2Hear this, you elders; give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers?
Joel is addressing the elders, the leaders of the people. They were often people of an older age as well. They have become leaders of the people and therefore have great responsibility.
2 Hear this, you elders; give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days, or in the days of your fathers?