Joel 2:14 Who knows if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him… The text is an encouragement to repentance, upon hope of mercy. I. THE MATTER OF THEIR HOPE. 1. The regaining of God's grace and favour towards them. 2. The recalling of His threatenings and judgments. 3. The renewing of His mercies to them. 4. The re-establishing of His holy worship among them.For the understanding the nature of this mercy, this return of God to us, will afford us these three considerations — 1. It is our main happiness to enjoy God's presence, to have Him dwell amongst us. 2. It is the bitter fruit of sin, that it causeth God to withdraw His presence, and to turn away from us. 3. It is the blessed fruit of repentance, that it recovers God's presence, causeth God to return graciously to us. II. THE MEASURE OF THEIR HOPE. This is somewhat strange. 'Tis but a cold encouragement, one would think; puts all their hopes upon a peradventure. 'Tis but "Who knows? It may be so"; that's all the assurance. It is a strange speech, seemingly contrary and inconsistent with God's goodness. It is inconsistent with His present invitation of them to repentance. It is in consistent with His present encouragement. It seems contrary to His absolute covenant and promise to pardon penitents. What shall we think of this kind of speech? Show how this inkling and intimation of hope may be useful. (Bishop Brownrigg.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? |
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