The Book of Joel
Return to God — a call to repentance and the promise of the Spirit poured out.
Overview
Joel uses a devastating locust plague as a wake-up call, urging the people to return to God with all their heart. His message is urgent but hopeful: it is never too late to turn back.
Its promise of God's Spirit poured out on all people was quoted by Peter at Pentecost — a prophecy fulfilled in the birth of the church.
Key themes
Return to the Lord
Joel calls for wholehearted repentance, rending the heart, not garments.
God's mercy
God is gracious and merciful, ready to relent and restore.
The Spirit poured out
Joel foresees God's Spirit given to all, fulfilled at Pentecost.
Key verses from Joel
and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
True repentance is a matter of the heart.
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten
I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy
How to read Joel
Read it as an urgent but hopeful call to return to God.
Notice repentance is about the heart, not appearances.
See 2:28 fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost.