Between the porch and the altar— This porch seems to be the same with that mentioned 1 Kings 6:3 which was twenty cubits long, and overlaid within with pure gold, 2 Chronicles 3:4. This porch separated the temple from the court of the priests; in which court was the altar of burnt-offerings; and between this altar and the porch of the sanctuary was the station of the priests when they ministered to Jehovah. It was common among the Jews to have certain forms of prayer or praise prescribed to the priests, at their public ministrations. Such was this delivered by the prophet, Spare thy people, &c. Upon which St. Jerome observes very well, that it opens the mystery, and manifestly shews what that strong and mighty nation is, which was represented under the locusts; namely, the heathen; the nations who were the enemies of the Jews. See Chandler and Pocock.
Related Commentaries of Joel 2:17
Joel 2:17
17 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 overe them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?