Holier Than Thou

Who wrote the books of the Bible and when?

Book of Joel, containing the prophecies of Joel son of Pethuel, was written around the ninth century (835-796) B.C. by Joel the prophet. Joel describes a plague of locusts as symbolizing the impending Babylonian attack on Jerusalem. The Book of Joel, originally four chapters in the Hebrew, includes: warning for Judah to repent or else it will be destroyed, much like the destruction a swarm of locusts brings on the land; prophecy of the pouring of the Spirit on all people; judgment on all nations that are against Judah.

Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste -- nothing escapes them. They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. Before them the earth shakes, the sky trembles, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. (Joel 2:3-10)