COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Joel 2:1-2, 12-19
The prophet Joel receives a word from the Lord. The ram's horn is to be sounded so that the people might assemble before the Lord. It is a time of crisis but the source of the trouble is not clear. Scholars differ greatly as to when the book was written anywhere from 800 B.C. to 350 B.C. Nevertheless, the situation calls for swift and forthright action. All of the people (v. 16), without exception, are called to return to the Lord with fasting, weeping and mourning. They are summoned to turn to their gracious God with all their hearts and beg the Lord for mercy and pardon. The priests are called upon to stand between the sinful people and their holy God, with pleas of intercession (v. 17). The Lord hears the intercessions of the people and assur…