Joel 2:13
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.
So rend your hearts
The phrase "rend your hearts" calls for a deep, internal transformation rather than mere external expressions of repentance. In Hebrew, the word for "rend" is "qara," which means to tear or split. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that true repentance involves a profound, heartfelt change. Historically, tearing one's garments was a sign of mourning or distress, but God desires a more profound, spiritual contrition that affects the heart, the center of one's being.

and not your garments
This phrase emphasizes the insufficiency of outward rituals without genuine inner change. In ancient Israel, tearing one's clothes was a common sign of grief or repentance. However, God, through the prophet Joel, is urging the people to go beyond superficial acts. The Hebrew culture was rich with symbolic acts, but this call is for authenticity in one's relationship with God, highlighting that God values sincerity over ritual.

Return to the LORD your God
The word "return" is from the Hebrew "shuv," which means to turn back or repent. This is a call to repentance and restoration of the covenant relationship with God. The phrase underscores the covenantal faithfulness of God, who is always ready to receive His people back. Historically, Israel often strayed from God, and this call is a reminder of His enduring mercy and the opportunity for renewal.

for He is gracious and compassionate
Here, the attributes of God are highlighted. "Gracious" (Hebrew: "channun") and "compassionate" (Hebrew: "rachum") describe God's character as one who shows favor and mercy. These attributes are foundational to the understanding of God in the Old Testament, reflecting His willingness to forgive and restore. This assurance of God's nature is meant to encourage repentance, knowing that God is not harsh but loving and kind.

slow to anger
The phrase "slow to anger" translates the Hebrew "erek apayim," which literally means "long of nostrils," a metaphor for patience. This characteristic of God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing His patience and forbearance. It reassures the people that God is not quick to punish but gives ample opportunity for repentance.

abounding in loving devotion
"Loving devotion" is from the Hebrew "chesed," a rich term that encompasses love, kindness, and covenantal loyalty. God's "chesed" is a central theme in the Bible, representing His steadfast love and faithfulness to His covenant people. This abundance of loving devotion is a source of hope and encouragement for those who turn back to Him.

He relents from sending disaster
The word "relents" comes from the Hebrew "nacham," which can mean to be sorry, to console oneself, or to change one's mind. This does not imply that God is capricious but rather that He is responsive to human repentance. The historical context of Joel involves impending judgment, but this assurance reveals God's willingness to withhold judgment in response to genuine repentance, highlighting His mercy and desire for restoration rather than destruction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joel
A prophet in the Old Testament, Joel is the author of the book that bears his name. He is known for calling the people of Judah to repentance and warning them of the coming "Day of the LORD."

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Joel directed his prophecies. The people of Judah were called to repentance due to their spiritual and moral failings.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is characterized by grace, compassion, and patience. Joel calls the people to return to Him.

4. Repentance
A central theme in Joel 2:13, where the people are urged to genuinely turn back to God, not just through outward expressions but with sincere hearts.

5. The Day of the LORD
A significant event in biblical prophecy, often associated with judgment and restoration. Joel warns of its approach and the need for repentance.
Teaching Points
Heartfelt Repentance
True repentance involves a change of heart, not just external actions. God desires sincerity and transformation from within.

God's Character
Understanding God's nature as gracious and compassionate encourages us to return to Him, knowing He is ready to forgive and restore.

The Urgency of Repentance
The call to repentance is urgent because of the impending "Day of the LORD." We must not delay in turning back to God.

Relational Restoration
Repentance is about restoring our relationship with God. It is an invitation to return to a loving and forgiving Father.

Avoiding Ritualism
The emphasis on rending hearts rather than garments warns against empty religious rituals. Our faith should be lived out genuinely.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "rend your hearts and not your garments," and how can this be applied in our daily walk with God?

2. How does understanding God's character as described in Joel 2:13 impact your view of repentance and forgiveness?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and not just an outward show?

4. How does the concept of the "Day of the LORD" influence our urgency in sharing the message of repentance with others?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace and compassion. How did it change your relationship with Him, and how can you share that experience with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 34:6-7
This passage describes God's character as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, which parallels Joel's description of God.

Psalm 51:17
David speaks of a broken and contrite heart, which God will not despise, echoing the call for heartfelt repentance in Joel 2:13.

Matthew 3:8
John the Baptist calls for fruit in keeping with repentance, emphasizing genuine change over mere outward actions, similar to Joel's message.

2 Peter 3:9
This verse highlights God's patience and desire for all to come to repentance, aligning with Joel's depiction of God as relenting from sending disaster.
Spiritual RepentanceJ.R. Thomson Joel 2:13
Soul-ReformationD. Thomas Joel 2:12, 13
Conversion unto GodE. Blencowe, M. A.Joel 2:12-14
Exhortation to RepentanceW. Mudge.Joel 2:12-14
FastingWilliam Fisher, B. A.Joel 2:12-14
Fasting, and Duties Connected with ItC. Moore, M. A.Joel 2:12-14
God's Design in Sending AfflictionWilliam Beckett.Joel 2:12-14
God's MercySunday MagazineJoel 2:12-14
Humiliation and ConfessionJ. M. Sherwood, D. D.Joel 2:12-14
National and Personal FastingHarry Jones.Joel 2:12-14
On National RepentanceE. Edwards.Joel 2:12-14
Penitence and ConversionJohn Ellerton, M. A.Joel 2:12-14
RepentanceBishop Brownrigg.Joel 2:12-14
Repentance RecommendedSketches of Four Hundred SermonsJoel 2:12-14
Repentance, a Rending of the HeartJ. Benson.Joel 2:12-14
Soul-ReformationHomilistJoel 2:12-14
The Characteristics and Encouragements of True RepentanceJ. S. Exell, M. A.Joel 2:12-14
The Day of Humiliation a National ObligationRichard Jones, B. A.Joel 2:12-14
The First Day of LentW. Walsham How, D. D.Joel 2:12-14
The Perfection of the Mercy of GodB. Whichcote, D. D.Joel 2:12-14
The Rent Heart Better than the Rent GarmentJ. M. Blackcie, LL. B.Joel 2:12-14
The Right Use of CalamitiesGeorge Hutcheson.Joel 2:12-14
Thoughts for LentJ. Burgon, M. A.Joel 2:12-14
Turning to the LordBishop Andrewes.Joel 2:12-14
People
Joel
Places
Jerusalem, Mount Zion, Tigris-Euphrates Region, Zion
Topics
Abounding, Abundant, Anger, Angry, Broken, Calamity, Clothing, Compassionate, Evil, Full, Garments, Grace, Gracious, Heart, Hearts, Kindness, Long-suffering, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Merciful, Mercy, Pity, Punishment, Purpose, Ready, Relenting, Relents, Rend, Repented, Repenteth, Repents, Return, Sending, Slow, Steadfast, Tear, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joel 2:13

     1030   God, compassion
     1055   God, grace and mercy
     1085   God, love of
     1095   God, patience of
     1120   God, repentance of
     5790   anger, divine
     5934   restraint
     6615   atonement, necessity
     6667   grace, in OT
     8318   patience
     8330   receptiveness

Joel 2:11-13

     1170   God, unity of

Joel 2:12-13

     5017   heart, renewal
     5419   mourning
     6628   conversion, God's demand
     8151   revival, corporate

Joel 2:12-14

     5188   tearing of clothes
     5794   asceticism

Joel 2:12-15

     8431   fasting, reasons

Joel 2:13-14

     4824   famine, spiritual
     5036   mind, of God
     7350   drink offering

Library
December 16. "I Will Restore to You the Years that the Locust Hath Eaten, the Canker Worm and the Caterpillar and the Palmer Worm, My Great Army, which I Sent among You" (Joel ii. 25).
"I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker worm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, my great army, which I sent among you" (Joel ii. 25). A friend said to me once: "I have got to reap what I sowed, for God has said: 'Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' Then why don't you apply this in the spiritual world, and compel the sinner to pay the penalty of his sins?" Christ has borne this penalty, and the same Christ has borne the natural penalties, too, and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Free Grace Promise
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered."--Joel 2:32. VENGEANCE was in full career. The armies of divine justice had been called forth for war: "They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war." They had invaded and devastated the land, and turned the land from being like the garden of Eden into a desolate wilderness. All faces gathered blackness: the people were "much pained" The sun itself was dim, the moon was dark,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Locust-Swarms
JOEL ii. 12, 13. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. This is one of the grandest chapters in the whole Old Testament, and one which may teach us a great deal; and, above all, teach us to be thankful to God for the blessings which
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Actions --Those of the Soul in this Condition are Interior, but Habitual, Continued, Direct, Profound, Simple, and Imperceptible --Being a Continual
The actions of men are either exterior or interior. The exterior are those which appear outwardly, and have a sensible object, possessing neither good nor evil qualities, excepting as they receive them from the interior principle in which they originate. It is not of these that I intend to speak, but only of interior actions, which are those actions of the soul by which it applies itself inwardly to some object, or turns away from some other. When, being applied to God, I desire to commit an
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly...
It is strange that these delightful promises affect us coldly, or scarcely at all, so that the generality of men prefer to wander up and down, forsaking the fountain of living waters, and hewing out to themselves broken cisterns, rather than embrace the divine liberality voluntarily offered to them (Jer. 2:13). "The name of the Lord," says Solomon, "is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." (Pr. 18:10) Joel, after predicting the fearful disaster which was at hand, subjoins the
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

The Holy Spirit of Promise
The Holy Spirit was promised through the prophets. "Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."--Isa.
J. W. Byers—Sanctification

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or Until the Death of Theodosius the Great, 395
The history of the Church in the first period of the second division of the history of ancient Christianity has to deal primarily with three lines of development, viz.: first, the relation of the Church to the imperial authority and the religious forces of the times, whereby the Church became established as the sole authorized religion of the Empire, and heathenism and heresy were prohibited by law; secondly, the development of the doctrinal system of the Church until the end of the Arian controversy,
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

Ash Wednesday. Gather the People . . And Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, Weep Between the Porch and the Alter, and Let them Say, Spare Thy People, O Lord.
Gather the people . . and let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the alter, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord. Straf mich nicht in deinem Zorn [69]Albinus. 1652. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Not in anger smite us, Lord, Spare Thy people, spare! If Thou mete us due reward We must all despair. Let the flood Of Jesus' blood Quench the flaming of Thy wrath, That our sin enkindled hath. Father! Thou hast patience long With the sick and weak; Heal us, make
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Whether Fasting is an Act of virtue?
Objection 1: It would seem that fasting is not an act of virtue. For every act of virtue is acceptable to God. But fasting is not always acceptable to God, according to Is. 58:3, "Why have we fasted and Thou hast not regarded?" Therefore fasting is not an act of virtue. Objection 2: Further, no act of virtue forsakes the mean of virtue. Now fasting forsakes the mean of virtue, which in the virtue of abstinence takes account of the necessity of supplying the needs of nature, whereas by fasting something
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Sacrament was Suitably Instituted in the New Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that this sacrament was unsuitably instituted in the New Law. Because those things which belong to the natural law need not to be instituted. Now it belongs to the natural law that one should repent of the evil one has done: for it is impossible to love good without grieving for its contrary. Therefore Penance was unsuitably instituted in the New Law. Objection 2: Further, that which existed in the Old Law had not to be instituted in the New. Now there was Penance in the
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all Sins are Taken Away by Penance?
Objection 1: It would seem that not all sins are taken away by Penance. For the Apostle says (Heb. 12:17) that Esau "found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it," which a gloss explains as meaning that "he found no place of pardon and blessing through Penance": and it is related (2 Macc. 9:13) of Antiochus, that "this wicked man prayed to the Lord, of Whom he was not to obtain mercy." Therefore it does not seem that all sins are taken away by Penance. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether all are Bound to Keep the Fasts of the Church?
Objection 1: It would seem that all are bound to keep the fasts of the Church. For the commandments of the Church are binding even as the commandments of God, according to Lk. 10:16, "He that heareth you heareth Me." Now all are bound to keep the commandments of God. Therefore in like manner all are bound to keep the fasts appointed by the Church. Objection 2: Further, children especially are seemingly not exempt from fasting, on account of their age: for it is written (Joel 2:15): "Sanctify a fast,"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ had any Acquired Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was no empiric and acquired knowledge. For whatever befitted Christ, He had most perfectly. Now Christ did not possess acquired knowledge most perfectly, since He did not devote Himself to the study of letters, by which knowledge is acquired in its perfection; for it is said (Jn. 7:15): "The Jews wondered, saying: How doth this Man know letters, having never learned?" Therefore it seems that in Christ there was no acquired knowledge. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether this Name "Holy Ghost" is the Proper Name of one Divine Person?
Objection 1: It would seem that this name, "Holy Ghost," is not the proper name of one divine person. For no name which is common to the three persons is the proper name of any one person. But this name of 'Holy Ghost' [*It should be borne in mind that the word "ghost" is the old English equivalent for the Latin "spiritus," whether in the sense of "breath" or "blast," or in the sense of "spirit," as an immaterial substance. Thus, we read in the former sense (Hampole, Psalter x, 7), "The Gost of Storms"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Can be Anything Pernicious in the Worship of the True God?
Objection 1: It would seem that there cannot be anything pernicious in the worship of the true God. It is written (Joel 2:32): "Everyone that shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Now whoever worships God calls upon His name. Therefore all worship of God is conducive to salvation, and consequently none is pernicious. Objection 2: Further, it is the same God that is worshiped by the just in any age of the world. Now before the giving of the Law the just worshiped God in whatever manner
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Deeds Deadened by Sin, are Revived by Penance?
Objection 1: It would seem that deeds deadened by sin are not revived by Penance. Because just as past sins are remitted by subsequent Penance, so are deeds previously done in charity, deadened by subsequent sin. But sins remitted by Penance do not return, as stated above ([4804]Q[88], AA[1],2). Therefore it seems that neither are dead deeds revived by charity. Objection 2: Further, deeds are said to be deadened by comparison with animals who die, as stated above [4805](A[4]). But a dead animal cannot
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret Operation of the Spirit.
1. The Holy Spirit the bond which unites us with Christ. This the result of faith produced by the secret operation of the Holy Spirit. This obvious from Scripture. 2. In Christ the Mediator the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be seen in all their fulness. To what end. Why the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of the Father and the Son. 3. Titles of the Spirit,--1. The Spirit of adoption. 2. An earnest and seal. 3. Water. 4. Life. 5. Oil and unction. 6. Fire. 7. A fountain. 8. The word of God. Use
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Books of the Old Testament as a Whole. 1 the Province of Particular Introduction is to Consider the Books of the Bible Separately...
CHAPTER XVIII. THE BOOKS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AS A WHOLE. 1. The province of Particular Introduction is to consider the books of the Bible separately, in respect to their authorship, date, contents, and the place which each of them holds in the system of divine truth. Here it is above all things important that we begin with the idea of the unity of divine revelation--that all the parts of the Bible constitute a gloriously perfect whole, of which God and not man is the author. No amount of study devoted
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Severinus in Germany.
As the Lord ever sends his angels when there is most need of help, so in the midst of the desolation and destruction which ensued on that irruption of the barbarians by which the Roman empire was broken in pieces after the death of Attila, the great desolator and exterminator, (A. D. 453,) He sent to the aid of the oppressed people of Germany, on the banks of the Danube, in their sore need, a man endowed with an extraordinary energy of love. His whole appearance has in it something enigmatical. As
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision A. Pharisaic Leaven. A Blind Man Healed. (Magadan and Bethsaida. Probably Summer, a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 39-XVI. 12; ^B Mark VIII. 10-26. ^b 10 And straightway he entered into the boat with his disciples, ^a and came into the borders of Magadan. ^b into the parts of Dalmanutha. [It appears from the context that he crossed the lake to the west shore. Commentators, therefore, pretty generally think that Magadan is another form of the name Magdala, and that Dalmanutha was either another
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest.
1. Among heretics and false Christians, Christ is found in name only; but by those who are truly and effectually called of God, he is acknowledged as a Prophet, King, and Priest. In regard to the Prophetical Office, the Redeemer of the Church is the same from whom believers under the Law hoped for the full light of understanding. 2. The unction of Christ, though it has respect chiefly to the Kingly Office, refers also to the Prophetical and Priestly Offices. The dignity, necessity, and use of this
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
This aspect of our subject has not received the attention which it deserves. It has been assumed by some that the present dispensation is the time when God is blessing the Gentiles and that in the Millennium the Jews will be the special objects of God's favor. It is true that in the Millennium Israel shall enter into the enjoyment of their inheritance and that at that time they shall occupy the chief position, governmentally, among the nations, but it is a mistake to suppose that the Gentiles will
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

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