Overview:
Jo'el is a name found in the Bible, primarily within the genealogical records and historical narratives of the Old Testament. The name Jo'el means "Yahweh is God" or "Jehovah is God," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names. Several individuals bear this name, each contributing to the tapestry of Israel's history and religious heritage.

1. Jo'el, the Son of Pethuel:
The most prominent Jo'el in the Bible is the prophet Jo'el, the son of Pethuel. He is the author of the Book of Joel, one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. The Book of Joel is a prophetic work that addresses the people of Judah and Jerusalem, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance. It vividly describes a locust plague as a symbol of divine judgment and speaks of the "Day of the LORD," a theme that resonates throughout prophetic literature.

Key Themes in the Book of Joel:
· Judgment and Repentance: Jo'el calls the people to repentance in light of the devastating locust plague, which he interprets as a precursor to the coming "Day of the LORD."
· The Day of the LORD: This concept is central to Jo'el's prophecy, depicting a time of divine intervention, judgment, and eventual restoration.
· Restoration and Hope: Despite the dire warnings, Jo'el offers hope for restoration and blessing if the people turn back to God. He prophesies the outpouring of the Spirit, a promise fulfilled at Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.

2. Jo'el, the Descendant of Reuben:
Another Jo'el is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Reuben. In 1 Chronicles 5:4, Jo'el is listed as a descendant of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. This Jo'el is part of the tribal lineage that underscores the historical and familial connections among the tribes of Israel.

3. Jo'el, the Leader in David's Time:
In 1 Chronicles 11:38, Jo'el is identified as one of David's mighty warriors, a group of valiant men who supported King David during his reign. This Jo'el is noted for his bravery and loyalty, contributing to the establishment of David's kingdom.

4. Jo'el, the Levite:
In 1 Chronicles 15:11, Jo'el is mentioned as a Levite whom King David summoned to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This event was significant in establishing Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel and highlights Jo'el's role in this pivotal moment.

5. Jo'el, the Overseer:
In 1 Chronicles 27:20, Jo'el is listed as an overseer of the tribe of Manasseh in Gilead during King David's reign. This administrative role indicates his leadership and responsibility in managing tribal affairs.

Biblical References:
· Prophet Jo'el: Joel 1:1 · "The word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel."
· Descendant of Reuben: 1 Chronicles 5:4 · "The descendants of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son."
· Mighty Warrior: 1 Chronicles 11:38 · "Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar son of Hagri."
· Levite: 1 Chronicles 15:11 · "Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab."
· Overseer: 1 Chronicles 27:20 · "Over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead: Joel son of Pedaiah."

Significance:
The various individuals named Jo'el in the Bible reflect the diverse roles and contributions of God's people throughout Israel's history. From prophetic voices to military leaders and religious figures, each Jo'el played a part in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with His people. The name itself, meaning "Yahweh is God," serves as a constant reminder of the centrality of God in the life and identity of Israel.Jo'el (19 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 8:2
Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abijah: they were judges in Beersheba.
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1 Chronicles 4:35
and Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
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1 Chronicles 5:4
The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
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1 Chronicles 5:8
and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon:
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1 Chronicles 5:12
Joel the chief, and Shapham the second, and Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan.
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1 Chronicles 6:28
The sons of Samuel: the firstborn Joel, and the second Abijah.
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1 Chronicles 6:33
These are those who waited, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,
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1 Chronicles 6:36
the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,
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1 Chronicles 7:3
The sons of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them chief men.
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1 Chronicles 11:38
Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Hagri,
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1 Chronicles 15:7
of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and his brothers one hundred thirty;
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1 Chronicles 15:11
David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
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1 Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
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1 Chronicles 23:8
The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three.
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1 Chronicles 26:22
The sons of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel his brother, over the treasures of the house of Yahweh.
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1 Chronicles 27:20
of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
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2 Chronicles 29:12
Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the son of Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons of the Kohathites; and of the sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah, and Eden the son of Joah;
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Ezra 10:43
Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Iddo, and Joel, Benaiah.
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Nehemiah 11:9
Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
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Jo'el (19 Occurrences)
Jo'el. Joel, Jo'el. Joelah . Multi-Version Concordance Jo'el (19 Occurrences).
1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel ...
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Joelah (1 Occurrence)

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Joel (22 Occurrences)
...jo'-el (yo'el, popularly interpreted as "Yahweh is God"; but see HPN, 153; BDB,
222a): (1) The firstborn of Samuel (1 Samuel 8:2 1 Chronicles 6:33), and ...
/j/joel.htm - 49k

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