What a short and delightful book! Yoel got to call the people to repentance, see that repentance happen, and then prophecy of great things in the future, too! The great things come after a period of exile, but it’s still one of the most profound prophecies about the future in the Tanach.

In the Israel Bible, v 3:1 is highlighted. Nearly all Christians will recognize it as part of Peter’s sermon given on the the day of Shavuot after Yeshua’s/Jesus’ ascension to Heaven. Of course, the Israel Bible is solely the Tanach so why is it highlighted? Apparently R. Ibn Ezra believed that this could only happen to those residing in the land of Israel because of the spiritual connection the people have to the land.

I’m not sure I fully agree with the Rabbi, but I am amazed by the number of people who visit Israel not even looking for a spiritual experience and feel “something” there anyway. Plus, look how many people (myself included) have this inexplicable pull to the Holy Land?

R. Ibn Ezra may not be too far off the mark. Perhaps the connection to the land goes beyond those who reside there to include those who know and experience the connection to the land but for various reasons can’t live in it.

Or perhaps there’s absolutely nothing to his opinion. Either way, the connection of God’s Special Possession (the people of Israel) to His special land (Israel) must not be denied.