Time period
9th Century BC (Traditional Dating of Joel's Prophecy)
Cultural background
The Israelites were living in a period of spiritual decline and were often turning to idolatry, which was common among the surrounding nations.
Political environment
The Kingdom of Judah was under threat from surrounding nations and internal spiritual decay. The exact political situation is not detailed in Joel, but it reflects a time of crisis.
Geographical setting
The prophecy is set in the land of Judah, with references to Zion and Jerusalem, central locations for the Jewish people.
Societal norms
The society was agrarian, relying heavily on agriculture, which is reflected in the imagery of locusts and harvests. Religious practices were centered around the Temple in Jerusalem.
Connected events