Joel 2:16

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Gather {H622} the people {H5971}, sanctify {H6942} the congregation {H6951}, assemble {H6908} the elders {H2205}, gather {H622} the children {H5768}, and those that suck {H3243} the breasts {H7699}: let the bridegroom {H2860} go forth {H3318} of his chamber {H2315}, and the bride {H3618} out of her closet {H2646}.

Gather the people; consecrate the congregation; assemble the leaders; gather the children, even infants sucking at the breast; let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride the bridal chamber.

Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.

gather the people, sanctify the assembly, assemble the old men, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts; let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

Commentary

Joel 2:16 is a powerful component of the prophet Joel's urgent call for national repentance in the face of impending judgment. Following a devastating locust plague and severe drought, which Joel interprets as a harbinger of the Day of the Lord, the prophet issues a direct command from God for the people to return to Him with all their heart (as seen in Joel 2:12-13).

Context

This verse is part of an elaborate instruction for a solemn assembly and fast, initiated by the priests and elders. Joel 2:15 commands to "Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the people." Verse 16 then elaborates on the inclusivity of this gathering, emphasizing that no one is exempt. The severity of the crisis demands a unified, corporate response from every segment of society, from the youngest to the oldest, and even those usually excused from public duties.

Key Themes

  • Universal Call to Repentance: The verse stresses that the call to prayer and repentance is for everyone. It explicitly lists "the elders," "the children, and those that suck the breasts," and even "the bridegroom" and "the bride." This demonstrates the absolute necessity and gravity of the situation, requiring a collective outpouring of humility before God.
  • Corporate Responsibility: While individual repentance is vital, this passage highlights the importance of corporate or national repentance. The entire community is called to participate in seeking God's mercy and intervention.
  • No Excuses: The inclusion of infants and newlyweds is particularly striking. Normally, newlyweds were granted a year of exemption from public service, including military duty, to establish their homes (as seen in Deuteronomy 24:5). Their inclusion here underscores the extreme urgency and the idea that no personal circumstance is more important than seeking God's face during a national crisis.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "Sanctify the congregation" uses the Hebrew word qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning to set apart, consecrate, or make holy. It implies a ceremonial and spiritual preparation for a sacred encounter with God. This was not merely a gathering, but a gathering set apart for a holy purpose.
  • "Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet" paints a vivid picture of the immediate and all-encompassing nature of the call. "Chamber" and "closet" refer to their private wedding quarters, symbolizing the most intimate and personal space. The command for them to leave these places highlights that even the most cherished personal joys and private moments must yield to the urgent spiritual need of the nation.

Practical Application

Joel 2:16 remains profoundly relevant today. It teaches us several vital lessons:

  • Unity in Crisis: When facing significant challenges, whether personal, communal, or national, there is strength in unity and collective prayer.
  • No One is Too Small or Too Busy: God's call to repentance and seeking Him is for all ages and stages of life. No one is too young, too old, or too occupied with personal matters to participate in spiritual devotion, especially in times of great need.
  • Prioritizing God: This verse challenges believers to consider what they prioritize. In moments of spiritual urgency, personal comfort, celebration, or even daily routines must sometimes be set aside to prioritize seeking God's will and mercy. It's a reminder that true spiritual life is not just individual but often communal and sacrificial.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 29:5

    And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].

  • 2 Chronicles 20:13

    And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:5

    Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

  • Exodus 19:22

    And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

  • Joel 1:14

    ΒΆ Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders [and] all the inhabitants of the land [into] the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

  • Exodus 19:10

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

  • 1 Samuel 16:5

    And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.
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