Joel 2:12-13

Joel 2:12-13

[12] Therefore also now, saith  the LORD,  turn  ye even to me with all your heart,  and with fasting,  and with weeping,  and with mourning:  [13] 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. 

What does Joel 2:12-13 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Speaking for the Lord, Joel urged his hearers even now, even though judgment was threatened, to repent. However, he clarified that their repentance needed to be wholehearted, not just external. Fasting, weeping, and mourning would give evidence of the people"s sincerity, but they had to rend their hearts, not just their garments, as was customary in mourning. They needed to return to Yahweh their God (cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14).