18 Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
18 Then the Lord was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.
18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.
18 At that, God went into action to get his land back. He took pity on his people.
18 Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, And pity His people.
18 Then the Lord will pity his people and jealously guard the honor of his land.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joel 2:18
Commentary on Joel 2:15-27
(Read Joel 2:15-27)
The priests and rulers are to appoint a solemn fast. The sinner's supplication is, Spare us, good Lord. God is ready to succour his people; and he waits to be gracious. They prayed that God would spare them, and he answered them. His promises are real answers to the prayers of faith; with him saying and doing are not two things. Some understand these promises figuratively, as pointing to gospel grace, and as fulfilled in the abundant comforts treasured up for believers in the covenant of grace.