Joel 2:17
Joel 2:17 in Multiple Translations
Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
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?
Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Jehovah, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?
Let the priests, the servants of the Lord, be weeping between the covered way and the altar, and let them say, Have mercy on your people, O Lord, do not give up your heritage to shame, so that the nations become their rulers: why let them say among the peoples, Where is their God?
Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar of the Temple. Let them say, “Lord, please take pity on your people, and do not let your inheritance be disgraced, ruled over by foreign nations, so that the people of these nations could ask, ‘Where is their God?’”
Let the Priestes, the ministers of the Lord weepe betweene the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and giue not thine heritage into reproche that the heathen should rule ouer them. Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Between the porch and the altar weep let the priests, ministrants of Jehovah, And let them say: 'Have pity, O Jehovah, on Thy people, And give not Thy inheritance to reproach, To the ruling over them of nations, Why do they say among peoples, Where [is] their God?'
Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare your people, LORD, and don’t give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
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 thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: why should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Between the porch and the altar the priests the Lord’s ministers shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people: and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God?
Tell the priests who serve Yahweh to cry between the altar and the entrance to the temple and to pray this: “Yahweh, rescue/save us your people; do not allow people from other nations to despise us; do not allow them to ridicule us and say, ‘Why has [RHQ] their God abandoned them?’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 2:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joel 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֵּ֤ין
הָ/אוּלָם֙
וְ/לַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
יִבְכּוּ֙
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י
יְהוָ֑ה
וְֽ/יֹאמְר֞וּ
ח֧וּסָ/ה
יְהוָ֣ה
עַל
עַמֶּ֗/ךָ
וְ/אַל
תִּתֵּ֨ן
נַחֲלָתְ/ךָ֤
לְ/חֶרְפָּה֙
לִ/מְשָׁל
בָּ֣/ם
גּוֹיִ֔ם
לָ֚/מָּה
יֹאמְר֣וּ
בָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
אַיֵּ֖ה
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
בֵּ֤ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הָ/אוּלָם֙
ʼûwlâm
H197
Portico
Art | N-ms
וְ/לַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Conj | Prep | N-ms
יִבְכּוּ֙
bâkâh
H1058
to weep
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְֽ/יֹאמְר֞וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ח֧וּסָ/ה
chûwç
H2347
to pity
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עַמֶּ֗/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Conj | Part
תִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
נַחֲלָתְ/ךָ֤
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
לְ/חֶרְפָּה֙
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
Prep | N-fs
לִ/מְשָׁל
mâshal
H4910
to rule
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ֣/ם
Prep | Suff
גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
לָ֚/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-mp
אַיֵּ֖ה
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Part
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joel 2:17
בֵּ֤ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָ/אוּלָם֙
ʼûwlâm
H197
"Portico"
Art | N-ms
A portico is a covered area at the entrance of a building, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a vestibule or porch where people gather before entering the main building.
Definition: A hall or porch of the temple
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: porch. See also: 1 Kings 6:3; Ezekiel 40:7; Joel 2:17.
וְ/לַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
יִבְכּוּ֙
bâkâh
H1058
"to weep"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
To weep means to cry or shed tears, often in grief or sadness. In the Bible, weeping is a common expression of emotion, as seen in the stories of David and Jeremiah, who both wept bitterly in times of sorrow and repentance.
Definition: 1) to weep, bewail, cry, shed tears 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weep (in grief, humiliation, or joy) 1a2) to weep bitterly (with cognate acc.) 1a3) to weep upon (embrace and weep) 1a4) to bewail 1b) (Piel) participle 1b1) lamenting 1b2) bewailing
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, bewail, complain, make lamentation, [idiom] more, mourn, [idiom] sore, [idiom] with tears, weep. See also: Genesis 21:16; 2 Samuel 12:21; Psalms 69:11.
הַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
מְשָׁרְתֵ֖י
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְֽ/יֹאמְר֞וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ח֧וּסָ/ה
chûwç
H2347
"to pity"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To pity or have compassion on someone means to show kindness and care for their well-being, like God's compassion for his people. It involves covering or protecting them from harm.
Definition: (Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: pity, regard, spare. See also: Genesis 45:20; Ezekiel 5:11; Psalms 72:13.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עַמֶּ֗/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Conj | Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּתֵּ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נַחֲלָתְ/ךָ֤
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
לְ/חֶרְפָּה֙
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
Prep | N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
לִ/מְשָׁל
mâshal
H4910
"to rule"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To rule means to have power over something or someone, like a king ruling his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel. It involves having control and making decisions, like a leader guiding their people. In the Bible, God rules over all things.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: (have, make to have) dominion, governor, [idiom] indeed, reign, (bear, cause to, have) rule(-ing, -r), have power. See also: Genesis 1:18; Proverbs 16:32; Psalms 8:7.
בָּ֣/ם
""
Prep | Suff
גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לָ֚/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בָֽ/עַמִּ֔ים
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-mp
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אַיֵּ֖ה
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶֽם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Joel 2:17
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- Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:17
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- Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 2:17
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- Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:17
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- Whedon's Commentary on Joel 2:17
- Sermons on Joel 2:17
Context — Return with All Your Heart
15Blow the ram’s horn in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly.
16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.
17Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
18Then the LORD became jealous for His land, and He spared His people. 19And the LORD answered His people: “Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and by them you will be satisfied. I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 115:2 | Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 8:16 | So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun. |
| 3 | Psalms 79:10 | Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 6:3 | The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubits long, extending across the width of the temple and projecting out ten cubits in front of the temple. |
| 5 | Exodus 34:9 | “O Lord,” he said, “if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, my Lord, please go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our iniquity and sin, and take us as Your inheritance.” |
| 6 | Joel 1:9 | Grain and drink offerings have been cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests are in mourning, those who minister before the LORD. |
| 7 | Matthew 23:35 | And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. |
| 8 | Amos 7:2 | And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” |
| 9 | Hosea 14:2 | Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. |
| 10 | Daniel 9:18–19 | Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.” |
Joel 2:17 Summary
[Joel 2:17 is a call to prayer and repentance, where the priests are asking God to spare His people from judgment and to protect them from being ridiculed by the nations. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 51:17, where David asks God to create in him a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within him. The priests are acknowledging their own sin and the sins of their community, and are weeping before the Lord in repentance. By doing so, they are trusting in God's covenant promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:13, and are believing that He will spare His people and protect them from harm.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priests weeping between the portico and the altar in Joel 2:17?
The priests are weeping in a place of great spiritual significance, between the portico and the altar, to show their deep sorrow and repentance before the Lord, much like the prophet Ezekiel who was called to lie on his side to symbolize the sins of Israel (Ezekiel 4:4-5).
Why do the priests ask God to spare His people in Joel 2:17?
The priests ask God to spare His people because they are aware of God's covenant promise to be their God and to protect them, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:13 and Leviticus 26:12, and they do not want the nations to mock God's inability to protect His people.
What does it mean for God's heritage to be a reproach among the nations in Joel 2:17?
For God's heritage to be a reproach among the nations means that God's people, who are supposed to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6), are instead being ridiculed and scorned by the nations, which reflects poorly on God's character and reputation, as seen in Romans 2:24.
How does the question 'Where is their God?' in Joel 2:17 relate to the rest of the Bible?
The question 'Where is their God?' is a challenge to God's existence and power, and is similar to the taunts of the nations against God's people in Psalm 115:2 and Psalm 79:10, but God consistently proves Himself to be a God who is present and active in the lives of His people, as seen in Psalm 46:1 and Matthew 28:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can intercede for my community or nation, like the priests in Joel 2:17, and ask God to spare them from judgment and reproach?
- In what ways can I, like the priests, acknowledge my own sin and the sins of my community, and weep before the Lord in repentance?
- How can I be a part of God's solution to the problem of His people being a reproach among the nations, and instead be a light to those around me, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's covenant promises, like the priests in Joel 2:17, and to believe that He will spare His people and protect them from harm?
Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:17
Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar,.... Not the altar of incense which stood in the holy place; but the altar of burnt offering, where the priests used
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:17
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:17
Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep, see . Between the porch; that stately porch built by Solomon, 1 Kings 6 3 Eze 40:48,49. And the altar; not of incense, for that was in the holy place; but the great brazen altar, or altar of burnt-offering, which stood at some distance from this porch; and here the priests are commanded to stand, fasting and praying, whence they might be heard and seen by the people in the next court, in which the people were wont to pray. Let them say, with loud voice, and with louder heart and affection; after this manner let them pray and intercede with God. Spare: this includes confession of sin, acknowledging God’ s justice, laying themselves at the foot of God for mercy, and imploring of mercy; Though we have sinned and deserve severe wrath, yet spare, deal not with us as we deserve. Thy people: this includes all they can plead from the covenant of God with them, his grace, promise, faithfulness, &c.; We are thy peculiar people, thou art our God, therefore spare, &c. Give not; thou only canst expose us to famine and servitude, and both will come upon us if thou first give us up to these predooming locusts, they will consume all, and if thou after give us up to those nations which as locusts are innumerable and irresistible. O give us not up to them. Thine heritage; chosen, redeemed, possessed through many ages by thee. O Lord, even since we came out of Egypt thou hast owned us for thine heritage: though whilst we were impenitent, and sinned high against thee, we deserved to be cast off; now we return, repent, and pray, be gracious to us, and continue to own and bless thine heritage; since thou canst make it fruitful and beautiful, command it to excel in both; cultivate, fence, and watch over it, it is thine-heritage.
To reproach; it is a reproach to any land that it starves or eats up the inhabitants thereof, ; and famine, though by locusts, will be a reproach to this thine heritage; it will be greater reproach to be slaves to the nations signified by the locusts; therefore of mercy deliver us from both one and the other. The heathen; whether Assyrians, or Chaldeans, or Babylonians. Rule over them; conquer first, and then enslave thy people; or, as the word will bear, take them up for a taunt and proverb, when they shall know that they leave their own land as too barren a place to maintain them, or seek their bread at a dear rate in heathen lands. Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? nay, these barbarous people will not so much consider our sins, or justify our God, but they will reproach God, our God, the great God, as if unable to maintain us. O spare for thine own glory’ s sake, never let them as deride thee our God.
Trapp's Commentary on Joel 2:17
Joe 2:17 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?Ver. 17. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord] Let not them be either dull or dumb (as Popish mass-priests, with their dumb shows at divine service), but as (for their dignity) they are the Lord’ s ministers, as likewise the good angels are, and their fellow-servants, so (according to their duty) they must be first in holy exercises, Psalms 103:21 Revelation 22:9, going in and out before God’ s people in the performance of their trust, and that worthy work of theirs, 1 Timothy 3:1, for the which they are to be very highly esteemed in love, i Thess. v. 13. Let ministers, therefore, pray hard for their people, as did Aaron, Samuel, Paul, &c. Let their prayers (at fasts especially) be well watered with tears (those effectual orators, that cry to God for mercy, Psalms 39:12, as blood doth for vengeance, Genesis 4:16), as theirs were, Judges 20:28; Judges 2:5 1 Samuel 7:6; and as Ezra, x. 1, and Jeremiah, ix. 1; xiii. 17; and why? but for corruption, in magistrates, ministers, all sorts; a general defection, drawing on a general desolation. Oh let God’ s two faithful witnesses be clothed in sackcloth, Revelation 11:3, teaching God’ s people with many "tears and temptations, both publicly and from house to house"; yea, not "ceasing to warn them night and day with tears," to redeem their own sorrows by sound repentance, Acts 20:19-20; Acts 20:31. It is said of Athanasius, that by his tears, as by the bleeding of a chaste vine, he cured the leprosy of that tainted age. And of Luther, that by his prayers and tears he had prevailed with God, that Popery should not overrun his country during his days. When I am dead, said he, let those pray that can pray, Melancthon, his colleague, writeth, that he constantly prayed with abundance of tears; for he knew, that as music upon the water sounds farther and more harmoniously than upon the land; so prayers, joined with tears, find much respect with Christ; who could not but look back upon the weeping women, and comfort them, though he was then going to his death. Between the porch and the altar] This was that void place, where the priests prayed after the sacrifices were offered, Ezekiel 8:16. As in man there is body, soul, and spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, so in the temple at Jerusalem, 1. between Solomon’ s porch, Acts 3:11, and the altar of burnt-offering, was the outer great court, 2 Chronicles 4:9, where the people met for preaching and prayer.
Next, there was the second court, for the priests only; and here was the altar of incense, Luke 1:9-10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Joel 2:17
(17) That the heathen should rule over them.—All mention of the locusts is dropped. The lesser calamity is swallowed up in the apprehension of the greater.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 2:17
Verse 17. Let the priests - weep between the porch and the altar] The altar of burnt-offerings stood before the porch of the temple, 2 Chronicles 8:12, and between them there was an open space of fifteen or twenty cubits. It was there that the priests prostrated themselves on such occasions. It was into this place that the priests brought the sacrifice or victim of atonement; and where the high priest laid his hands on the head of the victim confessing his sins. Let them say] The following was the form to be used on this occasion, "Spare thy people," &c. And if this be done with a rent heart, &c., "then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people," Joe 2:18. He will surely save, if ye seriously return to and penitently seek him.
Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:17
17. weep] in grief and contrition: cf. Judges 2:4; and on Joe 2:12. between the porch and the altar] between the porch on the E. end of the Temple (1 Kings 6:3), and the great altar of burnt-offering in front of it (1 Kings 8:64; 2 Chronicles 8:12) in the ‘inner court’ (1 Kings 6:36), also called ‘the court of the priests,’ in contradistinction to the ‘great court’ (ib.) outside, into which alone the laity were admitted. The same expression occurs in Ezekiel 8:16. The priests are pictured as engaged there in supplication, with their faces (unlike those of the idolaters in Ezekiel 8:16) turned towards the sanctuary. give not thine inheritance to reproach] cf. Ezekiel 22:4; Ezekiel 36:30 (“the reproach of famine among the nations”); Psalms 44:13; Psalms 79:4; Psalms 89:41. The fact of Judah’s being Jehovah’s people and inheritance, is made the basis of the appeal, as Deuteronomy 9:26; Deuteronomy 9:29. that the nations should rule over them] This translation is perfectly legitimate grammatically; but in the context there has been no mention of Judah being dominated by foreign nations, but only of the country having been devastated by locusts and drought; hence the rendering make proverbs of (i.e. use their name as a by-word) is more probable (cf. R.V. marg.); comp. Jeremiah 24:9 (“to be a reproach and a proverb … in all places whither I shall drive them”), Psalms 44:13 a, 14a. The country suffering as it did, the heathen would be tempted to mock Israel, to declare that they were abandoned by their God, and that He lacked either the power or the will to save them. Comp.
Exodus 32:12; Numbers 14:13-16; Deuteronomy 9:28. wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?] Such is the taunt which the peoples of the earth would address to them, when they saw their distress. Comp. Micah 7:10; Psalms 42:10; Psalms 79:10; Psalms 115:2,—in Psalms 79:10, as here, a motive for God’s intervention. With the general picture of the nation, small and great alike, assembled as suppliants in the Temple, with the priests leading their devotions, comp. Jdt 4:9-15.
Barnes' Notes on Joel 2:17
Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar - The porch in this, Solomon’s temple, was in fact a tower, in front of the holy of holies, of the same breadth with
Whedon's Commentary on Joel 2:17
Joe 2:15-17 are an emphatic re-iteration of the exhortation in Joe 1:14. Joe 2:15 takes us back to Joe 2:1, where the priests are exhorted to blow the trumpet.
Sermons on Joel 2:17
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A Burning Heart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel chapter 1. He emphasizes the need for repentance and laments the state |
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Weeping Between Porch and the Altar by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the superficiality of modern Christian gatherings with the deep devotion and sacrifice of believers in the past. He highlights the story of a |
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Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people |
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John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old |
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From Groans to Glory by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and complexity of the human body, which God created as his masterpiece. He highlights the unique nature of human interaction, whe |
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The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu |
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Praying in the Closet by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying in the secret place, highlighting the need for individual, intimate prayer with God. It addresses the current darkness and uncertai |