Joel 2:17

KJV

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the priests {H3548}, the ministers {H8334} of the LORD {H3068}, weep {H1058} between the porch {H197} and the altar {H4196}, and let them say {H559}, Spare {H2347} thy people {H5971}, O LORD {H3068}, and give {H5414} not thine heritage {H5159} to reproach {H2781}, that the heathen {H1471} should rule over {H4910} them: wherefore should they say {H559} among the people {H5971}, Where is their God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Let the cohanim, who serve ADONAI, stand weeping between the vestibule and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, ADONAI! Don't expose your heritage to mockery, or make them a byward among the Goyim. Why should the peoples say, 'Where is their God?'"

Berean Standard Bible

Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”

American Standard Version

Let the priests, the ministers of Jehovah, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Jehovah, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the peoples, Where is their God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:17 is a fervent prophetic appeal to the priests of Judah, calling them to lead the nation in a desperate, public act of repentance and intercession. Positioned between the temple's porch and the altar, these spiritual leaders are commanded to weep and plead with the Lord to spare His people from the devastating locust plague—a harbinger of the "Day of the Lord"—and to prevent them from becoming a source of shame and mockery among the pagan nations, thereby safeguarding God's honor and reputation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:17 is situated within a dramatic call to national repentance and spiritual renewal in the book of Joel. The preceding verses (Joel 2:1-11) vividly describe the impending or ongoing "Day of the Lord" as a terrifying, all-consuming invasion, likened to a locust plague of unprecedented scale and ferocity. This serves as a divine judgment, prompting the prophet's urgent summons in Joel 2:12-14 for the people to return to the Lord with all their heart, fasting, weeping, and mourning, emphasizing God's gracious and compassionate nature. Following this general call, Joel 2:15-16 specifically mandates a solemn assembly, gathering all—from elders to infants, even the bride and groom—to participate in this collective act of humility. Joel 2:17 then zeroes in on the priests, highlighting their unique and critical role as mediators, standing literally and figuratively between God and His people, to intercede on behalf of the beleaguered nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joel addresses a time of severe crisis, likely a devastating locust plague and drought that had brought Judah to the brink of ruin. In ancient Israelite society, such natural disasters were often interpreted as divine judgment for sin. The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual epicenter, and the priests (the `kôhên`) were the designated intermediaries between God and the people, responsible for sacrifices, teaching the Law, and leading worship. The specific location "between the porch and the altar" was highly significant. The "porch" (`ʼûwlâm`) was the vestibule of the Temple proper, and the "altar" (`mizbêach`) was the large bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer court, where daily sacrifices were made. This was a prominent, public space, signifying that the priests' intercession was to be a visible, corporate act of national lament, appealing to God at the very place of atonement and worship. The concern about "the heathen" ruling over them and asking "Where is their God?" reflects the ancient Near Eastern worldview where the strength of a nation's god was often judged by the prosperity and military success of its people.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 2:17 profoundly contributes to several key themes within Joel and the broader prophetic tradition. First, it underscores the **Urgency of Repentance and Intercession**, emphasizing that divine judgment necessitates a profound and immediate turning back to God, led by spiritual authorities. Second, it highlights **God's Jealousy for His Name and Glory**. The priests' plea, "give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?", reveals a deep concern for God's reputation among the nations, a theme echoed powerfully in [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20-23 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned and Sanctified"). The potential for pagan nations to mock God's apparent inability to protect His people would be a profound dishonor to His holy name. Third, the verse reinforces the concept of **Israel as God's Heritage and Covenant People**. By referring to Israel as "thine heritage," the prayer appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His special relationship with His chosen people, whom He had set apart as His own possession, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:9](/deuteronomy/32-9 "Deuteronomy 32:9 - Israel as God's Portion"). This appeal is a powerful reminder of God's enduring love and commitment despite His people's failings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **weep (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep emotional response, not merely shedding tears but expressing profound sorrow, lamentation, and even bemoaning. In Joel 2:17, it denotes a corporate, public act of intense grief and contrition, reflecting the gravity of the nation's sin and the severity of God's judgment. It's a call for genuine, heartfelt repentance, not just ritualistic performance.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to scorn," this word carries the strong connotation of contumely, disgrace, or shame. The priests' concern is that if Israel is utterly defeated or humiliated by foreign nations, it would bring immense shame upon God's name and His people, leading to scorn and mockery from those who do not acknowledge Him. It speaks to the deep dishonor that would befall God's reputation.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to a foreign nation or Gentile people, distinct from Israel. In this context, it specifically denotes the pagan nations surrounding Israel, who would observe Israel's plight and potentially attribute their suffering to the weakness or non-existence of their God. The fear is that their triumph over Israel would lead to blasphemous questions about the Lord's power and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar":** This is a direct command to the spiritual leaders. The "priests" (`kôhên`) are the officiants of the Temple, and "ministers of the LORD" (`shârath`) emphasizes their role as servants dedicated to God's service. Their weeping is a public, desperate act of lamentation, strategically positioned in the most sacred and visible part of the Temple court—between the entrance to the sanctuary and the great altar of sacrifice. This location symbolizes their mediating role, literally standing between God and the people, bearing the weight of national sin and judgment.
* **"and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD":** This introduces the content of their intercessory prayer. The imperative "Spare" (`chûwç`) is a plea for God's compassion and pity. The priests are to articulate a fervent request for God to relent from His judgment and show mercy to "thy people," appealing to God's ownership and covenant relationship with Israel.
* **"and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them":** This clause reveals the profound theological motivation behind the prayer. "Thine heritage" (`nachălâh`) refers to Israel as God's special possession and inheritance. The plea is that God would not "give" (`nâthan`) His people over to "reproach" (`cherpâh`), meaning public shame and disgrace. The consequence of this reproach would be "that the heathen" (`gôwy`), the pagan nations, "should rule over" (`mâshal`) them, signifying conquest and subjugation. The priests are appealing to God's honor, recognizing that Israel's defeat would reflect poorly on Him.
* **"wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, articulating the ultimate concern. The priests fear that if God allows Israel to be utterly humiliated, the surrounding nations will mockingly question God's existence, power, or faithfulness. This challenge to God's sovereignty and presence ("Where is their God?" - `ʼĕlôhîym`) is the ultimate affront, motivating the desperate plea for divine intervention to vindicate His name.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:17 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly with the vivid depiction of the priests weeping "between the porch and the altar." This specific location is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic, representing the epicenter of national worship and the mediating role of the priesthood. It evokes a scene of profound spiritual distress and public contrition. The verse also employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question**: "wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?" This question is not seeking information but serves to underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential dishonor to God's name, compelling divine action by appealing to God's zealous concern for His own glory. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Pathos** by evoking a sense of desperate urgency and emotional appeal, as the priests are commanded to "weep" and plead for God's compassion, highlighting the dire consequences of unaddressed sin and unmitigated judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:17 stands as a powerful testament to the necessity of intercession in times of crisis, rooted in a deep concern for God's honor and the welfare of His covenant people. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's reputation is inextricably linked to the destiny of His chosen nation. The priests' plea is not merely for their own comfort or survival, but primarily that God's name would not be profaned among the nations. This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty and His zealous commitment to His own glory, even amidst His people's failures. It also reveals the heart of true repentance: a turning to God with genuine sorrow, appealing to His mercy and faithfulness based on His character and covenant promises.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [Ezekiel 36:20-23](/ezekiel/36-20-23 "Ezekiel 36:20-23 - God's Name Profaned and Sanctified")
* [Psalm 79:10](/psalms/79-10 "Psalm 79:10 - Plea for God's Glory Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:17 serves as a timeless and profound call to spiritual leaders and indeed all believers to embrace the vital role of earnest, humble intercession in times of personal, communal, or national crisis. It compels us to move beyond superficial prayers, urging a deep, heartfelt lamentation over sin and its consequences, mirroring the priests' weeping between the porch and the altar. This passage challenges us to consider not only our own welfare but, more importantly, the honor and reputation of God in a world that often questions His existence or power. Our lives, our churches, and our prayers should reflect a passionate concern that God's name be glorified, not reproached, among those who do not know Him. It reminds us that true intercession is a corporate act, acknowledging our collective dependence on God's grace and His sovereign intervention, and it should be marked by a profound humility that recognizes our unworthiness while appealing to God's boundless mercy and covenant faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "weeping between the porch and the altar" look like in my personal prayer life and in the corporate life of my church today?**
* **How does my concern for God's honor and reputation influence my prayers for my community, my nation, and the global church?**
* **In what ways might the actions or inactions of believers today cause the "heathen" to ask, "Where is their God?" How can we live and pray to prevent this?**

### FAQ
**Why is the location "between the porch and the altar" so significant?**

Answer: The location "between the porch and the altar" was highly significant because it represented the most public and sacred space within the Temple complex. The porch (`ʼûwlâm`) was the entrance to the sanctuary, and the altar (`mizbêach`) was the large bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer court where daily sacrifices for sin were made. For the priests to weep and intercede in this specific spot symbolized their mediating role, standing literally between the Holy Place (God's dwelling) and the people in the outer court. It underscored that their intercession was a visible, corporate act of national lament and repentance, appealing to God at the very place of atonement and worship, bearing the weight of the nation's sin and impending judgment. It was a desperate, public display of humility and a plea for divine mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 2:17, with its vivid portrayal of priestly intercession, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priesthood, with its sacrifices and mediatorial role, was a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. Just as the priests stood "between the porch and the altar" to intercede for a sinful people, so Jesus, our Great High Priest, stood between God and humanity, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin on the cross. His death was the ultimate act of intercession, taking upon Himself the "reproach" that was due to us, so that God's "heritage" – His elect people – would not be given over to shame but would be reconciled to Him. The rhetorical question, "Where is their God?", which haunted the Old Testament people, is definitively answered in Christ. Through His resurrection and ascension, God's power and presence are undeniably revealed. Now, Jesus continues His intercession for us in heaven, not weeping in despair, but advocating for His people before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). He ensures that God's new covenant people, the Church, will never be truly put to "reproach" in a way that questions God's faithfulness or power, for He has secured our eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, the desperate plea of Joel 2:17 is transformed into a triumphant reality in Christ, who has fully satisfied God's righteous demands and eternally vindicated His glorious name.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

Psalms 115:2

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] now their God?

Psalms 79:10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.

Daniel 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Matthew 23:35

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Exodus 34:9

And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it [is] a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.