The fast (Joel 1:14-1:14)

“Sanctify a fast!

Call a solemn assembly!

Gather the elders!

Gather all the inhabitants

Of the land

To the house of Yahweh,

Your God!

Cry out to Yahweh!”

Joel’s response is to gather the elders and all the people of the land for a solemn assembly and fast in the house of Yahweh, in the Temple. There, they would cry out to Yahweh, their God. Joel sought a cultic worship response to this locust crisis.