Daily Devotions
Joel
THE BOOK OF JOEL
Text: Joel
The Book of Joel is different from many of the other prophetic books. There was a very clear absence of the following:
1. Historical reference
a) No king was mentioned.
Thus, some suggest that this book was a pre-monarchic book.
b) This view however is not likely, for Joel made reference to the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2).
c) There was also a reference to the house of the LORD God (Joel 1:14).
d) Priests were also mentioned as ministering at the altar (Joel 1:13).
e) These would indicate that the Kingdom of Israel was in existence.
f) We are unable to pin-point accurately the period of history he ministered in.
2. Personal reference
a) Joel’s father was called Pethuel (Joel 1:1).
b) No other personal details were given.
THE RELEVANCE OF THE BOOK OF JOEL
The book of Joel is nevertheless relevant and of great significance for at least two reasons:
1. The word of the LORD
a) Joel wrote of having received the word of the LORD (Joel 1:1).
b) He was a genuine prophet of God who had chosen not to mention personal details.
2. The Call to genuine repentance
a) Joel calls on the nation to repent humbly.
b) This call was given movingly and urgently.
3. The prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit and His ministry
a) No other prophet has written as clearly about the Advent of the Spirit of God.
b) This prophecy was cited by the Apostle Peter in his maiden message given in Jerusalem (Acts 2).
4. In times of national calamity
Joel ministered at a time when the LORD had sent a plague of locust on the land. There were lessons that arose from facing this national calamity.