Overview
Joel interprets a locust plague that has struck Judah as a sign of the approaching Day of YHWH and calls the people to fasting and repentance. He then proclaims the restoration of the land, the promise that the Spirit will be poured out on all flesh, judgment on the nations, and the restoration of Zion.
Theme The Day of YHWH: judgment and repentance, the outpouring of the Spirit, and restoration
Historical background
The book names no king and gives prominence to temple worship and to elders and priests, which makes dating difficult. The Hebrew Masoretic text comprises four chapters; 2:28–32 and chapter 3 in most English Bibles correspond to chapters 3 and 4 of this text. In Acts 2, Peter explains the events of Shavuot (Pentecost) as the fulfillment of Joel 3:1–5 (English 2:28–32).