Joel 2:12-17

Joel 2:12-17

[12] Therefore also now, saith  the LORD,  turn  ye even to me with all your heart,  and with fasting,  and with weeping,  and with mourning:  [13] And rend  your heart,  and not your garments,  and turn  unto the LORD  your God:  for he is gracious  and merciful,  slow  to anger,  and of great  kindness,  and repenteth  him of the evil.  [14] Who knoweth  if he will return  and repent,  and leave  a blessing  behind  him; even a meat offering  and a drink offering  unto the LORD  your God?  [15] Blow  the trumpet  in Zion,  sanctify  a fast,  call  a solemn assembly:  [16] Gather  the people,  sanctify  the congregation,  assemble  the elders,  gather  the children,  and those that suck  the breasts:  let the bridegroom  go forth  of his chamber,  and the bride  out of her closet.  [17] Let the priests,  the ministers  of the LORD,  weep  between the porch  and the altar,  and let them say,  Spare  thy people,  O LORD,  and give  not thine heritage  to reproach,  that the heathen  should rule over  them: wherefore should they say  among the people,  Where is their God? 

What does Joel 2:12-17 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Such an awesome prospect of invasion led Joel to appeal to the people of Jerusalem to repent. This would hopefully turn away God"s judgment. He voiced two appeals, but, unusually, he did not say what the sins of the people were. Evidently they were known well enough at the time.