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How could Joel mention the Greeks in the 8th century BC?

Claim:

Critics claim that Joel could not have mentioned the “Greeks” in the eighth century BC. Is this the case? Does it demonstrate a late date for Joel?

Response:

Joel mentions the Greeks as a distant people—not spread throughout the world (“far from their territory”). Moreover, Archer writes, “It cannot be supposed that the Hellenic peoples were unknown to Israel in the pre-exilic period, since they are found mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions as early as the eighth century BC.”

  1. ^

    Archer, Gleason. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (3rd. ed.). Chicago: Moody Press. 1994. 340.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.