Joel, a member of the Kohathite clan, is noted in the biblical narrative for his role in the religious reforms during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Kohathites were one of the Levitical families entrusted with the care of the sanctuary and its sacred objects, as outlined in the Old Testament. This lineage traces back to Kohath, one of the sons of Levi, making Joel part of a distinguished group responsible for the spiritual and ritual purity of Israel's worship practices.

The account of Joel's involvement is found in 2 Chronicles 29, which details the efforts of King Hezekiah to restore proper worship in the Temple of the LORD after a period of neglect and idolatry under his predecessor, King Ahaz. Hezekiah, a king noted for his piety and dedication to the LORD, initiated a comprehensive cleansing of the Temple to reestablish the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

In 2 Chronicles 29:12-15 , we read about the mobilization of the Levites for this sacred task: "Then the Levites set to work: from the Kohathites, Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah; from the Merarites, Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel; from the Gershonites, Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah; from the descendants of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeiel; from the descendants of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; from the descendants of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and from the descendants of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel."

Joel, identified as the son of Azariah, is among those Levites who responded to Hezekiah's call. His participation underscores the importance of the Kohathites in the religious life of Israel, particularly in their role of maintaining the sanctity of the Temple. The Levites, including Joel, were tasked with removing all defilement from the holy place, a process that involved the physical cleaning of the Temple and the spiritual renewal of the nation.

The cleansing of the Temple was a significant event, symbolizing a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of the idolatrous practices that had infiltrated Judah. Joel's involvement in this process highlights the faithfulness and dedication of the Levites to their divine calling. It also reflects the broader theme of repentance and restoration that is prevalent throughout the biblical narrative, where God continually calls His people back to Himself through acts of purification and renewal.

Joel's role, though briefly mentioned, is a testament to the collaborative effort required to restore the Temple's sanctity and the importance of each individual's contribution to the collective spiritual health of the nation. His participation in the cleansing of the Temple serves as a reminder of the enduring responsibility of the Levitical priesthood to uphold the holiness of God's dwelling place among His people.2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehalelel: and of the Gershonites; Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah:
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