Joel 2:17
Verse
Context
Return with All Your Heart
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?’”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
between the porch and . . . altar--the porch of Solomon's temple on the east (Kg1 6:3); the altar of burnt offerings in the court of the priests, before the porch (Ch2 8:12; compare Eze 8:16; Mat 23:35). The suppliants thus were to stand with their backs to the altar on which they had nothing to offer, their faces towards the place of the Shekinah presence. heathen should rule over them--This shows that not locusts, but human foes, are intended. The Margin translation, "use a byword against them," is not supported by the Hebrew. wherefore should they say . . . Where is their God?--that is, do not for thine own honor's sake, let the heathen sneer at the God of Israel, as unable to save His people (Psa 79:10; Psa 115:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 to stand and do service; but now having nothing to do of that kind, they are called upon to weep and pray between that and the porch of the temple; where they might be seen and heard by the people in the outward court which the porch led into: this is thought by some to be the same situation with that between the temple and the altar, Mat 23:35; and let them say, spare thy people, O Lord; they are directed to plead, not in a way of justice, but mercy; that though it might be just with God to destroy these people, who were called by his name; yet it is entreated that he would not, but in mercy spare them, and not cut them off in his sore displeasure, which the present judgment threatened them with: there seems to be an argument for mercy suggested, in the relation these people stood in to God, they are "thy people", whom thou hast chosen, and who are called by thy name; though this was also an aggravation of their sin; and the same may be observed in what follows: and give not thine heritage to reproach: the people whom he had chosen for his inheritance, and the land of Canaan he had given to them for an inheritance; both which would be given to reproach if such a famine should ensue that they must be obliged to go into other countries for food: that the Heathen should rule over them; as they would, should they be forced to leave their own country, and settle in theirs for the sake of food: or "to be a proverb", or "byword, among the Heathen", as Jarchi. This clause Jerom thinks opens the mystery, and explains who are meant by the mighty nation under the name of locusts, the enemies of the Jews; though this does not necessarily follow, take the words in either sense, as explained: it seems indeed very likely, that though the locusts may be understood literally, yet may be considered as an emblem of the Assyrian or Chaldean army, as we have all along observed; and, as the same ancient writer observes, when we read of the locusts, we should think of the Chaldeans, in which thought we may be confirmed by this clause: wherefore should they say among the people, where is their God? they boast of as their Creator and Benefactor, their Protector and Defender, that gave them a land flowing with milk and honey, and abounding with all blessings? what is become of that? and where is he now? which the Gentiles would say in a reproaching blaspheming way, should they be reduced to famine by the locusts, or fall into the hands of their enemies; than which kind of reproach and blasphemy there is nothing more cutting to religious minds: see Psa 42:10; and this, as well as the former is used as an argument with God for mercy. The Targum is, "where are they that are redeemed by the Word of your God?''
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17 Spare your people, Lord! Assembled at the Temple, the religious leaders and all the people were to do the only thing possible in their desperate situation: seek the mercy and compassion of God.
Joel 2:17
Return with All Your Heart
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?’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Burning Heart
By Leonard Ravenhill79K1:34:04ProphetJER 4:3JER 4:8JOL 1:11JOL 2:17In 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 of the world, where the commandments of God are being broken. The preacher also criticizes the idea of fulfilling the Great Commission solely through financial means, stating that true fulfillment of the Great Commission involves repentance and a message from God. He concludes by marveling at the greatness of God and questioning why He has not yet judged the world for its disobedience.
Weeping Between Porch and the Altar
By Leonard Ravenhill9.7K1:12:40Weeping2CH 7:14JOL 1:13JOL 2:17MAT 6:33In 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 young man who prayed fervently despite suffering from a debilitating illness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaiming the message of the cross. He criticizes the tendency to prioritize prosperity, popularity, and personal comfort in Christianity today, calling for a return to brokenness and a cry for God's intervention.
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.
John 7:37
By Leonard Ravenhill6.4K1:41:40EXO 16:15EXO 17:6PSA 137:1LAM 2:9JOL 2:17MRK 3:10JHN 7:15In 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 camel skin over his shoulder. Despite his unconventional appearance, the speaker acknowledges the power of the Spirit of God upon him. The speaker also highlights the forgetfulness and lack of repentance shown by the people, even after experiencing God's love, power, and mercy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God and seeking a deeper relationship with Him, rather than focusing solely on ministry, power, or authority.
From Groans to Glory
By Vance Havner5.1K38:50SufferingJOL 2:17MAT 26:53LUK 23:28JHN 11:35JHN 11:38ROM 8:18In 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, where we can only come close to understanding each other through looking into each other's eyes. The preacher also discusses how our senses, such as hearing and seeing, are dependent on our body parts but are not the actual body parts themselves. He warns against settling down in a worldly mindset and losing the desire for spiritual growth, using the analogy of a duck that ends up swimming in its own gravy. The sermon concludes by mentioning the importance of being sensitive to nature's testimony to God as the creator.
The Man God Tore Apart
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K35:32EXO 15:181SA 2:302CH 7:14JER 9:1JOL 2:17MAT 23:37REV 11:15In 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 Jesus and stoned the prophets. The preacher recalls a time when he preached on a text with a broken heart, lamenting the lack of spiritual fervor among the congregation. He warns that despite the abundance of material blessings, there will come a time of spiritual famine in America. The sermon concludes with a heartbreaking story of a tragic accident involving a covered wagon and the loss of a mother and child, highlighting the urgency of seeking God before it is too late.
Praying in the Closet
By David Wilkerson2.8K48:40PSA 55:17JER 3:15JOL 2:17ZEC 12:10MAT 6:6MAT 14:231TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:161PE 5:7This 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 uncertainty in the world, urging the church to seek God in prayer amidst crisis and hopelessness. The speaker encourages believers to find their secret place with God for renewal, comfort, and seeking His face in the midst of personal and global challenges.
Elijah - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill2.5K08:571KI 18:212CH 7:14ISA 66:2JOL 2:17MAL 4:5LUK 4:18JHN 15:16ACT 1:82TI 4:2This sermon focuses on the theme of revival and the role of prophets like Elijah in bringing about spiritual awakening. It emphasizes the need for a return to God's ways and the importance of trembling at His Word when preaching. The speaker challenges preachers to approach their ministry with a sense of urgency and reverence, highlighting the impact of individuals like Richard Baxter in leading revival at a family level.
Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts2.1K1:05:27PSA 74:9PSA 85:11JOL 2:17MAT 3:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting the violence and immorality that is prevalent in society, both on the streets and on television. He then turns to the book of Matthew, specifically chapter 3, where John the Baptist is introduced as the one who prepares the way for the Lord. The preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the coming judgment for those who do not turn away from sin. He also discusses the negative influence of false converts in the church and the need for true believers to stand firm in their faith. The sermon concludes with a plea for God's mercy and a call to seek His forgiveness through fasting, weeping, and turning away from evil.
The Man God Tore Apart - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:10:28WarningEXO 15:11JER 8:20JER 9:1JER 20:9LAM 2:11JOL 2:17REV 11:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He warns that America is experiencing an abundance of material blessings but neglecting the spiritual nourishment of the word of God. The preacher expresses deep sorrow and weeps for the sins committed by the people and the impending wrath of God. He also highlights the need for repentance and revival, stating that the road to revival is paved with tears. The sermon references biblical passages, such as Jeremiah 9:1 and Joel 2, to support the preacher's message.
Revival Is Coming and What It Will Look Like
By Carter Conlon1.2K50:13RevivalPSA 85:6JOL 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the church and its ability to communicate the wonderful works of God. He highlights the transformation that occurred when the church rose up and was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, leading 3000 people to ask how they could be saved. The preacher also speaks about the coming revival, where young people will stand up against the power of darkness and boldly proclaim the ways of God. He emphasizes the importance of society seeing the reality of an experience with God in believers, as they are the only Bibles people may read. The preacher concludes by urging believers to have a strong conviction and not allow their heritage to be reproached, so that others may not question the existence of God.
Revival Stories: D. L. Moody
By E.A. Johnston63523:01Biography2CH 16:9JOL 2:17MAT 16:24ACT 19:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about D.O. Moody, a preacher who believed in the power of the unaltered gospel message. While a pastor's conference on evangelism was taking place inside a building, Moody stood outside on a corner, preaching to a group of factory workers gathered around him. He spoke about the old rugged cross and the Christ who hung on it, moving the factory workers to tears. The crowd grew so large that they had to move to the auditorium to hear the rest of Moody's message. The speaker emphasizes the need for the Church to focus on the Great Commission and the crucified life, rather than self-centeredness and the growth of campuses. The sermon also mentions an incident where two elderly ladies approached Moody and told him that they were praying for him.
Where Are the Weepers? - Rev. 5:4
By Shane Idleman1942:28RevivalWeeping2CH 7:14PSA 30:5JER 9:1JOL 2:17MAT 5:4LUK 19:41ROM 12:15GAL 5:221PE 5:6REV 5:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for weeping and brokenness in the church and society, drawing from Revelation 5:4 where John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll. He reflects on the importance of compassion and humility, arguing that a lack of weeping reveals a lack of the Spirit's operation in our lives. Idleman calls for a revival that begins with deep sorrow for sin and a desperate plea for God's mercy, highlighting that true worship arises from a heart that has wept. He challenges the complacency of the church and urges believers to intercede for the nation, reminding them that revival is birthed in brokenness. Ultimately, he reassures that while weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning through Christ, who is worthy.
Richard Baxter
By David Smithers02CH 7:14PSA 139:23PRO 27:7HOS 6:3JOL 2:17ZEC 10:1MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:1David Smithers preaches about the hunger within the Church for a genuine revival, emphasizing the need for a revival that restores the Church to its apostolic purity and power, preparing believers to face a dying world and the coming King. He highlights the example of Richard Baxter, a Puritan pastor who sparked a mighty revival in Kidderminster through passionate preaching and personal pastoral care, transforming the community by the power of the Holy Spirit. Baxter's tireless zeal and fervent prayers were instrumental in the revival, demonstrating the essential role of prayer in preparing the way for revival and overcoming obstacles.
Zeal - Love Ablaze!
By Leonard Ravenhill0Zeal for GodSpiritual RevivalJOL 2:17JHN 2:17JHN 7:24EPH 4:262TI 3:5Leonard Ravenhill passionately addresses the need for zeal in the Church, emphasizing that true zeal is love ablaze, which drives believers to confront sin and pollution within their communities. He contrasts the weeping Christ with the whipping Christ, highlighting Jesus' deep sorrow over the defilement of the temple and the need for modern preachers to weep over the state of the Church. Ravenhill warns against counterfeit zeal and calls for a return to genuine, Spirit-filled passion that prioritizes God's glory over personal gain. He laments the current state of the Church, which has become complacent and distracted by worldly concerns, urging believers to rekindle their fervor for God. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to embody the zeal of Christ, which should consume them in their pursuit of holiness and righteousness.
Edition 9 - in the Last Days
By William Seymour0JOL 2:17MAT 5:6MRK 16:17LUK 24:49JHN 7:38ACT 1:5The Christian Missionary Alliance in Portland experiences a powerful revival with miraculous healings and baptisms with the Holy Ghost, leading to transformed lives and restored families. The believers in Portland witness healings of diseases, restoration of eyesight, and protection from plagues through faith in God's Word. The revival spreads to other cities like Dallas, where more souls are saved and camp meetings are started. The sanctified Nazarene preacher testifies of the power of the Holy Ghost and the unity and love among believers in Portland and other places.
The Price of Revival
By Colin Peckham0GEN 22:22CH 7:1PSA 51:17JOL 2:17MRK 8:34Colin Peckham emphasizes the price of revival, highlighting the sacrifices and burnt offerings required for true spiritual awakening. He shares stories of individuals who had to make difficult decisions, such as confessing past wrongdoings or giving up prestigious positions, in order to align themselves with God's will. Peckham warns against opposing revival when it challenges personal comforts or desires that contradict God's plan, stressing the importance of surrendering all aspects of life, including reputation, relationships, possessions, and time, on the altar of sacrifice. He underscores the necessity for spiritual leaders to bear the burden of intercession and weeping before God, seeking His presence and power to break hardened hearts and bring about true transformation.
What Will Bring Revival in America?
By Charles Finney0RevivalChurch Transformation2CH 7:14PSA 69:9EZK 18:24JOL 2:17HAB 3:2MAT 10:22LUK 18:1ROM 10:92CO 7:10HEB 12:14Charles Finney, as adapted by Jonathan Duttweiler, emphasizes that true revival in America is desperately needed but currently absent. He critiques the superficial excitement and church growth that lacks genuine transformation, contrasting it with the profound revivals of the past that reshaped nations. Finney argues that revival must start within the church, requiring deep conviction, repentance, and a return to Godly living, rather than merely seeking blessings or prosperity. He calls for a return to fervent prayer, the filling of the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to preaching the unvarnished truth of God's Word. Only through wholehearted submission to God's truth can America hope to experience a genuine revival.
From Revelation to Revolution
By Chip Brogden0GEN 18:17JOL 2:17MAT 5:13ACT 4:24ROM 8:26EPH 1:10EPH 5:15JAS 5:16Chip Brogden preaches about the urgent need for the Church to transition from the outer court to the inner court, emphasizing the importance of praying for God's Kingdom and Will to be established on earth. He highlights the call to a higher dimension of prayer, aligning with God's eternal purpose in Christ and seeking the preeminence of Christ in all things. Chip urges believers to respond to current events with a spiritual perspective, focusing on God's sovereignty over all nations and the necessity of praying according to God's will, not human emotions or opinions.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
between the porch and . . . altar--the porch of Solomon's temple on the east (Kg1 6:3); the altar of burnt offerings in the court of the priests, before the porch (Ch2 8:12; compare Eze 8:16; Mat 23:35). The suppliants thus were to stand with their backs to the altar on which they had nothing to offer, their faces towards the place of the Shekinah presence. heathen should rule over them--This shows that not locusts, but human foes, are intended. The Margin translation, "use a byword against them," is not supported by the Hebrew. wherefore should they say . . . Where is their God?--that is, do not for thine own honor's sake, let the heathen sneer at the God of Israel, as unable to save His people (Psa 79:10; Psa 115:2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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 to stand and do service; but now having nothing to do of that kind, they are called upon to weep and pray between that and the porch of the temple; where they might be seen and heard by the people in the outward court which the porch led into: this is thought by some to be the same situation with that between the temple and the altar, Mat 23:35; and let them say, spare thy people, O Lord; they are directed to plead, not in a way of justice, but mercy; that though it might be just with God to destroy these people, who were called by his name; yet it is entreated that he would not, but in mercy spare them, and not cut them off in his sore displeasure, which the present judgment threatened them with: there seems to be an argument for mercy suggested, in the relation these people stood in to God, they are "thy people", whom thou hast chosen, and who are called by thy name; though this was also an aggravation of their sin; and the same may be observed in what follows: and give not thine heritage to reproach: the people whom he had chosen for his inheritance, and the land of Canaan he had given to them for an inheritance; both which would be given to reproach if such a famine should ensue that they must be obliged to go into other countries for food: that the Heathen should rule over them; as they would, should they be forced to leave their own country, and settle in theirs for the sake of food: or "to be a proverb", or "byword, among the Heathen", as Jarchi. This clause Jerom thinks opens the mystery, and explains who are meant by the mighty nation under the name of locusts, the enemies of the Jews; though this does not necessarily follow, take the words in either sense, as explained: it seems indeed very likely, that though the locusts may be understood literally, yet may be considered as an emblem of the Assyrian or Chaldean army, as we have all along observed; and, as the same ancient writer observes, when we read of the locusts, we should think of the Chaldeans, in which thought we may be confirmed by this clause: wherefore should they say among the people, where is their God? they boast of as their Creator and Benefactor, their Protector and Defender, that gave them a land flowing with milk and honey, and abounding with all blessings? what is become of that? and where is he now? which the Gentiles would say in a reproaching blaspheming way, should they be reduced to famine by the locusts, or fall into the hands of their enemies; than which kind of reproach and blasphemy there is nothing more cutting to religious minds: see Psa 42:10; and this, as well as the former is used as an argument with God for mercy. The Targum is, "where are they that are redeemed by the Word of your God?''
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17 Spare your people, Lord! Assembled at the Temple, the religious leaders and all the people were to do the only thing possible in their desperate situation: seek the mercy and compassion of God.