precise meaning and Joel 3: 2, 16 uses the expression the "people of Israel" to refer to

Being unable to give an exact date of writing means we are unable to give, with

certainty, the exact situation but we will at this state narrow the dating down.

We feel that the early datings are unlikely to be correct as neither Israel nor Judah

were in captivity or under the threat of captivity. If they had been then Joel 3: 1 would

be inappropriate.  If Joel completed his prophecy in those early days "there is no

historical background for Joel's burning words concerning Judah and the great `Day of

the Lord'." (The Companion Bible, p.1224).

Two possible datings are now left--either just before Judah was taken into captivity

by Nebuchadnezzar or after their return from that captivity. Bearing in mind the great

plea to "repent" the former of these seems the most probable. Thus the occasion of Joel's

prophecy was an exceptionally severe plague of locusts possibly preceded by a drought

and followed by a bush fire in the days just prior to Judah being taken into captivity. The

case for this view will be strengthened when we look at the book in detail but whatever

different views we may hold we will all agree that this prophecy was given to the people

of Judah when they were low; drought, locusts and fire had destroyed their crops and the

thought of captivity, either pending or just finished, was in their mind.

The prophet Hosea was sent to the guilty Israel, the northern kingdom. The prophet

Joel was sent to Judah, the guilty southern kingdom and his words relate to the end of the

kingdom of Judah and impending captivity. It contains several calls for the nation to

change their ways (1: 13, 14 & 2: 12) and exhorts them to turn to the Lord. If they

would do this then God would not only be merciful (2: 12-14) but He would also bestow

upon them gifts and give signs (2: 18-32). He would also judge the nations (3: 12).

Thus Joel's prophecy was given to encourage Judah to repent of their wicked ways.

If we are correct in placing this book in the years just prior to the Babylonian captivity

(B.C.488-487) then the books of the Kings and Chronicles will be a help. These are the

`history' books of the O.T. and II Kings 24: & 25: and II Chron. 36: cover the

closing years of the nation of Judah and if you read these three chapters you will see that

the kingdom of Judah was displeasing the Lord and the kings of Judah did "that which

was evil". No doubt many were caught up in this evil and so Joel was sent to call them

to repent and to change their ways saying that, if they would do so and turn to the Lord,

He would be merciful and bestow great blessings upon them. This is the burden of Joel's

prophecy. Did the people respond? Sadly history tells us that they did not and judgment

resulted in a period of captivity in Babylon. Why didn't the people respond? Didn't Joel

put the case thoroughly enough? Was not his message clear enough? Well, we will find