Lifespan

Uncertain, but he may have lived as early as the reign of Joash (before 850 B.C.) or as late as the return of Judah from Babylonian captivity and the restoration of Jerusalum in mid-400 B.C. (some scholars even push the date for Joel to 300 B.C.).

Ministry

Joel’s ministry took place in the land of Judah, the southern kingdom.

Preparation and Calling

Unknown

Interaction with God

Joel’s connection with God is most evident in his prophecies. Little else is known about how he communicated with the Lord.

Social Situation

Because of the difficulty in placing Joel’s writing in a particular time period, it is also difficult to determine what the social and political issues of the day were.

Key Teachings

Joel essentially teaches that Judah and Jerusalem will be restored and Israel will triumph over its enemies.

Living with the Prophet

Joel taught that God said to him: “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). Sometimes people have closed minds about whom God can touch with His Spirit. Joel taught here that all people, both old and young, can receive messages from their loving Heavenly Father. How can you prepare yourself to both hear God’s message for you personally, and to recognize it when it comes to others?

Sources

Holy Bible, the book of Joel

Learning Bible, book of Joel