Definition: Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 2:18. It's a really powerful and often misunderstood part of the book of Joel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God's feelings about humanity’s behavior when things are broken or messed up. It suggests that God is incredibly angry and disappointed with us because we're not acting justly and responsibly. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then will the LORD be jealous…” – This means God feels a deep, intense sadness and frustration. He’s not just annoyed; he’s experiencing a sense of pain and longing for things to return to a proper state. Think of it like a very strong, emotional response. “…for his land…” - "Land" in this context refers to the entire world – everything God created and governs. It's his home and all that’s under his care. “and pity his people.” - This is the core of the verse. God isn’t just angry; he feels a deep sense of sympathy or pity for humanity. He sees us as flawed, misguided, and often causing problems. It's like when you see someone struggling – you feel a little bit sorry for them. What does it mean in bigger picture? Joel 2:18 is often interpreted as a warning about the future. It suggests that something terrible will happen if we don’t change our ways and repent of our sins (acting wrongly). It's not necessarily about some immediate, dramatic event, but rather a deep, ongoing feeling of disappointment from God. Important Note: This verse isn’t always about literal judgment. It’s more about the potential for disaster if we don’t cooperate with God and live in accordance with his will. It's a call to repentance – acknowledging our mistakes and turning back to him. In short, Joel 2:18 is a message of intense divine displeasure and a plea for change. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from this passage? Give you some examples of how this idea applies to modern life?