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Book of Joel - Chapter 1 - Verse 14

1:14
Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD.

Meaning

The verse 'Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD' from the book of Joel in the Bible, emphasizes the importance of coming together as a community to seek God's guidance and repentance through fasting and prayer. By sanctifying a fast and calling a solemn assembly, the people are showing their dedication to God and their desire to humble themselves before Him. Gathering the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD signifies the unity of the community in seeking God's intervention and mercy. The act of crying unto the LORD in prayer demonstrates the people's earnest plea for forgiveness, deliverance, and blessings. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of communal prayer and fasting in seeking spiritual renewal and divine intervention in times of need.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the call to sanctify a fast and gather the people for a solemn assembly serves as a powerful demonstration of humbling oneself before the Lord and seeking His guidance and intervention. The act of fasting is often associated with a deepening of one's spiritual connection with God, as it involves sacrificing physical needs for the purpose of spiritual growth and supplication. By gathering the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord, there is a sense of unity and collective repentance and seeking of God's favor. This verse emphasizes the importance of communal worship and prayer, highlighting the significance of coming together as a community to seek God's mercy and guidance in times of need. It is a reminder that we are all called to turn to the Lord in times of distress and to cry out to Him with sincerity and humility, knowing that He is always ready to hear and answer our prayers.

American Standard Version

Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the old men [and] all the inhabitants of the land unto the house of Jehovah your God, and cry unto Jehovah.
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