The Book of Joel

Joel calls for repentance in the face of judgment (a devastating locust plague becomes a parable of the Day of the LORD) and promises the outpouring of God's Spirit on all people — fulfilled at Pentecost.

Testament

Old (3 chapters)

Type

Minor Prophet

Date

Uncertain — possibly 9th c. BC or postexilic.

The day of the LORD

Joel sees national disaster as a warning — the day of God's reckoning is real. The call: 'rend your heart, and not your garments' (2:13). Real repentance, not just religious display.

The outpoured Spirit

In chapter 2, God promises 'I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy' (2:28). Peter quotes this on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21) — Joel's vision becomes the church's birth certificate.

Key verses (KJV)

“Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful.” — Joel 2:13 (KJV)

“I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” — Joel 2:28 (KJV)

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.” — Joel 2:32 (KJV)

How to read Joel

Three chapters — read in one sitting. Then read Acts 2 and notice how Peter wields Joel's words to interpret what just happened on Pentecost.

Read Joel on your iPhone

Read the full book of Joel in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.

More Old Testament books

• The Book of Amos
• The Book of Obadiah
• The Book of Jonah
• The Book of Micah
• The Book of Nahum

From the blog

Frequently asked questions

What is the Book of Joel about?

Joel is a book of Minor Prophet, running to 3 chapters. Its main threads: The day of the LORD; The outpoured Spirit.

Who wrote the Book of Joel?

Joel son of Pethuel; little else known.

Where does Joel come in the Bible?

Joel is one of the 39 books of the Old Testament in the Protestant canon, grouped with the Minor Prophet books. You can walk the canon in order using the previous and next links on this page.