Dr. Joel Barker

Professor of Biblical Studies

Dr. Joel David Barker serves as Professor of Biblical Studies at Heritage College & Seminary. His teaching focuses on biblical studies, hermeneutics, and biblical theology, equipping students to interpret Scripture faithfully within its historical and literary contexts.

Through his teaching and scholarship, Dr. Barker seeks to emphasize the continuing relevance of biblical revelation, helping students understand how Scripture testifies to the kingdom of Christ and shapes faithful ministry in the Church.

Teaching Areas

  • Biblical Studies
  • Biblical Languages
  • Hermeneutics
  • Biblical Theology

Courses Taught

  • Hermeneutics
  • Introduction to the Ancient World
  • Cultural Backgrounds of the New Testament
  • Bible Electives
  • Biblical Theology of Mission

Research Interests

  • Prophetic Rhetoric
  • The Book of the Twelve
  • Inner-Biblical Allusion
  • Biblical Theology

Academic Affiliations

  • Evangelical Theological Society
  • Institute for Biblical Research
  • Society of Biblical Literature

Ministry Experience

Dr. Barker has served in teaching and church ministry contexts, including:

  • Teaching Bible and biblical backgrounds at Heritage College & Seminary
  • Teaching biblical languages at Toronto Baptist Seminary
  • Member of Philpott Memorial Church, Hamilton
  • Service as an elder and chair of the Refugee Sponsorship Ministry

His work reflects a commitment to faithful biblical interpretation, theological clarity, and service within the life of the Church.

Selected Publications

  • “I Will Strike Them Down: Threats of Divine Violence in the Book of Numbers.” Journal for the Study of the Bible and Violence 2 (2023): 34–57
  • Numbers. Kerux Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2023
  • “Cursed to Bless: The Power of Speech in the Oracles of Balaam.” Pages 17–32 in Life is Worship: A Festschrift in Honour of Douglas A. Thomson. Eds. David G. Barker and Michael A. G. Haykin. Peterborough: Heritage Seminary Press, 2023
  • “Opening the Floodgates of Heaven: Fruitfulness, Divine Blessing and the Beauty of Creation in the Book of the Twelve.” Pages 93–112 in Reading Scripture, Learning Wisdom: Essays in Honour of David G. Barker. Eds. Michael A. G. Haykin and Barry H. Howson. Peterborough: H & E Publishing, 2021
  • Joel: Despair and Deliverance in the Day of the Lord. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary of the Old Testament 25. Ed. Daniel Block. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2019
  • “Where Does My Hope Come From? Theodicy and the Character of YHWH in Allusions to Exodus 34:6–7 in the Book of the Twelve.” JETS 61 (2018): 697–715
  • With Mark J. Boda, “Building an Old Testament Library: Hosea-Malachi,” Catalyst (2017)
  • From the Depths of Despair to the Promise of Presence: A Rhetorical Reading of the Book of Joel. Siphrut 11. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2014
  • With Lee Beach, “Springing the Trap: The Rhetoric of Amos as a Strategy for Preaching Judgment and Justice.” Journal of Evangelical Homiletical Society 12:2 (Sept 2012): 4–10
  • “Day of the Lord.” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. Eds. Mark J. Boda and J. Gordon McConville. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012
  • “Rhetorical Criticism.” Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. Eds. Mark J. Boda and J. Gordon McConville. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012
  • “One Good ‘Turn’ Deserves Another: Rhetorical Strategy in Joel 2:12–17.” Pages 115–31 in Why?...How Long?: Studies on Voice(s) of Lamentation Rooted in Biblical Hebrew Poetry. LHBOTS 552. Eds. Mark J. Boda, Carol Dempsey, LeAnn Snow Flesher. London: Continuum, 2013
  • “Brevard Childs. Pages in Pillars in the History of Biblical Interpretation. Volume 2: Prevailing Methods after 1980. Eds. Stanley E. Porter and Sean A. Adams. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2016
Faculty Bookstore

Education

  • B.A.History (Honours)Huron University College
  • M.A.Christian TheologyMcMaster Divinity College
  • Ph.D.Christian TheologyMcMaster Divinity College

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