808 BC · AM 3197 · Divided Kingdom

Joel calls Judah to return to the LORD

A devastating locust plague and drought left Judah's fields bare and interrupted the offerings at the house of the LORD. Joel called the priests, elders, and people to fast and return to the LORD with all their hearts, and he promised that God would afterward pour out His Spirit on all people (Joel 1:1-20; 2:12-17, 28-32).

traditional chronology datingalternate date: 835 BC · Enduring Word early-date view

The book names no king. Ussher places Joel in 808 BC; an early-date reading places him around 835 BC.

📖 Joel 1:1

1This is the word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel:

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Connections

Quotation

The Spirit poured out at Pentecost

At Pentecost, Peter said that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was what Joel had spoken, then quoted Joel's promise that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.

Acts 2:14–16

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

Joel 2:28-32 promises the outpouring of God's Spirit; Acts 2:16-21 introduces the same words by naming the prophet Joel and quotes the passage.

Read Acts 2:14–16 (BSB) →Go there on the timeline →
Quotation

Everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved

Paul quotes Joel's promise that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:12–13

For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Joel 2:32 promises salvation to everyone who calls on the name of the LORD. Romans 10:12-13 says that the same Lord is Lord of all, then quotes Joel's words.

Read Romans 10:12–13 (BSB) →Go there on the timeline →
Sources: James Ussher, The Annals of the World (1658 edition) · Enduring Word: Joel 1 — The Day of the LORD Brings Judah Low
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