Joel 2:14 - John Trapp Complete Commentary

Bible Comments

Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

Ver. 14. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, &c.] Hitherto the prophet had argued from God's gracious disposition; now here from his courteous and bounteous dealing with his converts.

Who knoweth if, &c.] This is not the speech of one that doubteth and is uncertain, as was that of David, 1 Samuel 12:22, who can tell that God will have mercy on me, that the child may live but of one earnestly affirming and avouching, as was that of Mordecai, Esther 4:14, "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" q.d. It is sure thou art. And it is no less sure that if men turn to God he will turn to them, Zechariah 1:3; and that whithersoever he comes, he leaves a blessing behind him. His favour is no empty favour, it is not like the winter sun, that casts a goodly countenance on the earth, but gives little heat and comfort. God ever comes with his cornucopia in his hand, and his steps drop fatness. "Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us," saith the Church, Psalms 67:6. He will do it the rather, saith our prophet, that his people may the more cheerfully serve him, when they shall have a meat offering and a drink offering, et sic maneat integer cultus ipsius, and so he may have his daily service duly performed (Calvin), for of this the saints are most solicitous. It is their desire that God should be glorified rather than that themselves should be gratified and their own turns served.

Joel 2:14

14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?