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 who minister before the LORDThe sons of Aaron served as appointed mediators in Israel’s worship, offering sacrifices and teaching God’s law. Joel calls them to lead the nation in public repentance rather than merely perform ritual duties. 2Ch 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD… weep between the portico and the altar, The area between the temple entrance and the altar of burnt offering was a fitting place for intercession, standing before the sanctuary and near the place of sacrifice. Their mourning was to reflect genuine grief over Judah’s sin and the judgment that had come upon the land. Ezk 8:16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD… saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, The priests were to appeal to the LORD’s covenant mercy on behalf of the people He had chosen. Like Moses when Israel sinned in the wilderness, they were to seek forgiveness and preservation rather than deny the seriousness of the nation’s guilt. Num 14:19 Pardon, I pray, the iniquity of this people,… and do not make Your heritage a reproach, Israel was the LORD’s own possession, set apart to bear His name among the nations. Their destruction would bring disgrace upon the people and appear to contradict the promises God had made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Deu 9:26 And I prayed to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD… an object of scorn among the nations. Surrounding peoples often interpreted military defeat, famine, and national ruin as evidence that a nation’s god was powerless. Judah’s humiliation would invite contempt for the LORD’s name as well as suffering for His people. Psa 44:14 You have made us a byword among the nations,… Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” The prayer appeals to God’s honor before the nations. The LORD’s deliverance would demonstrate that He had not abandoned His covenant people and that He alone rules over judgment, mercy, harvest, and restoration. Psa 79:10 Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?”… Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsReligious leaders in Israel responsible for performing sacrifices and interceding for the people. In this verse, they are called to weep and intercede for the nation. 2. The LORD The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is being petitioned by the priests to spare His people. 3. Portico and Altar The portico refers to the entrance of the temple, and the altar is where sacrifices were made. This location signifies a place of intercession and sacrifice. 4. Inheritance Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen people, who are at risk of becoming a disgrace among the nations. 5. Nations The surrounding peoples who might mock Israel if God does not intervene, questioning the presence and power of Israel's God. Teaching Points The Role of IntercessionPriests are called to stand in the gap for the people, highlighting the importance of intercessory prayer in the life of believers today. The Significance of Repentance The call to weep and plead for God's mercy underscores the necessity of genuine repentance in seeking God's favor. God's Reputation Among the Nations The concern for God's name and reputation should motivate believers to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. The Power of Corporate Prayer The collective cry of the priests demonstrates the power of united prayer in bringing about divine intervention. God's Faithfulness to His People Despite the threat of disgrace, the plea for God to spare His people is rooted in His covenant faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the priests in Joel 2:17 inform our understanding of intercessory prayer today?2. In what ways can we, as believers, ensure that our lives reflect God's glory and prevent His name from being a reproach among non-believers? 3. How does the concept of repentance in Joel 2:17 relate to the promise found in 2 Chronicles 7:14? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to engage in corporate prayer within our church communities? 5. How can we trust in God's faithfulness when facing situations that seem to bring disgrace or challenge our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 32Moses intercedes for Israel after the golden calf incident, similar to the priests' intercession in Joel. 1 Kings 8 Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple includes a plea for God to hear the prayers of His people. Psalm 79 A lament asking God not to let His people become a reproach among the nations. Isaiah 62 A call for God's people to be a light to the nations, contrasting with the potential disgrace mentioned in Joel. 2 Chronicles 7:14 God's promise to heal the land if His people humble themselves and pray, paralleling the call for repentance in Joel.
People JoelPlaces Jerusalem, Mount Zion, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Altar, Byword, Heritage, Inheritance, Minister, Ministers, Nations, O, Object, Peoples, Porch, Priests, Reproach, Rule, Scorn, Spare, Temple, WeepDictionary of Bible Themes Joel 2:17 5243 byword Library December 16. "I Will Restore to You the Years that the Locust Hath Eaten, the Canker Worm and the Caterpillar and the Palmer Worm, My Great Army, which I Sent among You" (Joel ii. 25). "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker worm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, my great army, which I sent among you" (Joel ii. 25). A friend said to me once: "I have got to reap what I sowed, for God has said: 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Then why don't you apply this in the spiritual world, and compel the sinner to pay the penalty of his sins?" Christ has borne this penalty, and the same Christ has borne the natural penalties, too, and … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth A Free Grace Promise The Locust-Swarms Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Actions --Those of the Soul in this Condition are Interior, but Habitual, Continued, Direct, Profound, Simple, and Imperceptible --Being a Continual It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly... The Holy Spirit of Promise Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or Until the Death of Theodosius the Great, 395 Ash Wednesday. Gather the People . . And Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, Weep Between the Porch and the Alter, and Let them Say, Spare Thy People, O Lord. Whether Fasting is an Act of virtue? Whether this Sacrament was Suitably Instituted in the New Law? Whether all Sins are Taken Away by Penance? Whether all are Bound to Keep the Fasts of the Church? Whether Christ had any Acquired Knowledge? Whether this Name "Holy Ghost" is the Proper Name of one Divine Person? Whether There Can be Anything Pernicious in the Worship of the True God? Whether Deeds Deadened by Sin, are Revived by Penance? The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret Operation of the Spirit. The Books of the Old Testament as a Whole. 1 the Province of Particular Introduction is to Consider the Books of the Bible Separately... Severinus in Germany. The Situation of the Jews During this Period. Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ? Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest. Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles. Links Joel 2:17 NIVJoel 2:17 NLT Joel 2:17 ESV Joel 2:17 NASB Joel 2:17 KJV Joel 2:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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