Joel 2:13
Verse
Context
Return with All Your Heart
12“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” 13So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. 14Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him— grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let there be the inward sorrow of heart, and not the mere outward manifestation of it by "rending the garment" (Jos 7:6). the evil--the calamity which He had threatened against the impenitent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And rend your heart, and not your garments,.... Which latter used to be done in times of distress, either private or public, and as a token of grief and sorrow, Gen 37:34; nor was it criminal or unlawful, the apostles themselves used it, Act 14:14; nor is it absolutely forbidden here, only comparatively, that they should rend their hearts rather than their garments; or not their garments only, but their hearts also; in like sense as the words in Hos 6:6; are to be taken as rending garments was only an external token of sorrow and might be done hypocritically. Where no true repentance was, the Lord calls for that, rather than the other; and that they would show contrition of heart and brokenness of spirit under a sense of sin, and in the view of pardoning grace and mercy; which is here held forth, to influence godly sorrow and evangelical repentance; the acts of which, flowing from faith in Christ are much more acceptable to the Lord than any outward expressions of grief; see Psa 51:17. The Targum is, "remove the wickedness of your heart but not with the rending of your meats;'' the rending of the garment goes to the heart some say to the navel (w): and turn unto the Lord your God; consider him not as an absolute God, and as an angry one, wrathful and inexorable; but as your covenant God and Father as your God in Christ, ready to receive backsliding sinners and prodigal sons; yea all sinners sensible of sin that flee to him for mercy through Christ: for be is gracious and merciful; he is the God of all grace, and has laid up a fulness of it in Christ; and he gives it freely to them that ask it of him without upbraiding them with their sins; he is rich and plenteous in mercy, and ready to forgive; be delights in showing mercy, and in them that hope in it; and this is no small encouragement to turn to the Lord, and seek mercy of him: and, besides, he is slow to anger; he is not hasty to stir it up, and show it; he bears with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath; and his longsuffering to his own people issues in their salvation: he waits to be gracious to them; and, though he may seem to be angry, he does not stir up all his wrath their sins deserve nor does he retain anger for ever: and of great kindness; both in a providential way, and in a way of special grace through Christ; whom he has provided as a Saviour, and sent him into the world as such, and saves sinners by obedience sufferings, and death: these characters of God are taken out of Exo 34:6; and are admirably adapted to engage and encourage sensible souls to turn to the Lord by acts of faith in him, and repentance towards him; see Isa 55:7; and it is added, and repenteth him of the evil; which the sins of men deserve; and he has threatened on account of them; not that he ever changes the counsels of his will, but alters the course of his providence, and the manner of his conduct towards men, according to his unalterable repentance otherwise does not properly belong to God, Num 23:19; but is ascribed to him after the manner of men; and is used to express his compassion men; how ready he is to receive and forgive returning sinners and not execute the threatened and deserved evil and to bestow all needful good; see Jon 3:10. The Targum is, "and he recalls his word from bringing on the evil.'' (w) T. Bab. Moed Katon, fol. 26. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 One means of showing grief in the ancient world was to tear one’s clothing (Gen 37:34; 2 Sam 3:31; 2 Kgs 19:1). • tear your hearts: In Hebrew, the heart is the center of thought, faith, and will. God’s people were to go beyond external demonstrations of repentance to repent inwardly—to change their orientation, priorities, and attitudes. This could only happen if they would return to the Lord. • for he is merciful and compassionate . . . and filled with unfailing love: The people’s only hope was in the merciful character of the Lord (see also Exod 34:6-7; Num 14:18; Neh 9:17; Pss 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Jon 4:2). God’s desire is not to punish, but to forgive and restore his people.
Joel 2:13
Return with All Your Heart
12“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” 13So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. 14Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him— grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation)
By Leonard Ravenhill10K26:18Compilation2CH 7:14JOL 1:13JOL 2:13JOL 3:13MAT 6:33ROM 9:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of God's word. The preacher also highlights the significance of weeping in revival, referencing Joel 2:17 where priests are called to weep between the altar and the doorposts. He mentions a gathering of preachers in Dallas who will be praying for revival, with the key verse being 2 Chronicles 7:14, which places the responsibility for revival on the people rather than the preachers. The preacher laments the lack of spiritual life and power in the church today and urges believers to prioritize prayer meetings as a measure of the church's devotion to God.
Revival Lectures Series - Short
By Leonard Ravenhill8.8K28:15Revival2CH 7:14PSA 85:4JOL 1:13JOL 2:11JOL 2:13JOL 2:17In 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 now than ever before, even 2,000 years after Jesus Christ came into the world. The speaker urges listeners to turn to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning, and to rend their hearts in repentance. He also calls on the priests and ministers to intercede for the people and plead with God to spare them from reproach and the rule of the heathens. The sermon emphasizes the need for brokenness and discipline in order to experience the awesomeness of God's presence and power.
True Believers
By Chuck Smith2.1K36:12BeliefJOL 2:13MAT 23:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not concerned with outward appearances, but rather with the condition of our hearts. He compares circumcision and baptism, stating that just as being circumcised does not guarantee salvation, being baptized multiple times does not either. The preacher highlights the importance of tearing our hearts instead of our garments as a sign of repentance and turning to God. He concludes by emphasizing the simplicity of salvation through believing in the gospel message of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and that it is a gift that cannot be earned or deserved.
Ten Commandments for Revival
By Denny Kenaston2.0K56:47RevivalPSA 51:17JOL 2:13JOL 2:15MAT 5:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the lives of individuals and in the corporate life of believers. He shares about the many needs and struggles that people have, and how they often seek guidance on what to do. The preacher then presents ten commandments for revival based on Joel chapter two. He highlights the importance of sanctifying a solemn assembly, gathering the people, and seeking God's mercy and intervention. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God wants to use and bless the lives of believers, and that revival will result in God's glory being manifested and various blessings being poured out.
Gv1601 Prayer
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K35:07Prayer2CH 7:14JOL 1:13JOL 2:13AMO 1:9JON 1:17MAL 3:1MAT 6:33ROM 9:2JUD 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and the need to prioritize it in our lives. He shares an example of a man named Buck Singh who dedicated three hours of his Sunday service to praise and worship, three hours to prayer, and three hours to other spiritual activities. The speaker also mentions the story of Hannah from the book of Samuel, highlighting how she fervently prayed to God for a child. He encourages listeners to make the most of their time and prioritize prayer, as it has the power to bring about blessings and change in our lives.
(Early Anabaptism) Foundation Stones in the Anabaptist Faith
By Denny Kenaston1.6K1:18:26AnabaptismJOL 2:13MAT 7:21MAT 28:19ROM 1:16ROM 10:14JAS 1:22JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of evangelism and spreading the word of God. He shares the example of Medo Simon's dedication to preaching the gospel in various circumstances, even in the face of persecution. The preacher calls for repentance and a turning away from worldly pleasures, urging the audience to recognize the seriousness of the message being delivered. He expresses a desire for the restoration of primitive Christianity in the present day and highlights the contrast between the early Christians' willingness to separate from the world and the current tendency to embrace worldly pleasures.
The Sin of All Sins
By Bill McLeod1.5K1:07:57UnbeliefPSA 119:128JOL 2:13MAT 5:1ROM 15:4In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of not hiding our sins. The first story is about a man who was trapped in a trailer that caught fire, but miraculously found the strength to rip a hole in the wall and escape. The second story is about a man who shot his friend and tried to cover up the crime by pretending he got lost. However, his sin was eventually discovered when his friend's body was found in an iceberg. The preacher emphasizes the biblical principle that our sins will eventually be exposed and encourages listeners to repent and seek forgiveness from God.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 19-20
By Chuck Smith1.5K51:29EXO 19:9EXO 20:3EXO 20:7JOL 2:13MAT 19:21MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God in order to have a right relationship with others. He explains that the first law is to have no other gods before God, and uses the example of a rich young ruler who claimed to have kept all the commandments. Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, revealing that the man's possessions were his god. The preacher highlights the need to serve God in a way that draws attention to Him, rather than ourselves. He concludes by encouraging the listeners to desire and fulfill God's law, and to seek transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Joel) the Day of the Lord Brings Judah Low
By David Guzik1.4K50:22JOL 1:1JOL 1:17JOL 2:13MAT 6:33ROM 2:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of Joel and the judgment that had come upon Judah in the form of a plague of locusts. He addresses the common question of why God allows calamities to happen and emphasizes the urgency of repentance. The preacher describes the people's reaction to the impending judgment, with faces drained of color and a sense of fear and urgency. He highlights the power and discipline of an army that is led by God, and warns that the day of the Lord is coming, a day of darkness and gloominess.
Deferred Obedience 1 - Part 3
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:42PRO 1:32ISA 43:25JOL 2:13MAT 18:12JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of not deferring obedience to God's will, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglecting the lost and the vulnerable. It addresses societal issues like alcoholism, greed, and the impact of dysfunctional families on individuals and communities. The speaker urges repentance, seeking God's mercy, and taking responsibility for our actions to prevent further harm and destruction.
Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 4
By Joshua Daniel1.1K04:26PRO 3:6ISA 30:21JOL 2:13LUK 15:10JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the urgency of obeying God and saving souls around us without delay, highlighting the consequences of deferred obedience and the need for repentance. It calls for a broken spirit of repentance and a plea for God's mercy upon individuals and nations. The message stresses the importance of not waiting to act but to be proactive in spreading God's righteousness and love to all. The prayer seeks restoration and erasure of past wrongs, asking for God's blessing and guidance in being agents of change in the world.
Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment
By Joshua Daniel48914:30Repentance1KI 12:11PRO 31:26HOS 2:13JOL 2:13In this sermon, the speaker, Joshua Daniel, discusses the importance of facing challenges and being tested in order to grow spiritually. He references the story of Rehoboam in the 10th chapter of the Bible, where Rehoboam had to deal with the grievances of the people after his father's reign. The speaker emphasizes the need for kindness and humility, contrasting it with the arrogance and nastiness of some people. He encourages listeners to pray for the law of kindness to be on their tongues and to have a true humbling of their hearts.
The Tender Love of the Father
By David Wilkerson1God's LoveForgivenessEXO 34:6PSA 86:5PSA 100:2PSA 119:156PSA 145:8JOL 2:13David Wilkerson emphasizes the tender love of God as a Father, contrasting it with the negative perceptions many have due to their own experiences with earthly fathers. He highlights God's self-description to Moses, showcasing His merciful and gracious nature, and encourages believers to remember God's loving character during trials. Wilkerson reassures that God is quick to forgive, patient, and slow to anger, inviting worshippers to approach Him with confidence in His love. He stresses the importance of understanding God's special love for His children, which should inspire joy and gladness in their lives.
Repentance: An Opportunity for God's Mercy
By Clement of Rome0JOL 2:13MAT 5:7LUK 6:38HEB 9:14JAS 4:62PE 3:9Clement of Rome preaches about the preciousness of the blood of Christ shed for our salvation, bringing the grace of repentance to all. Throughout history, God has offered the opportunity of repentance to those willing to turn to Him, as seen with Noah, Jonah, and through the ministers of God's grace. God desires repentance for all His beloved ones, urging humility, rejection of empty works, and adherence to His will. Clement emphasizes the importance of seeking God, doing what is right and just, showing mercy, forgiveness, and kindness, as taught by Jesus. He encourages obedience to God's sacred words, highlighting the favor shown to the humble and peaceful who tremble at His words.
A Solemn Sham and an Impudent Mockery!
By C.H. Spurgeon0Heart TransformationTrue Repentance1SA 16:7PSA 51:17ISA 29:13EZK 36:26JOL 2:13MAT 15:8ROM 2:282CO 7:10GAL 6:7HEB 10:22C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the distinction between superficial religious practices and genuine repentance, urging believers to rend their hearts rather than their garments. He critiques the hypocrisy of external rituals that please the flesh but lack true spiritual substance, warning that without sincere heart engagement, all religious acts are mere mockery of God. True repentance, he asserts, is a profound, humbling experience wrought by the Holy Spirit, leading to a deep, soul-moving transformation. Spurgeon encourages believers to bring their hardened hearts to Calvary, where the power of Christ's sacrifice can truly break them. Ultimately, he highlights that only the elect of God can experience this heart-rending, preparing them for divine consolation.
Matthew 23:29-36. Christ Denounces the Last Woe Against the Pharisees.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 20:52CH 34:27JOL 2:13MAT 23:29MAT 23:35LUK 11:47HEB 11:41JN 3:18Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last of the eight woes that Jesus denounced against the Pharisees, focusing on their hypocritical nature, particularly in the building of tombs for the prophets. Mortimer highlights the danger of self-deception in assessing our own characters and urges listeners to examine how they treat believers in the present day. Reflecting on the honor given by Jesus to the martyred prophets, Mortimer emphasizes the consequences of sin passed down through generations and the importance of repentance to break the cycle of curses. Despite the generational impact of sin, God's mercy is available to those who repent, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let there be the inward sorrow of heart, and not the mere outward manifestation of it by "rending the garment" (Jos 7:6). the evil--the calamity which He had threatened against the impenitent.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And rend your heart, and not your garments,.... Which latter used to be done in times of distress, either private or public, and as a token of grief and sorrow, Gen 37:34; nor was it criminal or unlawful, the apostles themselves used it, Act 14:14; nor is it absolutely forbidden here, only comparatively, that they should rend their hearts rather than their garments; or not their garments only, but their hearts also; in like sense as the words in Hos 6:6; are to be taken as rending garments was only an external token of sorrow and might be done hypocritically. Where no true repentance was, the Lord calls for that, rather than the other; and that they would show contrition of heart and brokenness of spirit under a sense of sin, and in the view of pardoning grace and mercy; which is here held forth, to influence godly sorrow and evangelical repentance; the acts of which, flowing from faith in Christ are much more acceptable to the Lord than any outward expressions of grief; see Psa 51:17. The Targum is, "remove the wickedness of your heart but not with the rending of your meats;'' the rending of the garment goes to the heart some say to the navel (w): and turn unto the Lord your God; consider him not as an absolute God, and as an angry one, wrathful and inexorable; but as your covenant God and Father as your God in Christ, ready to receive backsliding sinners and prodigal sons; yea all sinners sensible of sin that flee to him for mercy through Christ: for be is gracious and merciful; he is the God of all grace, and has laid up a fulness of it in Christ; and he gives it freely to them that ask it of him without upbraiding them with their sins; he is rich and plenteous in mercy, and ready to forgive; be delights in showing mercy, and in them that hope in it; and this is no small encouragement to turn to the Lord, and seek mercy of him: and, besides, he is slow to anger; he is not hasty to stir it up, and show it; he bears with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath; and his longsuffering to his own people issues in their salvation: he waits to be gracious to them; and, though he may seem to be angry, he does not stir up all his wrath their sins deserve nor does he retain anger for ever: and of great kindness; both in a providential way, and in a way of special grace through Christ; whom he has provided as a Saviour, and sent him into the world as such, and saves sinners by obedience sufferings, and death: these characters of God are taken out of Exo 34:6; and are admirably adapted to engage and encourage sensible souls to turn to the Lord by acts of faith in him, and repentance towards him; see Isa 55:7; and it is added, and repenteth him of the evil; which the sins of men deserve; and he has threatened on account of them; not that he ever changes the counsels of his will, but alters the course of his providence, and the manner of his conduct towards men, according to his unalterable repentance otherwise does not properly belong to God, Num 23:19; but is ascribed to him after the manner of men; and is used to express his compassion men; how ready he is to receive and forgive returning sinners and not execute the threatened and deserved evil and to bestow all needful good; see Jon 3:10. The Targum is, "and he recalls his word from bringing on the evil.'' (w) T. Bab. Moed Katon, fol. 26. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 One means of showing grief in the ancient world was to tear one’s clothing (Gen 37:34; 2 Sam 3:31; 2 Kgs 19:1). • tear your hearts: In Hebrew, the heart is the center of thought, faith, and will. God’s people were to go beyond external demonstrations of repentance to repent inwardly—to change their orientation, priorities, and attitudes. This could only happen if they would return to the Lord. • for he is merciful and compassionate . . . and filled with unfailing love: The people’s only hope was in the merciful character of the Lord (see also Exod 34:6-7; Num 14:18; Neh 9:17; Pss 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Jon 4:2). God’s desire is not to punish, but to forgive and restore his people.