Joel 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} that came to Joel {H3100} the son {H1121} of Pethuel {H6602}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI that came to Yo'el the son of P'tu'el:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel:

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:1 serves as the foundational superscription for the prophetic book of Joel, immediately establishing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message by declaring it "The word of the LORD," and precisely identifying the prophet, Joel, along with his father, Pethuel, thereby authenticating the messenger through his lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:1 functions as the formal introduction to the entire book, a common feature in prophetic literature, akin to the opening verses of [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "Isaiah 1 - Introduction to Isaiah's Prophecy") or [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "Jeremiah 1 - Jeremiah's Call"). Unlike some prophetic books that explicitly date the prophecy by referencing contemporary kings (e.g., [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - Prophecy during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah")), Joel's introduction offers only the prophet's name and his father's, leaving the precise historical setting open to scholarly debate. This immediate focus on the divine source and the prophet's identity sets the stage for the dramatic and urgent message that follows, which quickly pivots to a vivid description of a devastating locust plague and severe drought, interpreted as a direct manifestation of divine judgment and a fervent call for national repentance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The absence of specific historical markers in Joel 1:1 means the book's dating is highly debated, ranging from pre-exilic to post-exilic periods. However, internal evidence, such as references to priests, temple worship, and the absence of a king, often suggests a post-exilic setting, possibly during the Persian period when the temple had been rebuilt and the community was re-establishing itself in Judah. The emphasis on agricultural disaster (locusts, drought) ([Joel 1:4-12](/joel/1-4-12 "Joel 1:4-12 - The Locust Plague and Drought")) is deeply relevant to an agrarian society like ancient Israel, where such events were not merely economic catastrophes but were often interpreted as divine curses or judgments for covenant disobedience, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:38-42](/deuteronomy/28-38-42 "Deuteronomy 28:38-42 - Curses for Disobedience"). The call to repentance and fasting ([Joel 1:13-14](/joel/1-13-14 "Joel 1:13-14 - Call to Lamentation and Fasting")) aligns with established Israelite practices for seeking divine favor in times of crisis.
* **Key Themes:** The opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the book of Joel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasized by the phrase "The word of the LORD," which asserts that the ensuing message is not human wisdom but a direct, authoritative communication from the sovereign God of Israel. This undergirds the theme of **Prophetic Authority**, as Joel is clearly designated as God's chosen messenger, whose words carry divine weight and demand a response. Furthermore, the very name "Joel" ("Yahweh is God") subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness**, a concept that will be powerfully demonstrated through His control over nature (the locust plague in [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel 1 - The Locust Plague")) and His ultimate judgment and restoration of His people ([Joel 2-3](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the LORD and Outpouring of the Spirit")). The book's overarching message of judgment and the call to repentance, leading to future restoration and the outpouring of the Spirit ([Joel 2:28-32](/joel/2-28-32 "Joel 2:28-32 - God's Spirit Poured Out")), all stem from this foundational declaration of divine origin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root דָבַר, this term signifies more than just an utterance; it encompasses a matter, a thing, an affair, a decree, or a deed. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it denotes a divinely authoritative message that carries with it the power to effect change and is intrinsically tied to God's will and action. It is a communication that is both spoken and active, revealing God's character and intentions.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Derived from the root הָיָה (to be), it conveys the meaning of "the Self-Existent One" or "the Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging, and covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one true God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people and the world.
* **Joel (Hebrew, _Yôwʼêl'_):** This proper name is a compound of "Yahweh" (Yᵉhôvâh) and "El" (God), meaning "Yahweh is God" or "The LORD is God." The prophet's very name serves as a theological statement, affirming the absolute sovereignty and singular deity of Yahweh, a truth central to the book's message of God's control over judgment and salvation.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This common Hebrew term (from בָּנָה, to build) denotes a literal male offspring, but in a broader sense, it can signify a descendant, a member of a group, or even someone characterized by a certain quality. Here, it establishes Joel's lineage, identifying him as "Joel, the son of Pethuel," which was a standard way of identifying individuals in ancient Israelite society, lending credibility and specific identity to the prophet.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The word of the LORD":** This opening phrase is a standard prophetic formula, unequivocally declaring the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It asserts that what Joel is about to speak is not his own human opinion, wisdom, or political insight, but a direct, divinely inspired revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This immediately establishes the gravity and truthfulness of the prophecy.
* **"that came to Joel":** This clause specifies the recipient of the divine revelation. The verb "came" (Hebrew: *hayah*) implies a dynamic, active process of divine communication, where God's word is not merely received passively but actively encounters and empowers the prophet. Joel is identified as the chosen vessel through whom God chooses to speak to His people, authenticating his prophetic office.
* **"the son of Pethuel":** This final phrase provides the prophet's patronymic, identifying Joel as the son of Pethuel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, identifying individuals by their father's name was a common practice that served to distinguish them from others with the same given name and to establish their lineage and social standing. While Pethuel is otherwise unknown, this detail grounds Joel in a specific family and community, lending further credibility to his person and, by extension, to the divine message he delivers.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:1, though brief, employs several significant **literary devices**. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Superscription**, a conventional opening found in many prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - Isaiah's Prophetic Introduction"), [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Call and Introduction")). This device immediately establishes the divine authority of the text, signaling to the reader that the content is not human wisdom but a direct message from God. The phrase "The word of the LORD" functions as a **Formulaic Declaration**, a recurring linguistic pattern that serves to emphasize divine origin and binding authority. The naming of "Joel the son of Pethuel" also serves as a form of **Authentication**, providing a specific identity to the messenger and grounding the divine message in a historical person. Furthermore, the very name **Joel** itself acts as a subtle **Theological Statement** or **Symbolism**, as its meaning ("Yahweh is God") encapsulates a core theological truth that will be expounded throughout the book: God's sovereignty over all things, including judgment and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:1, by firmly establishing the divine origin of its message, connects deeply with the broader biblical understanding of God as a speaking God who actively reveals Himself to humanity. This foundational truth undergirds all of Scripture, from the initial act of creation by His word ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being")) to the final revelation in Christ, who is Himself the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The prophet's role as a recipient and proclaimer of this divine word highlights God's chosen method of communication with His covenant people, emphasizing His desire for relationship and His sovereign rule over history. The authority inherent in "the word of the LORD" demands a response, whether of repentance in the face of judgment or faith in the promise of restoration, echoing the unchanging nature of God's truth across all dispensations.

* [Numbers 12:6](/numbers/12-6 "Numbers 12:6 - God's Communication with Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 1:1-2](/jeremiah/1-1-2 "Jeremiah 1:1-2 - The Word of the LORD to Jeremiah")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Revelation in the Past and through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:1, though seemingly simple, carries profound implications for our lives today. It reminds us that the Bible we hold is not merely a collection of ancient texts or human philosophies, but the very "word of the LORD." This understanding should transform how we approach Scripture: with reverence, humility, and an eager expectation to hear God's voice. Just as Joel was called to deliver a specific message to his generation, we are called to listen to and live out God's timeless truths revealed in His Word. This verse challenges us to consider if we truly treat the Bible as divinely authoritative, allowing it to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and correct our paths. It also encourages us to recognize that God still speaks today, primarily through His written Word, but also through His Spirit, guiding us into all truth. Our response to God's word, whether through study, meditation, or obedience, is a testament to our recognition of its divine origin and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the phrase "The word of the LORD" impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek to hear and discern God's voice through His written Word in your daily life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that God's authoritative word, rather than human opinion or cultural trends, is the ultimate guide for your beliefs and actions?**

### FAQ

**Why is it important that the message is "the word of the LORD" and not just Joel's word?**

Answer: It is critically important because it establishes the divine authority and infallibility of the message. If the message were merely Joel's personal opinion or human wisdom, it would lack the binding power and ultimate truth necessary for a prophetic declaration. By stating it is "the word of the LORD," the text asserts that the message originates from God Himself, the sovereign and truthful Creator, making it inherently trustworthy, authoritative, and demanding of a response. This formula is common in prophetic books, underscoring that the prophets were not inventing their messages but faithfully relaying God's direct communication, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth") or [Ezekiel 2:7](/ekekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - Ezekiel's Commission to Speak God's Words").

**Why is Joel's father, Pethuel, mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of Pethuel, Joel's father, is a standard ancient Near Eastern practice for identifying individuals and establishing their lineage. In a society where names were often common, adding the father's name helped to distinguish one person from another and provided a specific identity. While Pethuel himself is not known from other biblical texts, his inclusion here lends a historical and personal grounding to Joel, authenticating him as a real person within a specific family and community, thereby adding credibility to his prophetic role and the divine message he delivers. It ties the divine revelation to a concrete, identifiable human agent.

**Does this verse give us any clues about when the book of Joel was written?**

Answer: Joel 1:1 provides the prophet's name and his father's name, but unlike many other prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - Isaiah's Prophetic Introduction") or [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - Amos's Prophetic Introduction")), it does not mention the reigning kings. This lack of specific historical markers means that the book's dating is highly debated among scholars. Some internal clues, such as the prominence of priests and temple worship, the absence of a king, and references to events like the dispersion of Judah and Jerusalem, lead many to suggest a post-exilic date, perhaps in the Persian period. However, without a definitive kingly reference in the superscription, the exact date remains a subject of scholarly discussion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 1:1 primarily establishes the Old Testament prophet's identity and the divine origin of his message, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The phrase "The word of the LORD" points ultimately to Christ, who is uniquely "the Word" of God incarnate ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning")), the full and final revelation of God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as God's word "came to Joel," so too did the Living Word "dwell among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing grace and truth. Joel, as a "son of Pethuel," was a human vessel for divine communication, but Jesus is the divine Son, the very embodiment of God's message and will ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")). The authority inherent in Joel's prophetic word is perfectly realized in Christ, whose words are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Life")) and who speaks with unparalleled authority, even commanding demons and forgiving sins ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority") and [Mark 2:10](/mark/2-10 "Mark 2:10 - The Son of Man Has Authority to Forgive Sins")). Thus, Joel 1:1 serves as a foundational testament to God's speaking nature, a nature fully and perfectly expressed in Jesus, the ultimate Word from the Lord.

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.

Cross-References

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.