Definition: Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 1:13. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage about impending disaster. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a serious situation where God is warning people about a coming crisis – likely a time of great hardship, destruction, or rebellion against him. It's urging everyone to prepare for something terrible. Let’s unpack the parts: “Joel 1:13” : This refers to a prophetic message given by the prophet Joel in the book of Joel. It’s a significant part of the Old Testament. “Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests:” - This means “Let everyone prepare for sorrow.” Joel is calling on the religious leaders – priests (high officials) – to be serious and mourn. "Lament" means to cry out in grief or sorrow. “ howl, ye ministers of the altar:” – This highlights the urgency. "Howl" suggests a deep, desperate sound of pain and distress. “Ministers of the altar” refers to those priests who were responsible for offering sacrifices and prayers at the temple (a place of worship). It’s saying they need to express their grief. “come, lie all night in sackcloth:” - This is a very powerful image. "Lie in sackcloth" means to cover themselves with a cloth – essentially, to become hidden and vulnerable. This symbolizes being covered up and unable to show any sign of life or hope. “ye ministers of my God:” - This emphasizes that these are not just ordinary people; they’re entrusted to the care of God himself. What’s happening? Joel is telling the priests to stop their work – offering sacrifices and drinks at the temple. He's warning them that something terrible is coming, and they need to be ready for it. He’s suggesting a period of mourning and despair as a result of this impending disaster. The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of a significant event in history – likely the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It's a warning about judgment, repentance, and the need for spiritual preparation before God’s wrath falls upon the world. It speaks to a time when people must be aware of their actions and prepare for potential consequences. In short: Joel is urging religious leaders to prepare for a period of profound sorrow and despair because of an impending crisis that God intends to bring about. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to specific historical events or figures? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse?