Joel 2:17

Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weepe betweene the porch and the altar, & let them say; Spare thy people O Lord, and giue not thine heritage to reproch; that the heathen should rule ouer them: Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Joel 2:17 (KJV)

The book of Joel is one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. It was traditionally attributed to the prophet Joel and contains messages of warning and hope for the people of Judah. Joel spoke to the nation during a time of national crisis, when a devastating locust plague struck the land and impending judgment from God loomed. In Joel 2:1‑11 the prophet describes the locust invasion as a divine judgment and calls the people to repentance, urging fasting, weeping, and mourning as signs of a turned heart.

In Joel 2:17 the focus shifts to the religious leaders, specifically the priests who served in the temple. They are instructed to weep between the porch (the entrance) and the altar (where sacrifices were offered). This instruction indicates a call for the priests to intercede on behalf of the people and to demonstrate their earnestness and urgency in seeking God’s mercy. The priests are to say, “Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine inheritance (or heritage) unto reproach.” The term “inheritance” refers to the covenant blessings promised to Israel, including the land and the people themselves. Their plea is that the heathen should not rule over them and cause the nation to become a reproach in the eyes of the nations.

The priests’ petition reflects a deep concern for the reputation of God. They recognize that if God allows the heathen to triumph over Israel, others may question the existence and power of God. Thus they ask God to act for the sake of His name, to demonstrate His faithfulness, and to show that He is with His people.

While the passage is set in a specific historical context, several lessons apply to believers today. It reminds us of the importance of intercessory prayer, both for ourselves and for others, and of approaching God with a repentant heart to seek His mercy and grace. It also underscores the significance of maintaining a faithful testimony before the world so that others may see God’s hand at work. In conclusion, Joel 2:17 calls the priests to intercede and weep before the Lord on behalf of the people, highlighting the importance of prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s mercy while expressing concern for His reputation among the nations.