Lent · Ash Wednesday · Year C
Joel 2:12-19
Rend Your Heart
March 1, 2028
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
Working Preacher's Ash Wednesday commentary on the overlapping Joel pericope.
Joel 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik's plain-language walk through the locust plague and the call to repent.
Joel 2 Commentary StudyLight
An index of classic commentaries (Barnes, Gill, Cambridge) on the chapter.
Joel 2:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Verse-level commentary on "rend your hearts and not your garments."
Ash Wednesday Sermon (Joel option) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
A full manuscript sermon written on the Joel 2 track for the day.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
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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