Book of Joel - Chapter 1 - Verse 1

When examining the verse "The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel," it is crucial to understand the significance of prophetic revelation in the Bible. In the context of this verse, we see that Joel is receiving a message directly from God. This indicates that Joel is acting as a channel for divine communication, relaying God's words to the people. Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of prophets like Joel who were called upon to deliver messages from the Lord to His people. These messages often contained warnings, instructions, or promises from God, intended to guide His people in their faith and obedience. By acknowledging the divine origin of Joel's words, we are reminded of the authority and power of God's message, and the importance of listening and heeding His word. As we continue to explore the book of Joel, we will see how this prophetic revelation plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and themes of the text.

Joel, the son of Pethuel, received a divine message from the LORD, which signifies that the words to follow are not merely human wisdom but are inspired by God Himself. This introduction highlights the authority and importance of the message conveyed in the book of Joel. The use of the phrase "the word of the LORD" emphasizes that the upcoming words are not of human origin but are directly from God. The Hebrew word for "word" in this context is "davar," which can also be translated as "thing" or "matter," indicating a weighty and significant pronouncement. By stating that the word came to Joel, the text underscores that the prophet did not invent or imagine the message but was a vessel for God's revelation. Therefore, this verse sets the tone for the prophetic nature of the book of Joel and establishes the divine origin of the message being communicated.