Joel the Son of Pethuel Joel 1:1

As we begin the book of Joel in the Old Testament of the Bible, there is not much that is known about “Joel” himself. He was the man selected by God to prophesy to the Southern Kingdom of Israel, Judah, which had been divided into two kingdoms after the reign of Solomon and was probably familiar with both Elijah and Elisha. Elisha prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and conducted schools for the prophets contemporaneously during the time of Joel. Joel's prophesy concerns the judgment that will be coming upon the land of Judah because they forsook the LORD and followed after their own ways. In chapter one and verse one of his prophesy, Joel introduced himself as “the son of Pethuel” where we read:

The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

The verse begins, “The word of the LORD...” Joel began with the words, “The word” which means “speech, speaking or utterance” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”. The LORD God spoke through many men in the Bible, and this particular man, “Joel”, was the choice for this prophetic book.

The verse continues, “...that came to Joel the son of Pethuel”. Joel continued with, “that came to Joel” whose name means “Jehovah is God” and was “son of Pethuel and the second of the twelve minor prophets with a book by his name; probably prophesied in the time of king Uzziah of Judah” “the son” or “male child” “of Pethuel” whose name means “vision of God” and was “the father of the prophet Joel”. Though not a lot is known about “Joel”, at least we have his father's name, and the meaning of his name “vision of God” is quite appropriate for this prophesy.

When we think upon these words of Joel, we may find ourselves attempting to brush by this short introduction of our writer. However, let us never underestimate the value of the “servants” of the Most High God. “Joel” was used to share this prophesy, and although his introduction is not flashy or terribly informative about him, his occupation and interest was to share concerning the prophesy of God rather than himself. This agent of the LORD whose name means “Jehovah is God” should encourage us as we are servants and agents of the LORD Jesus Christ to share His gospel throughout the world. May the LORD Jesus give us insights and applications as we read the words of His servant “Joel”.

Next time we begin Joel's prophecy as he declares, “hear this, you old men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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