Then the LORD became jealous for his land: The connector Then indicates that this line gives the next event after the repentance of God’s people. It may be rendered “After these things.” This line does not mean that Yahweh became angry like a husband whose wife is taken by another man. Rather, it refers to God’s intense interest and concern, his zeal, for the land of Judah. Good News Translation says “Then the LORD showed concern for his land,” which is correct but lacks the idea of intense feeling. Better renderings are “Then the LORD was deeply concerned about his land,” “Then the LORD was roused on behalf of His land” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), “Then burning love for his land awoke in the LORD” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), and “Then the LORD showed his ardent love for his land” (Revised English Bible).

And had pity on his people: This line is parallel and similar in meaning with the previous line. Had pity (Revised English Bible “was moved with compassion”) corresponds with became jealous, and his people with his land. God will restore his people and their land, which were devastated by locusts and drought.

Quoted with permission from de Blois, Kees & Dorn, Louis. A Handbook on Joel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2020. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .