Joel 2:15
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
Original Language Analysis
תִּקְע֥וּ
Blow
H8628
תִּקְע֥וּ
Blow
Strong's:
H8628
Word #:
1 of 7
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
the trumpet
H7782
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
the trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
2 of 7
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
בְּצִיּ֑וֹן
in Zion
H6726
בְּצִיּ֑וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
3 of 7
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
קַדְּשׁוּ
sanctify
H6942
קַדְּשׁוּ
sanctify
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
4 of 7
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
Cross References
Joel 1:14Sanctify 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,Joel 2:1Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;Jeremiah 36:9And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.Numbers 10:3And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Historical Context
Ancient weddings involved week-long celebrations (Judges 14:12, 17). Deuteronomy 24:5 exempted newlyweds from military service for a year. Joel's command to interrupt even this protected time underscores crisis severity. The inclusion of nursing babies reflects corporate covenant understanding—blessings and curses extend through families and communities (Exodus 20:5-6, Joshua 7:24-26). While New Covenant emphasizes individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18, Jeremiah 31:29-30), corporate dimensions remain (1 Corinthians 5:6-7, 12:26).
Questions for Reflection
- What would it mean for modern churches to engage in this kind of comprehensive, all-encompassing corporate repentance?
- How do we balance individual responsibility for sin with corporate covenant identity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly" repeats the commands from 2:1 and 1:14, but context shifts. Previously Joel warned of judgment; now he calls to repentance. The trumpet announces not just danger but summons to corporate response. "Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders" requires comprehensive participation. "Gather the children, and those that suck the breasts" includes even nursing infants—showing that covenant judgment and mercy affect entire communities, not just adults. "Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet" commands even newlyweds to interrupt their celebration and join communal mourning. Nothing—not youth, not joy, not legitimate pleasure—exempts anyone from acknowledging corporate sin and seeking divine mercy.