# Joel

> biblical prophet associated with the Book of Joel

**Wikidata**: [Q45053](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45053)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_(prophet))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joel

## Summary
Joel was a biblical prophet primarily known for the Book of Joel, a text included in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. His writings emphasize themes of divine judgment, repentance, and the "Day of the Lord," establishing him as a significant figure in Judeo-Christian theology. Little is known about his personal life, but his prophecies have enduring influence in religious traditions.

## Biography
- **Born**: Unknown (birth date placeholder: -0001-01-01T00:00:00Z)  
- **Nationality**: Not specified  
- **Education**: Not documented  
- **Known for**: Authorship of the Book of Joel; prophecies on divine judgment and restoration  
- **Employer(s)**: Not applicable  
- **Field(s)**: Biblical prophecy, theology  

## Contributions
- **Book of Joel** (date unknown): A canonical text containing prophecies about locust plagues, calls to repentance, and the "Day of the Lord." The work is notable for its poetic style and theological emphasis on divine sovereignty. It influenced later Jewish and Christian liturgical practices, such as readings during Lent or Yom Kippur.  

## FAQs
- **Q: What is Joel best known for?**  
  A: Joel is recognized as the author of the Book of Joel, which focuses on repentance, divine judgment, and the apocalyptic "Day of the Lord." His prophecies are distinct for their universal call to fasting and spiritual renewal.  

- **Q: When did Joel live?**  
  A: Joel’s exact dates are unknown. Scholarly estimates place his prophetic activity between the 9th and 5th centuries BCE, though traditions vary widely.  

- **Q: How does the Book of Joel relate to other biblical texts?**  
  A: The Book of Joel shares themes with other prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah, Amos) but is unique for its emphasis on communal lament and its influence on later Christian teachings about Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21).  

## Why They Matter
Joel’s prophecies provided a theological framework for understanding natural disasters as divine warnings and shaped rituals of repentance in Judaism and Christianity. His concept of the "Day of the Lord" became a cornerstone of apocalyptic thought, influencing later prophets and New Testament writers. Without Joel, the development of liturgical fasting practices and eschatological doctrines in Western religion would lack a key foundational text.

## Notable For
- Association with the Book of Joel, a canonical text in Judaism and Christianity.  
- Theological themes of repentance, divine judgment, and restoration.  
- Influence on early Christian interpretations of Pentecost (Acts 2).  
- Liturgical use in Jewish and Christian traditions (e.g., Ash Wednesday readings).  

## Body
### Historical Context  
Joel’s life remains obscure, with no definitive dates or biographical details outside his prophetic work. Scholars debate his historical context, with some linking him to the Judean monarchy (9th–8th centuries BCE) and others to the post-exilic period (5th century BCE). The Book of Joel itself provides no clear chronological markers, contributing to ongoing academic discussion.

### The Book of Joel  
The Book of Joel is a concise but impactful text divided into three chapters. It begins with a lament over a locust plague (Joel 1:1-20), transitions to a call for national repentance (Joel 2:1-27), and concludes with visions of divine restoration (Joel 3:1-21). Notable passages include the oft-quoted "Day of the Lord" (Joel 2:31) and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29), cited in the New Testament (Acts 2:16-21).

### Theological Themes  
Joel’s prophecies introduced several enduring theological concepts:  
- **Divine Judgment**: Natural disasters as manifestations of God’s wrath.  
- **Repentance**: Urgent calls for communal fasting and prayer (Joel 2:12-17).  
- **Eschatology**: The "Day of the Lord" as a day of both destruction and salvation.  

### Legacy and Influence  
Joel’s work is cited in the New Testament (Acts 2:16-21), where Peter references Joel 2:28-29 to explain the events of Pentecost. His emphasis on repentance shaped Jewish fasting traditions (Ta’anit) and Christian Lenten practices. The Book of Joel also appears in historical liturgies, such as the Roman Breviary’s readings for Ash Wednesday.

### Scholarly Debates  
The lack of biographical information has led to diverse scholarly theories:  
- ** Dating**: Proposals range from the 9th century BCE (pre-exilic) to the 5th century BCE (post-exilic).  
- **Authorship**: Some scholars suggest the Book of Joel may have undergone later editorial revisions.  
- **Historical Context**: The locust plague described in Joel 1 is interpreted variously as a literal event, a metaphor for invasion, or a symbol of cosmic upheaval.  

### Cultural and Academic References  
Joel is cataloged in academic databases under identifiers such as VIAF 15562956 and ISNI 000000001338346X. His depiction in art includes *Joel (Michelangelo).jpg*, a fresco from the Sistine Chapel (1515) illustrating the prophet. These references underscore his enduring presence in religious, artistic, and scholarly discourse.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Preface to Mishneh Torah, Transmission of the Oral Law
4. CERL Thesaurus
5. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
6. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Joel;3918079.html)