Chiasmus Resources

The book of Joel presents difficult historical, critical and interpretative problems. Its date remains in doubt. Scholarly estimates of the period of Joel have ranged from the ninth century B. C. to the Maccabean period. The basis for the early date stems from Joel's parallel themes with the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Amos. Edward J. Young maintains a pre-exilic date. R. K. Harrison favors the post-exilic date, citing certain post-exilic terms, including some Aramaisms found in the work. Both attest the difficulty of establishing a definite date due to a number of valid literary, traditional and historical factors. ... It is hoped that by paying careful attention to the structure of the book of Joel, the meaning of the writer will become clearer for interpreting the book as a whole.