Gather = Gather in. sanctify the congregation = hallow a convocation. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 19:10 , Exodus 19:22 ). App-92 . gather = gather out. closet = bridal canopy. See notes on Psalms 19:5 and Isaiah 4:5 . The only three occurrences of Heb chuppah, read more
Joel 2:16. Sanctify the congregation— We read in Exo 19:10 of God's commanding the people to sanctify themselves. This sanctification consisted in their solemn preparation to come before God, by washing themselves and their clothes, cleansing themselves from all legal impurities, &c. as may be seen in Joe 2:14-15 of that chapter. In like manner, the prophet here exhorts the people to a solemn attendance at the temple of God; to fast, and mourn, and pray before him; and therefore commands... read more
16. sanctify the congregation—namely, by expiatory rites and purification with water [CALVIN], (Exodus 19:10; Exodus 19:22). MAURER translates, "appoint a solemn assembly," which would be a tautological repetition of Exodus 19:22- :. elders . . . children—No age was to be excepted (Exodus 19:22- :). bridegroom—ordinarily exempted from public duties (Exodus 19:22- :; compare 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Corinthians 7:29). closet—or, nuptial bed, from a Hebrew root "to cover," referring to the canopy... read more
III. A NEAR FUTURE DAY OF THE LORD: A HUMAN INVASION 2:1-27Joel had spoken briefly of a coming day of the Lord in Joel 1:15, but now he said more about it.The term "the day of the Lord" seems to have arisen from the popular concept, in the ancient Near East, that a really great warrior king could consummate an entire military campaign in one single day. [Note: See Douglas Stuart, "The Sovereign’s Day of Conquest," Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 220/21 (December 1975,... read more
B. A call to repentance 2:12-17Such 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. read more
The prophet urged the blowing of the shophar in Zion again, but this time to call a public assembly and a fast rather than to announce the coming invader (Joel 2:1; cf. Joel 1:14). Fasting involved sacrificially going without food to devote oneself to a higher spiritual purpose. God’s people needed to gather together and re-consecrate themselves to Him as a people. Everyone without exception should participate, from the oldest to the youngest. Even newlyweds, who sometimes received a special... read more
2. An appeal for public repentance 2:15-17Joel went beyond calling for personal heart-felt repentance to urging the people to assemble for a corporate expression of their sincere contrition. read more
Repentance followed by RestorationJoel 2:1-17 are another description of the locust plague. An alarm is sounded as though the Day of Jehovah had come (Joel 2:1-3). The advance of the locusts into the city is described under the figure of an invading army (Joel 2:4-11). A message to the penitent is given from Jehovah (Joel 2:12-14), and a call is issued for a fast of supplication (Joel 2:15-17). Then follow the announcements that Jehovah has had pity on His people, and that He will remove the... read more
(15, 16) Sanctify a fast.—The prophet renews, therefore, his summons to the priests to proclaim a day of humiliation, on which all, without distinction of age or circumstances, are to be required to present themselves before the Lord. There was no room for the plea, “I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Joel 2:12-27
2:12-32 GOD’S MERCY ON THE REPENTANTRepentance and restoration (2:12-27)Although God is the one who has sent this judgment, it is not too late for the people to ask for his mercy. However, this must be accompanied by genuine inward repentance, not just by the outward show of torn clothing, sackcloth and ashes. God may then restore their fields and vineyards, and they will be able to worship him with their cereal and wine offerings again (12-14).Once more a trumpet is blown, but this time to... read more