Joel writes here who knows whether
he will not turn from his anger, when Israel turns to him again. This does not mean that it is uncertain whether God will accept you in grace again. It does mean that it is not logical or automatic that you cannot claim any right to it. A criminal may be sorry, yet he still has to serve his sentence! With God this is not the case. Upon repentance, he takes away the full penalty. The who knows
also indicates that you do not know when God will grant new blessings. He does so in his time. We may be sure of God’s new love, for he is gracious and merciful, patient, and steadfast in love. It will turn out right: not automatically or naturally, but only because it is based on the goodness in God’s heart!
13 Déchirez vos cœurs et non vos vêtements, Et revenez à l'Eternel, votre Dieu; Car il est compatissant et miséricordieux, Lent à la colère et riche en bonté, Et il se repent des maux qu'il envoie.