Joel 1:14

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

קַדְּשׁוּ

H6942

Sanctify

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

צוֹם֙

H6685

ye a fast

a fast

קִרְא֣וּ

H7121

call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עֲצָרָ֔ה

H6116

a solemn assembly

an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday

אִסְפ֣וּ

H622

gather

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

זְקֵנִ֗ים

H2205

the elders

old

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

and all the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

בֵּ֖ית

H1004

into the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֱלֹהֵיכֶ֑ם

H430

your God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

וְזַעֲק֖וּ

H2199

and cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Joel chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?