JULY 13

Day 13: Prophet Joel.

Prophet Joel, son of Phoenoel, was from the kingdom of Judea. He is one of the Minor Prophets. We can guess from reading his prophecy that he lived in Jerusalem. His prophecy is among the oldest in the bible, and he prophesized about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit over the disciple, he wrote: “Then afterward I will pour out my spirit upon all mankind. Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; Even upon the servants and the handmaids, in those days, I will pour out my spirit (Joel 3:1, 2).” Saint Peter mentioned this verse in his sermon on the Pentecost day.

Joel foretold also about the judgment day, he said: “I will assemble all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of my people and my inheritance, Israel (Joel 4:2).” Joel lived circa the year 800 BC, and his name (You’eel) means in Aramaic the unique or the novice. May his prayer be with us. Amen.