the nations that have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem into slavery. It represents distant lands involved in the oppression of God's people.

8. Egypt (Joel 3:19)
- Egypt is a neighboring nation to the south of Judah, historically an adversary and sometimes an ally. In Joel, it is mentioned as a land that will become desolate as part of God's judgment.

9. Edom (Joel 3:19)
- Edom is a region southeast of Judah, traditionally hostile to the Israelites. It is mentioned alongside Egypt as a nation that will face desolation due to its violence against Judah.1. The Locust Plague (Joel 1:4)
Joel describes a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land, symbolizing a severe judgment. The locusts are depicted in stages: "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust has left, the consuming locust has eaten."

2. Call to Lamentation (Joel 1:13-14)
The prophet calls the priests and the people to mourn and fast. They are urged to "put on sackcloth and lament" and to "consecrate a fast" and "call a sacred assembly" to cry out to the Lord for mercy.

3. The Day of the Lord (Joel 2:1-2)
Joel warns of the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of darkness and gloom, symbolizing impending judgment. It is described as "a day of clouds and thick darkness, like the dawn spreading across the mountains."

4. The Army of Locusts (Joel 2:3-11)
The locusts are depicted as an invading army, bringing destruction. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is a desolate wilderness. The Lord's voice is heard as He leads this mighty army.

5. Call to Repentance (Joel 2:12-13)
God calls the people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. The Lord is described as "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."

6. Promise of Restoration (Joel 2:18-27)
God promises to restore the land and bless the people if they repent. He will send grain, new wine, and oil, and remove the northern army far from them. The people will know that God is in their midst.

7. Outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29)
God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. "Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." This event is later referenced in the New Testament during Pentecost.

8. Signs and Wonders (Joel 2:30-31)
The Lord will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, including blood, fire, and columns of smoke. "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the Lord."

9. Salvation for Those Who Call on the Lord (Joel 2:32)
"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This promise of deliverance is extended to those who seek refuge in the Lord.

10. Judgment on the Nations (Joel 3:1-2)
God announces judgment on the nations for their treatment of His people. He will gather all nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat and enter into judgment with them there.

11. The Valley of Decision (Joel 3:14)
Multitudes are in the Valley of Decision, where the Day of the Lord is near. This symbolizes the final judgment and the decisive moment for the nations.

12. Blessing and Prosperity for God's People (Joel 3:17-21)
The book concludes with a promise of blessing and prosperity for God's people. Jerusalem will be holy, and the mountains will drip with new wine. The Lord will dwell in Zion, and Judah will be inhabited forever.1. The Day of the Lord (Joel 1:15)
- The "Day of the Lord" is a central theme in Joel, referring to a time of divine judgment and intervention. It is depicted as a day of darkness and destruction, but also as a time of salvation for those who repent. Joel 1:15 states, "Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty."

2. Repentance and Return to God (Joel 2:12)
- Joel emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God as a response to impending judgment. The call to repentance is heartfelt and sincere, urging people to rend their hearts, not just their garments. Joel 2:12 says, "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning."

3. Locust Plague as a Symbol of Judgment (Joel 1:4)
- The book begins with a vivid description of a locust plague, symbolizing the devastation that comes with divine judgment. This natural disaster serves as a metaphor for the coming judgment and calls the people to reflect on their spiritual state. Joel 1:4 describes, "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten."

4. God’s Mercy and Restoration (Joel 2:18)
- Despite the dire warnings, Joel also speaks of God's mercy and the promise of restoration for those who repent. God is portrayed as compassionate and willing to restore the land and bless the people once they return to Him. Joel 2:18 states, "Then the LORD became jealous for His land and spared His people."

5. Outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28)
- Joel prophesies a future outpouring of God's Spirit on all people, transcending social and age barriers. This theme is significant in its anticipation of a new era of spiritual empowerment and is later referenced in the New Testament. Joel 2:28 declares, "And afterward, 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."

6. Judgment on the Nations (Joel 3:2)
- The book concludes with a vision of judgment against the nations that have oppressed God's people. This theme underscores God's justice and the ultimate vindication of His people. Joel 3:2 states, "I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, as they divided up My land."1. The Lord Who Judges
- Description: Joel speaks of the "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment and reckoning. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is prophesied to return to judge the living and the dead.
- Reference: "The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?" (Joel 2:11).

2. The Restorer
- Description: Joel promises restoration after devastation, which can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, restoring humanity's relationship with God.
- Reference: "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts..." (Joel 2:25).

3. The Giver of the Spirit
- Description: Joel prophesies the outpouring of God's Spirit, which Christians believe was fulfilled through Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- Reference: "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people..." (Joel 2:28).

4. The Deliverer
- Description: Joel speaks of deliverance for those who call on the name of the Lord, which is seen as a type of salvation through Jesus.
- Reference: "And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved..." (Joel 2:32).

5. The Hope of Zion
- Description: Joel describes a future where God dwells with His people, a theme that Christians associate with Jesus' role in establishing God's kingdom.
- Reference: "The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem..." (Joel 3:16).1. Prophecy of the Locust Plague as a Judgment (Joel 1:4)
- Prophecy: "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust has left, the consuming locust has eaten."
- Fulfillment: This is often interpreted as a literal locust plague that devastated the land of Judah, serving as a divine judgment and a call to repentance.

2. Prophecy of Call to Repentance (Joel 2:12-13)
- Prophecy: "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."
- Fulfillment: The call to repentance is a timeless message, urging the people of Judah to turn back to God. Its fulfillment is seen in the spiritual renewal of individuals and communities who heed this call.

3. Prophecy of the Outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29)
- Prophecy: "And afterward, 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 menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days."
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is considered fulfilled in the New Testament during the event of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:16-21, where the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples.

4. Prophecy of the Day of the LORD (Joel 2:31)
- Prophecy: "The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD."
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is often associated with eschatological events, interpreted by some as being partially fulfilled in various historical events, but ultimately pointing to future apocalyptic occurrences.

5. Prophecy of Judgment on the Nations (Joel 3:2)
- Prophecy: "I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning My people, My inheritance Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, as they divided up My land."
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as a future event where God will judge the nations for their treatment of Israel, often interpreted in the context of end-times prophecy.

6. Prophecy of Restoration and Blessing for Israel (Joel 3:18)
- Prophecy: "And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the brooks of Judah will run with water, and a spring will issue from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Acacias."
- Fulfillment: This is viewed as a promise of future restoration and blessing for Israel, symbolizing abundance and divine favor, with some seeing partial fulfillment in historical periods of prosperity and others looking to a future realization.

1. A Past Day of the LORD  ( 1:1⁠–⁠20 )

a. The Invasion of Locusts  ( 1:1⁠–⁠7 )

b. A Call to Mourning  ( 1:8⁠–⁠12 )

c. A Call to Repentance  ( 1:13⁠–⁠20 )

2. A Future Day of the LORD  ( 2:1⁠–⁠32 )

a. The Army of Locusts  ( 2:1⁠–⁠11 )

b. Return with All Your Heart  ( 2:12⁠–⁠17 )

c. God’s Response  ( 2:18⁠–⁠32 )

i. Restoration Promised  ( 2:18⁠–⁠27 )

ii. I Will Pour Out My Spirit  ( 2:28⁠–⁠32 )

3. The Future Day of the LORD  ( 3:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. The LORD Judges the Nations  ( 3:1⁠–⁠16 )

b. Blessings for God’s People  ( 3:17⁠–⁠21 )