Joel is a fairly common name in the Old Testament, referring to approximately a dozen people. This Joel does not seem to be mentioned anywhere else in the Old Testament, though. He apparently lived somewhere around Jerusalem and was very familiar with the temple and worship in Jerusalem.
Because of Joel's apparent assumption that the temple is in regular operation, it would not seem to date from the period between 586 and 516 B.C. Enemies mentioned in Joel are common enemies for Judea, so their presence does not help significantly in the dating. Because there are no mentions of the northern kingdom or of the rule of kings we may wish to think the book is from the time period after the exile.
Dillard and Longman suggest that possibly Joel was intended as a liturgical text for use in a time of lament. This would explain its apparently not speaking specifically to any precise occasion.
Almost all interpreters outside of the early portion of the twentieth century have considered Joel to be the work of one person. The book shows considerable unity and coherence.
Joel emphasizes the sovereignty, holiness, and compassion of God. He also observes that God's sovereignty extends to all the other nations, not merely Israel. There will be a day of judgment when God will show compassion on his people who are calling on his name.
As we consider the New Testament we see frequent references to Joel chapter 2, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people. We can see strong themes of God's coming judgment which will bring compassion and deliverance as well.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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