The prophecies of Joel are contained in a small book that carries his name. It is only three chapters long. But this little book is full of prophecy. It contains parallels to The Revelation in the New Testament and several Old Testament prophets.

Joel is about the Day of the Lord. This is the specific period of time the Lord refers to throughout the Old Testament. The Day of the Lord is mentioned five times in Joel. “Zion” is mentioned in Joel seven times. It appears that this seven also forms a Menorah design. Look at the fourth usage of Zion in Joel 2:32 and decide for yourself. A hint: Jerusalem will be the throne of the King, the Lord Almighty, in the coming kingdom. (Zechariah 14:17)

Joel contains the first prophetic usage of the Shofar, or ram’s horn trumpet, in the Bible. The first and second occasion of the word “Zion” in Joel speak of blowing the Trumpet. Jewish tradition has it that there are two trumpet calls; one when the Lord gave the Ten Commandments to the Children of Israel; and, the Last Trumpet. For a New Testament reference to the Last Trumpet, see First Corinthians 15:52. It’s about the Resurrection.

The invasion of locusts in Joel 1:2-12 resembles the locusts described in the Revelation 9:3-11. There is a similar army described in Joel 2:1-11, but they are not specifically noted to be locusts. Joel 2:26 and 2:27 repeat the phrase, “Never again will my people be shamed.” I think the Lord means it. Joel 2:28, referring to the last days, was quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:16-21) Joel 2:31 contains the same apocalyptic language as is found in the Revelation 6:12 and Matthew 24:29. Joel 3:13 closely parallels the final harvest described in the Revelation 14:14-20. Joel 3:17 has another “never again” statement by the Lord. “Never again will foreigners invade her (Jerusalem).” I believe the Lord is serious about this.

The Lord has harsh words for Tyre, Sidon and Philistia in Joel 3:4-8. He says that He will return on their heads what they have done to Judah and Jerusalem. Verse eight concludes with “The Lord has spoken.” Today, these people are known as Palestinians.

Joel 3:18 speaks of a fountain that will flow out of the Lord’s house. This parallels Ezekiel 47 that is being quoted now that springs of water have been found on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. (The most recent is flowing from the Wailing Wall and started in early July 2002.)

The Book of Joel is about End Time events. It parallels several End Time prophecies. The last appearance of the name “Zion” is the last word in the book. “The Lord dwells in Zion.” (Joel 3:21) Zion is a special place to the Lord. It is the City of the Lord. (Isaiah 60:14) The Lord is very jealous for Zion. (Zechariah 8:2) It is the apple of His eye. (Zechariah 2:7-8) I look forward to the Day when He reigns from Zion.