Written by Paul J Bucknell on June, 06, 2026
The Book of Joel, Its Importance and Relevance
Get ready for the future by stepping into one of the Bible's most compact and powerful prophetic books. Joel moves from devastation and warning to repentance, grace, the outpouring of the Spirit, and the final triumph of God among His people. These studies help readers personally observe the text, wrestle with the Day of the Lord, and discover how Old Testament prophecy speaks with clarity to Christ, Pentecost, judgment, mercy, Israel, the nations, and the hope of restoration.
Book of Joel: Importance of Joel
Study Questions: Intro1-Purpose | Intro2-Design | 1:1-20 | 2:1-11 | 2:12-17 | 2:18-27 | 2:28-32 | 3:1-21
Commentary and Reflections: 1🔢11 | 2:12-27 | 2:28-32 | 3:1-21
Understanding the Last Days
The topic of the last days is once again rising amid recent events in the Middle East. For example, the president has announced his decision to move the United States’ embassy to Israel’s capital of Jerusalem. This coming May 14, 2018, marks the 70th anniversary of Israel, and some speculate that this will represent a full generation, indicating that the prophetic calendar is once again starting to move. At the same time, I challenge preachers and parents alike to be cautious of false prophets and teachers who spread false teachings about the last times, such as Harold Camping’s previous prediction of the end of the world on May 21, 2011. Many people are asking questions about the end of the world. While not all of these questions will be answered in this study on Joel, it provides us with a small but meaningful way to interpret Old Testament prophecies in today’s context. Furthermore, other related theological teachings—such as the final judgment, calamities, and the doctrine of hell—are being hotly debated in our modern world.
An Introduction to the Book of Joel
The exact time when the Book of Joel was written is uncertain. The first section, 1:1-2:27, clearly depicts the difficult situation of God’s people, but we don’t know which era it belongs to. It was probably written after the capture of the northern kingdom, since it makes no mention of Samaria (i.e., Israel, the northern kingdom). However, this is an argument from silence, and Joel did not seem to have a provincial view but rather a broader perspective of society at large.
Some suggest the Book of Joel was written after the exile (i.e., post-exilic), but it seems to better align with the tone of the books written before the capture of Jerusalem and the southern kingdom.
The lack of specific historical references in this book is intentional and partly contributes to its sense of urgency. The reader is pushed into the future by delaying all time references to the distant future. Joel’s prophetic vision, then, becomes an important part of the book’s overall structure.
Verse Numbering
When discussing Joel, one needs to be careful about which verses are being discussed. The Hebrew Bible is laid out slightly differently from the English translations. The differences begin at the end of chapter 2 as noted below. The verses are the same, but they are framed differently.
English Bible Hebrew Bible
1:1-20 1:1-20
2:1-27 2:1-27
2:28-32 3:1-5
3:1-21 4:1-21
We will use the English version (NASB unless stated) for our study. Chapter and verse divisions are not part of the original manuscripts but were added later. They are helpful and provide some insight into the scribe’s mindset, but the verses should not influence one’s interpretation. The Reflection chapters contain commentary and perspectives from previous studies. Refer to these pages as needed. Many students rightly ask questions about the Old Testament’s meaning, context, and connection to other prophetic books. I hope to encourage greater confidence and reflection, so these chapters can help others deepen their understanding and application of these passages.
Reflection #1: The Judgment We Deserve (Joel 1:1-2:11)
Reflection #2: The Grace We Do Not Deserve (Joel 2:12-27)
Reflection #3: Marks of God’s Abounding Grace (Joel 2:28-32)
Reflection #4: The End and the Beginning (Joel 3:1-21)
I challenge teachers and preachers to seriously consider preaching through Joel to deepen their studies. The key prophetic passages in Joel’s latter part are very important. Throughout your study, keep in mind what the book says about God’s people as well as Israel as a nation.
Prophetic books vary in their focus. Many aim to call for repentance from those they address. Joel would welcome that response, but since it does not specify its recipients or their specific sins, we are led to think of the distant future when God will once again actively work among His people.
Purpose of Studying the Book of Joel
The Book of Joel not only offers a great sample of the Old Testament prophetic books but also provides insight into how to interpret these prophecies to better understand the future (i.e., eschatology). Join us in this brief study; study a little, gain a lot!
My Interest in Joel
My particular interest in Joel was revived when preaching through the Book of Acts. A certain section of Joel (Joel 2:28-32) was so clearly interpreted in Acts 2 as a prediction for the Pentecost event. Did Joel really speak so clearly about that event? If so, would he not also have spoken powerfully of other significant end-time events?
The Profit of Studying Joel
Readers will find this study of the Book of Joel very rewarding. Let us view this book as a prophetic introduction. While there are different opinions on eschatology, many believers know only one perspective and, combined with a common neglect of Old Testament study, have become confused about themes such as judgment, salvation, mercy, and the end times. Joel offers a perfect setting in which we can establish several basic yet crucial interpretive (i.e., hermeneutical) principles, which will allow us to explore other sources to better understand the important topic of the end of the world.
Why not join us in this brief study of these lessons?
