Joel the Prophet

The Prophet Joel

from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

To those reading this Book of Joels, the Bible prophet Joel is a big deal. To most of the rest of the world, he was a minor prophet, even if he did have a Bible book of his own.

His personal history is quite unclear. Most scholarly sources say he lived anywhere from the 9th to the 5th century BCE. That's quite a few centuries folks. Others peg him down to the mid-ninth century BCE (850-860 BCE).

He prophesied in Judea, the southern kingdom, which encompassed the area of Jerusalem and Beersheba, but still north of most of the Negev.

Prior to his prophesy the land had been scourged by locusts and drought, with resulting famine. Typically, these plagues came about because the children of Israel had turned away from the Word of the Lord. (Chapter 1)

The locusts are likened to an invading army. When the people repent, the Day of the Lord is announced. The army is repulsed and plenty is restored. (Chapter 2)

Joel prophesies the return of all exiled Jews to the Holy Land, where they shall be judged All non-Jews will be thrown out of Israel, and all peoples who have caused suffering to the people of Israel shall be punished. (Chapter 3).

The redemption of the people and prophecy of the Day of the Lord are vigorously interpreted in Christian literature as visions of the Last Judgment and coming Kingdom of G-d.

One interesting quote from the Book of Joel turns a classic phrase on its head: "Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears..." (Joel 3:10)

Read the book. It's short, but heavy stuff.

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