Author

Joel

Written

~835–800 BC

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

3

Key Theme

The Day of the Lord — judgment, repentance, and the outpouring of God's Spirit.

Written For

The people of Judah

Introduction of Joel

Joel is named after its author, a prophet who ministered in Judah, possibly in the 9th or 5th–4th century BC. The book opens with a devastating locust plague that Joel sees as a warning of coming judgment. Beyond the immediate crisis, Joel delivers powerful oracles about the Day of the Lord, calling the people to repentance with the famous promise that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh. This short but vivid book moves from darkness and devastation to hope and restoration in striking fashion.