Joel
maleDivided MonarchyMeaning: “The LORD is God”
A prophet of Judah who used a devastating locust plague to call the nation to repentance and foretold the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh.
Biography
Joel, son of Pethuel, was a prophet of Judah whose short book uses a catastrophic plague of locusts as a picture of the coming "day of the LORD." He summoned the whole nation — elders, priests, and people — to repentance: "rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God" (Joel 2:13).
The outpouring of the Spirit
Joel's most famous prophecy looks beyond judgment to a great promise: "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Joel 2:28). On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter declared that this very prophecy was being fulfilled (Acts 2:16–21) — making Joel a key voice pointing to the age of the Spirit and the offer that "whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered" (Joel 2:32).
Life Timeline
Calls Judah to repentance through a locust plague
Foretells the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh
On the Bible timeline
Joel belongs to the The Divided Monarchy era (c. 930 – 586 BC).
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
- 722 BCThe Fall of Samaria
- 586 BCThe Fall of Jerusalem
Themes & lessons from Joel
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Joel appears.
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 2 booksFrequently asked about Joel
Who was Joel in the Bible?
A prophet of Judah who used a devastating locust plague to call the nation to repentance and foretold the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all flesh.
What does the name Joel mean?
The name Joel means “The LORD is God”.
What did Joel do in the Bible?
Joel served as prophet.
Where does Joel appear in the Bible?
Joel is mentioned 2 times across 2 books: Joel, Acts.
What can we learn from Joel?
The story of Joel touches on themes of inspiration of the holy spirit, the, nation, peter, prophecy — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Joel's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Joel?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →