Definition: Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 2:17. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Book of Joel, which is part of the Old Testament prophecy about the end times. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is deeply saddened by humanity’s growing separation from Him and its consequences for all people. It’s essentially saying, “I’m feeling a profound pain because of how we’ve treated you.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar…” – This refers to religious leaders – priests and ministers – who are positioned near the altar. It suggests they are feeling a deep sense of sorrow and disappointment. “…and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach…” - This is the core of the message. The priests are speaking out loud, expressing their distress. They’re asking God to not allow humanity to be cursed or disgraced. "Heritage" here refers to a nation's identity, history, and blessings. “…that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?” - This is where it gets really powerful. The priests are asking God a direct question: “Why shouldn’t the strangers – other nations – become rulers over us? Where is their God?” What does this mean in a nutshell? Joel is warning that humanity's increasing distance from God, its lack of worship, and its tendency to be self-centered are leading to disaster. It's suggesting that if people don’t turn back to God and seek His guidance, they will inevitably become powerful and potentially destructive forces – essentially, the "heathen" – who will dominate and exploit others. Context is Key: This verse comes before Joel 2:21, which describes a dramatic event – the rebuilding of Jerusalem – as a response to this warning. It's a prophecy about a time when God will return to judgment on humanity, but it’s also a call for repentance and a return to faithfulness. In short, Joel 2:17 is a powerful message about the consequences of rejecting God and suggests that humanity is on a path towards ruin if it doesn't change its ways. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context of this prophecy?