Joel 2:14

"Tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to the LORD, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity."

Key Reflection

This verse encourages a heartfelt repentance over superficial rituals. It emphasizes that true devotion involves turning one's heart to God, recognizing His mercy and willingness to avert judgment, inviting believers to seek forgiveness and grace rather than merely outward displays of piety.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Who knoweth if He will return -God has promised forgiveness of sins and of eternal punishment to those who turn to Him with their whole heart. Of this, then, there could be no doubt. But He has not promised either to individuals or to Churches, that He will remit the temporal punishment which He had threatened. He forgave David the sin. Nathan says, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin.” But he said at the same time, “the sword shall never depart from thy house2 Samuel 12:13,2 Samuel 12:10; and the temporal punishment of his sin pursued him, even on the bed of death. David thought that the temporal punishment of his sin, in the death of the child, might be remitted to him.

More from Joel 2

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