14:9 Hosea 14:9

Joel 1:1

1:2 1:2

Bible Versions

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.
The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} that came to Joel {H3100} the son {H1121} of Pethuel {H6602}.
The word of ADONAI that came to Yo'el the son of P'tu'el:
This is the word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel:
The word of Jehovah that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

Joel 1:1 serves as the concise and authoritative introduction to the prophetic book of Joel, immediately establishing the divine origin of its message and identifying the messenger.

Context

This verse begins one of the shorter prophetic books in the Old Testament. Unlike some prophetic introductions that specify a king's reign for dating (e.g., Isaiah or Jeremiah), Joel 1:1 simply names the prophet, Joel, and his father, Pethuel. This lack of specific historical markers has led to scholarly debate regarding the exact period of Joel's prophecy, though it is generally understood to be addressed to the people of Judah. The book itself quickly dives into a vivid description of a devastating locust plague and severe drought, which Joel interprets as a direct act of divine judgment and a call for national repentance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The phrase "The word of the LORD" is crucial. It signifies that the ensuing message is not Joel's personal opinion or human wisdom, but a direct communication from God Himself. This establishes the absolute authority and truthfulness of the prophecy.
  • Prophetic Authority: By clearly identifying Joel as the recipient of God's word, the verse authenticates his role as a legitimate prophet, a spokesperson for the Almighty. This opening sets the stage for the powerful messages of judgment, a call to repentance, and future restoration that follow.

Linguistic Insights

The name Joel (Hebrew: Yo'el, יוֹאֵל) is highly significant, meaning "Yahweh is God" or "The LORD is God." This name itself serves as a miniature theological statement, underscoring the central theme of the book: the sovereignty of God over nature, judgment, and the future. The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: debar Yahweh, דְּבַר יְהוָה) is a standard formula used across prophetic literature to emphasize the divine origin and binding nature of the message, similar to its use in Jeremiah 1:1 or Hosea 1:1.

Significance and Application

Joel 1:1 reminds us that God actively communicates with humanity. For ancient Israel, this meant hearing directly from His chosen prophets. For believers today, it reinforces the conviction that the Bible, God's written Word, is divinely inspired and authoritative. It encourages us to approach Scripture not as mere human literature, but as the very voice of God, deserving of our careful attention and obedience. The book of Joel, introduced by this verse, ultimately points to God's justice, His call for genuine repentance, and His ultimate promise of restoration and the outpouring of His Spirit, a prophecy famously referenced by Peter in Acts 2:17.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 2:16

    But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

  • Jeremiah 1:2

    To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

  • Ezekiel 1:3

    The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

  • Hosea 1:1

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came unto Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, [and] Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.

  • 2 Peter 1:21

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
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