Lent · Ash Wednesday · Year B
Joel 2:12-19
Rend Your Heart
February 10, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Return to me with all your heart… and rend your hearts and not your garments.” (Joel 2:12-13)
This is one passage in Joel where it is absolutely necessary that we understand what the original Hebrew says, because the NIV translation has missed the force of the opening words. Verse 12 begins with “ But even now,” the “but” being translated from what is known as a waw adversative, and it is that “but” that is all important.
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Commentary
Commentary on Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Working Preacher
The RCL Ash Wednesday Joel commentary from Luther Seminary, covering the prophet's call to return with all the heart in verses 12-17.
Joel 2 Commentary: The Day of the Lord Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks the whole chapter, from the day of the Lord to the summons to rend the heart and God's promise to restore.
Joel 2 Commentary Precept Austin
A verse-by-verse study hub gathering word notes, cross references, and quotes on Joel's repentance oracle.
Joel 2:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators compared side by side on 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.'
Background & Word Study
Joel 2 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text of Joel 2 with Rashi and other Jewish commentators alongside.
Joel 2:12 Interlinear BibleHub
The Hebrew of the return-to-me summons word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
Book of Joel Overview BibleProject
BibleProject's visual overview places the day of the Lord and the call to repent within Joel's whole design.
Joel | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introduction to Joel's structure, setting, and central themes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Joel call for?
The Lord calls his people to true repentance, not outward show but a torn heart, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love.
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