Joel 2:13-14
2:13 a One means of showing grief in the ancient world was to tear one’s clothing (Gen 37:34 b; 2 Sam 3:31 c; 2 Kgs 19:1 d).• 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 e; Num 14:18 f; Neh 9:17 g; Pss 86:15 h; 103:8 i; 145:8 j; Jon 4:2 k). God’s desire is not to punish, but to forgive and restore his people.
2:14 l Who knows? Joel’s simple question acknowledges God’s absolute sovereignty (see also Jon 3:9 m). God is not obligated to restore us merely because we perform certain rituals. Forgiveness comes only through divine grace, but Joel knew that God was inclined to forgive (Joel 2:13 n).
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