Blow the ram’s horn in Zion
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, is a significant act in the Hebrew tradition, often used to signal important religious events or to gather the people for war or worship. In the context of Joel, it serves as a call to repentance and alertness. Zion refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Israel, highlighting the importance of the message. The shofar is also associated with the giving of the Law at Sinai and the future Day of the Lord, symbolizing both judgment and redemption. This act connects to other scriptures such as Leviticus 25:9, where the shofar is blown to announce the Year of Jubilee, a time of liberation and restoration.

Consecrate a fast
Fasting in the biblical context is a means of humbling oneself before God, often associated with repentance and seeking divine intervention. In Joel, the call to fast is a communal act of contrition, urging the people to turn back to God amidst impending judgment. Fasting is seen throughout the Bible as a way to express sorrow for sin and to seek God's mercy, as seen in the story of Nineveh in Jonah 3:5-10. It is a physical manifestation of spiritual urgency and dependence on God.

Proclaim a sacred assembly
A sacred assembly is a gathering of the people for worship, prayer, and repentance. In ancient Israel, such assemblies were called during times of crisis or significant religious observance. This call in Joel emphasizes the need for collective action and unity in seeking God's favor. Sacred assemblies are seen in other parts of scripture, such as in Nehemiah 8:18, where the people gather to hear the Law and renew their covenant with God. This communal aspect underscores the importance of corporate repentance and the power of unified prayer and worship in the life of the covenant community.

1. Joel
The prophet who authored the book, delivering God's message to the people of Judah.

2. Zion
A term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel.

3. Trumpet
A shofar, traditionally used in Israel to signal important events, such as calls to worship or warnings.

4. Fast
A period of abstaining from food, often used in the Bible as a means of humbling oneself before God.

5. Sacred Assembly
A gathering of the people for worship and repentance, emphasizing communal participation in seeking God.Call to Repentance
The blowing of the trumpet signifies an urgent call to repentance. In our lives, we must be attentive to God's calls to turn back to Him.

Communal Worship
The sacred assembly underscores the importance of gathering together as a community to seek God. We should prioritize corporate worship and prayer in our churches.

Fasting as Humility
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that humbles us and aligns our hearts with God's purposes. Consider incorporating fasting into your spiritual practices.

Urgency in Seeking God
The immediacy of the trumpet call reminds us not to delay in seeking God, especially in times of crisis or spiritual need.

Holiness and Consecration
The call to consecrate a fast and proclaim a sacred assembly highlights the need for holiness and dedication in our relationship with God.(15, 16) Sanctify a fast.--The prophet renews, therefore, his summons to the priests to proclaim a day of humiliation, on which all, without distinction of age or circumstances, are to be required to present themselves before the Lord. There was no room for the plea, "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come."

Verses 15-17. - "The harsh blast of the consecrated ram's horn called an assembly for an extraordinary fast. Not a soul was to be absent. Like the fiery cross, it convened old and young, men and women, mothers with infants at their breasts, the bridegroom and the bride on their bridal day. All were there stretched in front of the altar. The altar itself presented the dreariest of all sights - a hearth without its sacred fire, a table spread without its sacred feast. The priestly caste, instead of gathering as usual upon its steps and its platform, were driven, as it were, to the further space; they turned their backs to the dead altar, and lay prostrate, gazing towards the Invisible Presence within the sanctuary. Instead of the hymns and music which, since the time of David, had entered into their prayers, there was nothing heard but the passionate sobs and the loud dissonant howls such as only an Eastern hierarchy could utter. Instead of the mass of white mantles which they usually presented, they were wrapt in black goat's-hair sackcloth, twisted round them, not with the brilliant sashes of the priestly attire, but with a rough girdle of the same texture, which they never unbound night or day. What they wore of their common dress was rent asunder or cast off. With bare breasts they waved their black drapery towards the temple, and shrieked aloud, 'Spare thy people, O Lord!'" Such is Dean Stanley's vivid picture of the circumstances and scene described by the prophet in the above verses. A scene exceedingly similar occurs in the commencement of the 'OEdipus Tyrannus' of Sophocles -

"Why sit ye here, my children, younger brood
Of Cadmus famed of old, in solemn state,
Your bands thus wreathed with the suppliants' boughs?
And all the city reeks with incense,

And all re-echoes with your hymns and groans;
And I, my children, counting it unmeet
To hear report from others, I have come
Myself, whom all name OEdipus the Great."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Blow
תִּקְע֥וּ (tiq·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8628: To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman

the trumpet
שׁוֹפָ֖ר (šō·w·p̄ār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7782: A cornet, curved horn

in Zion,
בְּצִיּ֑וֹן (bə·ṣî·yō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

consecrate
קַדְּשׁוּ־ (qad·də·šū-)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6942: To be set apart or consecrated

a fast,
צ֖וֹם (ṣō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6685: Fasting, a fast

proclaim
קִרְא֥וּ (qir·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

a sacred assembly.
עֲצָרָֽה׃ (‘ă·ṣā·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6116: An assembly, on a, festival, holiday


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OT Prophets: Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion! (Jl Joe.)