Old Testament

Joel 2:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the priests are called to mourn and intercede for the people of Israel.

Author: Joel the prophet
Written: Date debated (around 835 or 500 BC)
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: The kingdom of Judah

CBTClear Bible Translation

Let the priests who serve the LORD weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them pray, "Spare your people, LORD! Don't let your own people become an object of scorn. Don't let the nations rule over them. Why should the peoples say, 'Where is their God?'"

KJVKing James Version

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the priests are called to mourn and intercede for the people of Israel. They stand in a sacred space, between the temple porch and the altar, symbolizing their role as mediators between God and the people. Their prayer is a plea for mercy, asking God to spare His people from disgrace and not allow foreign nations to dominate them. The priests express concern that if God’s people suffer, it will lead others to question God’s presence and power. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility of leaders to advocate for their community, especially in times of crisis. The verse emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and the role of prayer in seeking God’s favor and protection. Explore related intercession.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Joel 2:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to pray earnestly for our communities and nations, especially during difficult times. As leaders or members of our communities, we should advocate for those in need and seek God's mercy, reminding ourselves and others of His presence and power in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Joel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joel 2:17 mean?

Joel 2:17 calls on the priests to mourn and pray for the people of Israel, asking God to spare them from disgrace and foreign domination. It emphasizes the role of spiritual leaders in interceding for their community during times of crisis.

What is the significance of the priests weeping in Joel 2:17?

The weeping of the priests in Joel 2:17 signifies deep sorrow and urgency in seeking God's mercy for the people. It highlights their role as mediators and the importance of genuine repentance in restoring the community.

What does the phrase 'between the porch and the altar' mean in Joel 2:17?

The phrase 'between the porch and the altar' in Joel 2:17 represents a sacred space where the priests intercede for the people. It symbolizes their commitment to stand before God on behalf of the community.

What is the main message of Joel 2:17?

The main message of Joel 2:17 is a call for repentance and prayer, urging leaders to advocate for their people and seek God's mercy to prevent disgrace and suffering.

Book Summary

The Book of Joel

Joel 1: The Locust Plague and Call to Mourning

Joel delivers the word of the LORD and calls the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to listen. He asks whether such a disaster has ever happened and commands them to tell it to future generations. He describes successive waves of locusts that strip the land bare until nothing remains. Vineyards and fig trees are ruined, and the bark is stripped from the trees.

Joel tells the drunkards to wake up and weep because the new wine is cut off. He describes a powerful nation coming against the land, strong and without number, devouring everything like a lion. The grain, wine, and oil fail, and the fields are wasted. Farmers are ashamed, and joy dries up among the people. Joel calls the priests to put on sackcloth and mourn because the offerings are cut off from the house of the LORD. He commands them to sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders, and cry out to the LORD. He announces that the day of the LORD is near and describes it as destruction from the Almighty. Crops fail, storehouses lie empty, animals groan for lack of pasture, and even the beasts cry to the LORD as fire consumes the land. Joel 2: The Day of the LORD and the Promise of the Spirit Joel commands that a trumpet be blown in Zion because the day of the LORD is near. He describes it as a day of darkness and gloom. A great and powerful army spreads over the land. Before them the land is like Eden, but behind them it is a desolate wilderness. They run like horsemen, climb walls, and enter houses without breaking ranks. The earth quakes, the heavens tremble, and the sun and moon grow dark. Joel declares that the LORD gives His voice before His army, and the day of the LORD is great and very terrible. The LORD calls the people to return to Him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. He commands them to rend their hearts and not their garments. The priests are to weep between the porch and the altar and ask the LORD to spare His people and not make them a reproach.

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