Writer: Joel

2. What do we know of Joel and the circumstances of his prophesying?

² The book is introduced as “the word of Jehovah that occurred to Joel the son of Pethuel.” The Bible tells us nothing more than this about Joel himself. It is the prophetic message that is emphasized and not its writer. The name “Joel” (Hebrew, Yoh·ʼelʹ) is understood to mean “Jehovah Is God.” Joel’s firsthand familiarity with Jerusalem, its temple, and the details of temple service may indicate that he wrote his book in Jerusalem or Judah.​—Joel 1:1, 9, 13, 14; 2:1, 15, 16, 32.