In brief
Joel is a prophet of Judah, son of Pethuel. His book describes a devastation striking the land and calls the people to return to the Lord with fasting and prayer. God then promises to renew the harvests and to pour out his Spirit on all flesh. At Pentecost, the apostle Peter quotes this prophecy to explain what is happening to the disciples gathered in Jerusalem.
What does the name Joel mean?
The name Joel is generally understood as "the Lord is God" or "Yahweh is God" in Hebrew. The Bible gives no direct explanation of this name, so this interpretation remains cautious.
The story of Joel
A plague on the land
Joel 1The word of the Lord comes to Joel, son of Pethuel. He describes a devastating invasion that destroys the crops, deprives the fields and the house of the Lord of offerings, and plunges the land into mourning. He calls the elders, the priests and all the inhabitants to cry out to the Lord.
The day of the Lord
Joel 2:1-11Joel calls for the trumpet to be blown in Zion, for the day of the Lord is coming, a day of darkness and gloom. He describes a numerous and mighty army that advances leaving nothing behind it. Before it the earth trembles and the peoples grow pale.
A call to return
Joel 2:12-17The Lord invites his people to return to him with all their heart, for he is compassionate and slow to anger. Joel summons a solemn assembly, from the elderly to the nursing infant. The priests weep between the porch and the altar and plead that the people be spared.
Restoration and the promise of the Spirit
Joel 2:18-32The Lord answers, is moved for his land and spares his people. He promises grain, new wine and oil, drives back the enemy and restores the lost years. Then he announces that he will pour out his Spirit on all flesh: sons, daughters, old men, young men, servants and handmaids. Whoever calls on his name will be saved.
The fulfillment at Pentecost
Acts 2:14-21On the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit is given to the disciples, Peter stands up before the crowd. He explains that what is happening is what the prophet Joel had announced, and he cites the promise of the Spirit poured out on all flesh, as well as salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord.
What Joel teaches us
- In the face of hardship, God first calls us to return to him with all our heart.
- Prayer together, from the youngest to the oldest, has its place in times of crisis.
- The Lord is able to restore what difficult seasons have swept away.
- God's Spirit is promised to all, without distinction of age, sex or social condition.
- Salvation is offered to whoever calls on the name of the Lord.
Key verses
The priests are invited to pray: “Spare your people, Yahweh, and don’t give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them.” Joel shows that intercession is founded on God's name and on his glory among the nations.
“It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.” This is the promise Peter takes up on the day of Pentecost.
“And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.” The promise overflows the usual boundaries: even those who hold no rank in society receive the Spirit of God.
“It will happen that whoever will call on Yahweh’s name shall be saved”. This verse is quoted by Peter in Acts 2 and taken up by Paul in the letter to the Romans, as the open door of salvation for all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of the book of Joel?
Joel calls the people to return to the Lord with all their heart in the face of the plague and the day of the Lord. God then promises restoration and above all the outpouring of his Spirit on all flesh, a promise the New Testament sees fulfilled at Pentecost.
What does the name Joel mean?
The name Joel is generally understood as "the Lord is God" or "Yahweh is God" in Hebrew. The Bible gives no direct explanation, so this meaning remains a cautious and commonly accepted interpretation.
Where can I find the story of Joel in the Bible?
The book of Joel has three chapters in most English versions. The promise of the Spirit is found mainly in Joel 2:28-32. The New Testament quotes it in Acts 2, where Peter applies it to what is happening at Pentecost.