Pethuel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joel. He is identified as the father of the prophet Joel, who is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible. The name Pethuel means "vision of God" or "God's opening," which may reflect the prophetic insight and divine revelation associated with his son, Joel.

Biblical Reference:

Pethuel is mentioned in the opening verse of the Book of Joel:

"The word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel:" (Joel 1:1)

This brief mention establishes Pethuel's primary significance as the father of Joel, providing a genealogical context for the prophet. The lack of additional information about Pethuel in the biblical text suggests that his role is primarily to identify and authenticate Joel's lineage, emphasizing the importance of family heritage in the prophetic tradition.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Book of Joel is set against a backdrop of a locust plague and a call to repentance, with themes of judgment and restoration. While Pethuel himself is not a central figure in the narrative, his mention underscores the importance of familial and tribal identities in ancient Israelite society. The lineage of a prophet often served to validate their authority and message, linking them to a broader historical and spiritual tradition.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Pethuel highlights the continuity of God's revelation through generations. The prophetic message delivered by Joel, "son of Pethuel," is part of a divine communication that transcends individual lifetimes, rooted in a covenantal relationship between God and His people. This lineage underscores the belief in a God who speaks through chosen individuals, often within the context of their familial and communal settings.

Interpretation and Legacy:

While Pethuel himself does not play an active role in the biblical narrative, his mention serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of family, faith, and prophecy in the biblical tradition. The legacy of Pethuel is carried forward through the prophetic ministry of his son, Joel, whose message continues to resonate with themes of repentance, divine judgment, and hope for restoration.

In summary, Pethuel's significance lies in his role as the father of Joel, providing a genealogical anchor for the prophet's message and emphasizing the enduring nature of God's communication with His people through the prophetic tradition.Pethuel

mouth of God; persuasion of God

Pethuel

(vision of God), the father of the prophet Joel. (Joel 1:1) (B.C. before 800.)

Vision of God, the father of Joel the prophet (Joel 1:1). PETHUEL

pe-thu'-el (pethu'el, "God's opening"): Father of Joel the prophet (Joel 1:1).

6602. Pethuel -- father of the prophet Joel
... 6601b, 6602. Pethuel. 6603 . father of the prophet Joel. Transliteration: Pethuel
Phonetic Spelling: (peth-oo-ale') Short Definition: Pethuel. ...
/hebrew/6602.htm - 6k

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... Israel, chap.14. II. JOEL. 5. The prophecies of Joel, the son of Pethuel, give
no specifications of place or time. But all the internal ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... [1466] Joel the son of Pethuel describes the land of the twelve tribes as spoiled
and devastated by the palmerworm, the canker-worm, the locust, and the blight ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

Pethuel (1 Occurrence)
...PETHUEL. pe-thu'-el (pethu'el, "God's opening"): Father of Joel the prophet
(Joel 1:1). Multi-Version Concordance Pethuel (1 Occurrence). ...
/p/pethuel.htm - 7k

Pethu'el (1 Occurrence)
Pethu'el. Pethuel, Pethu'el. Petition . ... Pethu'el (1 Occurrence). Joel 1:1 A
word of Jehovah that hath been unto Joel, son of Pethuel: (See RSV). ...
/p/pethu'el.htm - 6k

Pethor (2 Occurrences)

/p/pethor.htm - 10k

Joel (22 Occurrences)
... (7.) The second of the twelve minor prophets. He was the son of Pethuel. ... Joel (WEB).
Joel 1:1 The Word of Yahweh that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel. ...
/j/joel.htm - 49k

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