Joel 1:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Indeed, much like we regard accounts of noble deeds as deserving our attention and sometimes even finding joy in them, we should similarly acknowledge the significance of extraordinary calamities and tribulations. Such events seem to overshadow ordinary existence and, due to the intense and persistent nature of their severity, warrant remembrance and vie for recognition alongside the most momentous occurrences. I believe that just as the recollection of virtuous acts is valuable, so too is the remembrance of sorrowful and troubling events, for the former inspires a longing for goodness while the latter instructs one to steer clear of impending hardships, and through the very lessons of those who have suffered, it guides others away from committing similar offenses.

The words in Greek and Hebrew denoting this kind of listening—Greek ἐνωτίσασθε and Hebrew itssinu—highlight the notion of understanding with the ear, yet we recognize that hearing has a sacred and deeper significance beyond superficial sound.

This is evident in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth" (Isaiah 1:2). Those who are considered heavenly comprehend spiritually, while those bound to earthly concerns engage with mere auditory perception. This distinction appears throughout Scripture whenever these two terms are paired. For instance, Lamech, in his sinfulness, called to his wives Ada and Zillah, saying: "Hear my words, O wives of Lamech; heed my words, for I have slain a man for wounding me, and a young man for striking me" (Genesis 4:23). He understood the gravity of his words and sought to draw attention not just to the sound but to their hidden significance. Thus, one who has matured in faith and is regarded as elderly should heed these words. Conversely, those who remain tethered to the earthly realm and cannot claim, "I am a stranger here, as were my forefathers" (Psalm 38:13), should listen attentively.

Asking whether these events occurred in your days or those of your ancestors, the prophet skillfully captures the listener's attention by indicating something unprecedented: there has been nothing like what is about to be revealed, neither in your time nor that of your forebears. The term "fathers" encompasses grandfathers and great-grandfathers, while "children of children" refers to all subsequent generations, consistent with the words of Virgil, "and the children of children, and those born from them."

Let both the elders and all inhabitants of the earth pass on their learnings to future generations. The elder should impart sacred teachings to his children, while those grounded in the earthly realm should stick to a straightforward recounting of historical events. Therefore, we who believe in Christ, who along with Moses have had the veil lifted from our eyes, and concerning whom it is declared, “The gray hair is a crown of glory” (Proverbs 16:31), share with our children profound mysteries and miraculous deeds. Meanwhile, the Jews, who remain entrenched in the earthly realm, articulate worldly matters, as noted: "He who is from the earth speaks of the earth; he who comes from heaven is above all" (John 3:31).