“Who knows? He may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal offering and a drink offering to the Lord, your God.”

The prophet Joel seems to interject an element of doubt about the offer of mercy. This is to ensure that the repentance of the people is right and good and to encourage them to seek the Lord now at this time of the offer of mercy. They need to act now and secure their salvation and not put it off or wallow in self-pity any longer. They are in an extremely dangerous place and are on the brink of starvation and famine, and yet they are wavering. Their souls are teetering on the brink of eternity and they procrastinate!

The prophet encourages them that God will leave them a blessing and not punishment. God seeks to dwell and commune with His people through the offerings at the temple and they may yet enjoy that privilege with Him. The punishment seems so certain, but there is yet time to turn and heal their land.

“…for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you, in a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.”

2 Corinthians 6:2