Joel was a prophet of Judah whose message is recorded in the Book of Joel. Though the exact timing of his ministry is debated, his message is timeless, calling for repentance in the face of judgment and promising future restoration through the Lord.
The central theme of Joel’s prophecy is the “Day of the Lord,” a phrase used repeatedly to describe God’s active judgment and intervention in human affairs. Joel begins with a devastating locust plague, which he uses as a picture of a greater judgment to come. Joel 1:4 describes the severity:
“What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten.”
He calls the people to weep, fast, and return to the Lord with sincerity. Joel 2:12–13 urges:
“Now, therefore, says the Lord, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments.”
Joel proclaims that God is merciful and will restore His people if they repent. He promises abundant blessing, renewal, and the removal of shame.
One of the most significant prophecies in the book is Joel 2:28–29:
“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”
This prophecy was fulfilled in part at Pentecost (Acts 2), but its ultimate fulfillment points forward to the outpouring of the Spirit in the latter days.
Joel also speaks of judgment upon the nations and the future deliverance of Israel. Joel 3:16 assures:
“The Lord also will roar from Zion… But the Lord will be a shelter for His people.”
Joel’s prophecy combines warning and hope. It calls God’s people to repentance while affirming His covenant faithfulness and promise of final restoration and blessing.