How to Study Joel


  1. Read through Joel and mark the key words: locust, Zion, day of the Lord, return, I will, never again, then, now, nations, sackcloth, Spirit, land (God's).

  2. To correctly interpret Joel, you must pay attention to the time when certain events occur. Joel switches the present to the future. To pick this up, watch for and mark the words then and now. Mark any references to time witch a clock ¹. Also, observe the sequence of events.

  3. As you read through Joel, note the following and record what you learn in the appropriate section on the Joel Observations Chart.

    1. What is going to happen to the people, the land, the nations, and the animals and who or what is going to do it.

    2. What the people are to do and why.

    3. How God will respond and the effect it will nave on the people.

    4. When applicable, note when any of the above will happen.

  4. Although we don't know when Joel prophesied, many believe it was during the days of Joash.

  5. Record the theme of each chapter on Structure of Joel as well as in your Bible. Then fill in the rest of the chart. Be sure to record the theme or message of Joel.

  6. The day of the Lord is an important day prophetically. record your insights. As you do, note the reference (book, chapter, and verse) that you took your information from so you can find it later. 




Key Words in the NIV and KJV


NASB key words NIV related words NASB key wordsKJV related words

-never again


-palmerworm, cankerworm, caterpillar

-no more

-heathen, Gentiles, a people far off


Work Sheets