◄ Joel 1 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The Invasion of Locusts 1This is the word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel: 2Hear this, O elders; and give ear, all who dwell in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your fathers? 3Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. 4What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten.a 5Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. 6For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness. 7It has laid waste My grapevine and splintered My fig tree. It has stripped off the bark and thrown it away; the branches have turned white. A Call to Mourning 8Wail like a virgin dressed in sackcloth, grieving for the husband of her youth. 9Grain and drink offerings have been cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests are in mourning, those who minister before the LORD. 10The field is ruined; the land mourns. For the grain is destroyed, the new wine is dried up, and the oil fails. 11Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. 12The grapevine is dried up, and the fig tree is withered; the pomegranate, palm, and apple— all the trees of the orchard—are withered. Surely the joy of mankind has dried up. A Call to Repentance (Amos 5:4–15; Zephaniah 2:1–3; Luke 13:1–5) 13Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. 14Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. 15Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.b 16Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes— joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17The seeds lie shriveled beneath the clods; the storehouses are in ruins; the granaries are broken down, for the grain has withered away. 18How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering. 19To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field. 20Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures. Footnotes: 4 a The precise identification of the four kinds of locusts mentioned here is uncertain. 15 b Hebrew Shaddai Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Joel 1 Summary The Invasion of Locusts Verse 1 – Introduction Joel, son of Pethuel, receives a direct word from the LORD, setting the stage for a prophetic message rooted in covenant accountability and national catastrophe. Verses 2–3 – A Call to Remember Elders and all inhabitants are urged to listen and pass on the account of an unparalleled calamity. The account must become part of Israel’s collective memory so each generation can respond to God with reverence. Verses 4–7 – Locust Army Devastation Four waves of locusts—“devouring, swarming, young, destroying”—strip the land, compared to a ferocious, innumerable nation with lion-like teeth. Vines and fig trees, symbols of prosperity and peace, lie shredded and white. Verses 8–12 – Universal Mourning The land weeps: drunkards lose wine, priests lose offerings, farmers lose crops. Grain, new wine, and oil—the staples of life and worship—are gone; joy itself withers with the orchards. Verses 13–14 – Priestly Lament and National Fast Ministers must trade vestments for sackcloth, keep night-long vigils, and call a sacred assembly. Corporate fasting and crying out to the LORD are the only fitting responses. Verses 15–18 – Imminent Day of the LORD The plague previews “the Day of the LORD,” a larger judgment arriving as “destruction from the Almighty.” Storehouses crumble, seeds rot, livestock groan, confirming covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:38–42). Verses 19–20 – Joel’s Personal Cry Joel himself cries to God amid scorched pastures and dried-up streams, joining even the desperate beasts in a chorus of dependence on the Creator. Joel 1 in the Berean Standard Bible presents a powerful and poignant picture of the impending disaster on Judah. The Prophet Joel brings forth a divine message, heralding a catastrophic locust plague as an embodiment of God's judgment, calling the people towards repentance. Authorship and Date • Joel’s name means “Yahweh is God,” fitting his call to covenant loyalty. • Internal clues favor an early 9th-century BC setting (possibly during young King Joash, 2 Kings 11-12): no mention of a reigning monarch, enemies are unspecified, and temple worship is active. • A later post-exilic date remains possible, but the straightforward temple references and absence of Persian terms make the earlier horizon likely. Historical Setting: A Literal Locust Plague • The text reads naturally as an actual infestation—then used as a living parable of judgment. • Ancient Near Eastern records (e.g., inscriptions from Nineveh and Egyptian steles) note locust swarms darkening skies and stripping fields in hours. • Modern swarms in the Levant have covered 400 square miles and consumed 80,000 tons of vegetation daily, illustrating Joel’s imagery. Four Stages of the Locust (v.4) 1. Devouring (cutting) locust—initial hatchlings gnawing tender greens. 2. Swarming locust—wingless nymphs moving in crawling masses. 3. Young (creeping) locust—growing, still voracious. 4. Destroying (stripping) locust—fully winged adults finishing everything. This total devastation pictures thorough divine judgment (cf. Exodus 10:1-19; Revelation 9:3-11). Impact on Worship (vv.9, 13) • Grain and drink offerings (“tamid” morning and evening) cease; the daily rhythm of temple life collapses (Numbers 28:1-8). • Priests lament because national fellowship with God is interrupted—an outward sign of an inward breach. Calls to Different Groups • Drunkards (v.5): pleasure seekers confronted. • Farmers and vinedressers (vv.11-12): workforce and economy shaken. • Priests (v.13): spiritual leaders must model repentance. The whole society, from laymen to clergy, stands accountable. Covenant Echoes • Deuteronomy 28:38-42 warns of locusts when Israel breaks covenant. Joel’s audience would recognize the link immediately. • 1 Kings 8:37-40 records Solomon’s prayer for mercy “when there is plague or locust,” inviting national repentance toward the temple—the very pattern Joel activates. The Day of the LORD (v.15) • First mention in Joel: a time when God intervenes decisively in history. The present plague foreshadows greater events (Joel 2; Zephaniah 1:14-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). • “Destruction from the Almighty” (Heb. Shaddai) stresses unstoppable power—yet judgment aims to bring people back to life-giving covenant. Archaeological and Agricultural Notes • Burned stubble and charcoal layers in strata from Iron-Age Judah show fire used after locusts to clear contaminated fields—matching vv.19-20. • Stone winepresses from the Shephelah, usually full of grape remains, show occasional sterile layers that may correspond to plague years. Literary Features • Vivid personification: “the ground mourns,” “the cattle groan,” turning nature into a choir of lament. • Parallelism: four locust stages mirrored by three chief produce losses—grain, wine, oil—followed by three human groups—drunkards, farmers, priests. Sackcloth, Fasting, and Assemblies (vv.13-14) • Sackcloth: rough goat hair garment, symbolizing humility (Genesis 37:34). • Fasting: withholding food to fix attention on God (Ezra 8:21). • Sacred assembly: emergency convocation at the temple courts (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Connection to Acts 2 • Peter cites Joel 2:28-32 at Pentecost. Joel 1 provides the backdrop: before outpouring comes stripping, sorrow, and a desperate cry for mercy—law before grace, pruning before fruit. Repentance and Restoration Trajectory • Joel 1: devastation → call to lament. • Joel 2: repentance → promise of Spirit and restoration. • Joel 3: judgment on hostile nations → ultimate blessing. The pattern shows God’s heart: discipline aims at redemption (Hebrews 12:6). Practical Application for Today • National and church crises—economic, ecological, health—can still function as wake-up calls to return to the LORD. • Corporate lament is biblical: confession is not merely private. • Stewardship of creation matters; locust imagery reminds us that misuse or neglect of land has severe consequences. Key Cross-References Exodus 10:12-15 – earlier locust judgment on Egypt. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 – when God shuts up the heavens or sends locusts, His people must humble themselves. Nahum 3:15-17 – Assyria likened to locusts, linking natural disaster to military threat. Matthew 3:4 – John the Baptist’s diet of locusts hints at prophetic continuity and wilderness urgency. Revelation 9:3-11 – end-time locust imagery intensified, showing Joel’s vision has future layers. Summary Thought Joel 1 portrays a real ecological disaster that doubles as a divine alarm. The prophet’s words move from field to temple, from farmer to priest, pressing every listener to recognize God’s hand, respond in humble unity, and prepare for a greater day when the LORD Himself will set all things right. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14 And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. This verse echoes the call to repentance and the promise of restoration. Matthew 3:2 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. John the Baptist's message of repentance aligns with Joel's urgent call to turn back to God. Revelation 16:9 And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory. This verse highlights the importance of responding to God's discipline with repentance. Teaching Points The Devastation of the Locust Plague Joel 1:4 describes the overwhelming destruction caused by the locusts: What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten. This verse highlights the totality of the devastation and serves as a metaphor for the spiritual desolation of the people. A Call to Lamentation and Repentance In Joel 1:13-14, the prophet calls the priests and the people to mourn and fast: Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, for the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. Consecrate a fast; proclaim a sacred assembly. Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. The Day of the LORD Joel 1:15 introduces the concept of the Day of the LORD, a time of judgment and reckoning: Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty. This serves as a warning of the impending judgment and the need for spiritual preparedness. Practical Applications Reflect on Personal and Communal Sin Just as the locust plague was a consequence of the people's sin, we should examine our own lives and communities for areas where we have strayed from God's will. Embrace Repentance and Renewal Follow Joel's call to repentance by setting aside time for prayer, fasting, and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. Prepare for the Day of the LORD Live with an awareness of God's ultimate judgment and strive to align your life with His purposes, knowing that His return is imminent. People 1. Elders The elders are called upon to listen and give attention to the message. In the Hebrew text, the term used is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), which refers to the older, respected leaders of the community. They are often seen as wise and experienced individuals who hold authority and responsibility within the society. 2. Inhabitants of the Land This refers to the general population of Judah. The Hebrew word "יֹשְׁבֵי" (yoshevei) is used, meaning those who dwell or reside in the land. They are addressed collectively to witness and respond to the calamities described. 3. Drunkards These individuals are specifically called to wake up and weep due to the loss of wine, which is a result of the devastation. The Hebrew term "שִׁכּוֹרִים" (shikkorim) is used, indicating those who are intoxicated or habitual drinkers. 4. Priests The priests are urged to mourn and lament because the grain and drink offerings are cut off from the house of the LORD. The Hebrew word "כֹּהֲנִים" (kohanim) is used, referring to the religious leaders responsible for conducting temple rituals and sacrifices. Places 1. Judah Joel 1:14 refers to the land of Judah, which is the southern kingdom of Israel. In the context of Joel, Judah is experiencing a devastating locust plague and drought, symbolizing divine judgment. The Hebrew root for Judah is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah), meaning "praised." 2. House of the LORD Joel 1:14 also mentions the "house of the LORD," referring to the temple in Jerusalem. This is the central place of worship for the people of Judah, where they are called to gather for a sacred assembly. The Hebrew term for "house" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), and "LORD" is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God. Events 1. The Word of the LORD to Joel "The word of the LORD that came to Joel son of Pethuel." (Joel 1:1) This introduction establishes the prophetic nature of the book, indicating that the message is divinely inspired. 2. Call to Hear and Tell "Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your fathers?" (Joel 1:2) Joel calls the elders and inhabitants to pay attention and recognize the unprecedented nature of the events. 3. The Devastation by Locusts "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten." (Joel 1:4) A series of locust plagues devastate the land, symbolizing total destruction. The Hebrew terms for the different types of locusts emphasize the completeness of the devastation. 4. Call to Lamentation "Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the new wine, for it has been snatched from your lips." (Joel 1:5) Joel calls for mourning and repentance, highlighting the loss of wine as a symbol of joy and abundance. 5. Destruction of the Vine and Fig Tree "A nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and it has the fangs of a lioness. It has laid waste My vine and splintered My fig tree." (Joel 1:6-7) The locusts are metaphorically described as a powerful nation, emphasizing the severity of the destruction. 6. Call to Priests and Ministers "Put on sackcloth, O priests, and mourn; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, for grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God." (Joel 1:13) The priests are urged to mourn and repent, as the offerings to God have ceased due to the devastation. 7. Proclamation of a Fast "Consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly; gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD." (Joel 1:14) A call for communal repentance and seeking God's mercy through fasting and prayer. 8. The Day of the LORD "Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty." (Joel 1:15) The locust plague is seen as a precursor to the Day of the LORD, a time of divine judgment. 9. Desolation of the Land "Has not the food been cut off before our very eyes—joy and gladness from the house of our God?" (Joel 1:16) The land's desolation is complete, affecting both physical sustenance and spiritual joy. 10. Call to Cry Out to the LORD "To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness, and flames have devoured all the trees of the field." (Joel 1:19) Joel exemplifies the appropriate response to calamity: turning to God in prayer and supplication. Lessons from Joel 1 1. The Power of God's Word The book of Joel opens with a call to hear the word of the Lord: "Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land" (Joel 1:2). This reminds us of the importance of being attentive to God's voice in our lives. Just as the elders were called to listen, we too should prioritize Scripture as our ultimate guide and authority. 2. The Importance of Generational Wisdom Joel emphasizes the need to pass down stories of God's works: "Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation" (Joel 1:3). Sharing our faith and experiences with future generations ensures that the knowledge of God’s mighty acts continues to inspire and guide. 3. Recognizing the Signs of the Times The locust plague described in Joel 1 serves as a vivid reminder of the signs that God uses to capture our attention. "What the locust swarm has left, the great locusts have eaten" (Joel 1:4). We are encouraged to be observant and discerning, recognizing when God is speaking through the events around us. 4. The Call to Repentance Joel calls the people to lament and repent: "Put on sackcloth, you priests, and mourn; wail, you who minister before the altar" (Joel 1:13). Repentance is a powerful act of turning back to God, acknowledging our need for His grace and forgiveness. 5. The Urgency of Prayer In times of crisis, Joel urges the people to cry out to the Lord: "To You, O LORD, I call" (Joel 1:19). Prayer is our direct line to God, and in every situation, we are invited to bring our concerns and needs before Him, trusting in His provision and care. 6. The Reality of Judgment Joel 1 paints a sobering picture of judgment through the devastation of the land. This serves as a reminder that God is just and righteous. "The fields are ruined, the ground is dried up" (Joel 1:10). Understanding the reality of judgment encourages us to live in a way that honors God. 7. The Role of the Community The call to gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land highlights the importance of community in seeking God: "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly" (Joel 1:14). Together, we can support and encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. 8. The Impact of Sin on Creation The devastation described in Joel 1 shows how sin affects not just individuals but all of creation: "The vine is dried up and the fig tree is withered" (Joel 1:12). This reminds us of our responsibility to care for the world God has entrusted to us. 9. The Hope of Restoration Even in the midst of destruction, there is a glimmer of hope. Joel's message ultimately points to God's ability to restore and renew. While Joel 1 focuses on the immediate crisis, it sets the stage for the promise of restoration found in later chapters. 10. The Sovereignty of God Throughout Joel 1, we see the sovereignty of God at work. Despite the chaos, God remains in control, orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This assurance allows us to trust in His wisdom and timing, knowing that He works all things for good. These lessons from Joel 1 remind us of the timeless truths found in Scripture, encouraging us to live faithfully and intentionally in our walk with God. Topics 1. The Devastation of the Locusts (Joel 1:1-4) The chapter opens with a call to hear the word of the LORD, as delivered to Joel. The prophet describes an unprecedented plague of locusts: "What the devouring locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust has left, the young locust has eaten; and what the young locust has left, the destroying locust has eaten" (Joel 1:4). The Hebrew word for locusts, "אַרְבֶּה" (arbeh), signifies a severe and comprehensive destruction. 2. A Call to Lamentation (Joel 1:5-12) Joel calls the people, particularly the drunkards, to awaken and mourn due to the destruction of the vineyards: "Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the new wine, for it has been snatched from your lips" (Joel 1:5). The passage emphasizes the totality of the devastation, affecting the grain, wine, and oil, which are staples of the Hebrew economy and worship. 3. The Call to Repentance (Joel 1:13-14) The priests and ministers are urged to don sackcloth and lament, calling for a sacred assembly: "Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, for grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God" (Joel 1:13). The Hebrew term "קָדַשׁ" (qadash) for "consecrate" indicates setting apart a fast as a holy act of repentance. 4. The Day of the LORD (Joel 1:15-20) Joel introduces the concept of the "Day of the LORD," a time of judgment and calamity: "Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty" (Joel 1:15). The Hebrew word "יוֹם" (yom) for "day" signifies a period of divine intervention. The chapter concludes with a vivid description of the land's desolation and a cry to the LORD for mercy. Themes 1. The Devastation of the Land Joel 1 describes a catastrophic plague of locusts that devastates the land, symbolizing a divine judgment. The Hebrew word for locust, "אַרְבֶּה" (arbeh), is used to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the destruction. The passage highlights the severity of the situation: "What the locust swarm has left, the great locusts have eaten; what the great locusts have left, the young locusts have eaten; what the young locusts have left, other locusts have eaten" (Joel 1:4). 2. Call to Lamentation and Mourning The prophet Joel calls the people to lament and mourn over the devastation. This theme is underscored by the call to the priests and ministers to "put on sackcloth and lament" (Joel 1:13). The Hebrew word "סָפַד" (saphad) for lamentation indicates a deep, public expression of grief, urging the community to recognize the seriousness of their plight. 3. The Day of the LORD Joel introduces the concept of "the Day of the LORD," a time of divine intervention and judgment. This theme is a central motif in prophetic literature, emphasizing the urgency of repentance. Joel 1:15 states, "Alas for the day! For the Day of the LORD is near, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty" . The Hebrew term "יוֹם יְהוָה" (Yom Yahweh) signifies a pivotal moment of reckoning. 4. Call to Repentance Implicit in the call to lamentation is a call to repentance. The devastation serves as a wake-up call for the people to return to God. The text implies that the calamity is a consequence of the people's estrangement from God, urging them to seek His mercy and favor. 5. The Role of the Priests and Temple Worship The priests are called to lead the people in mourning and repentance, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and temple worship. Joel 1:14 instructs, "Consecrate a fast; proclaim a sacred assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD" . The Hebrew word "קָדַשׁ" (qadash) for consecrate underscores the need for holiness and dedication in seeking God's intervention. 6. The Impact on Agriculture and Economy The locust plague results in severe agricultural and economic consequences, affecting the livelihood of the people. Joel 1:10-12 describes the destruction of the fields, vineyards, and orchards, leading to a loss of joy and gladness. This theme highlights the interconnectedness of spiritual and material well-being, as the physical devastation reflects a deeper spiritual crisis. Prayer Points Pray for a heart of repentance and humility, asking God to reveal areas in your life that need change. Seek God's mercy and forgiveness for personal and communal sins, asking for His healing and restoration. Pray for spiritual preparedness and vigilance, that you may live in anticipation of the Day of the LORD. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in leading others to repentance and faith in Christ. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Joel 1:4, how can the sequence of multiple locust types be taken literally when modern science observes locusts as singular species swarms? 2. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming a locust plague of such unprecedented scale as described in Joel 1:2–3? 3. Does Joel 1:5’s emphasis on drunkards mourning align with other biblical calls to repentance, or is this focus unique and contradictory? 4. Joel 1:9 mentions that grain and drink offerings ceased; is there any extrabiblical record or historical proof verifying this disruption of Temple practices? 5. Is the total devastation of crops and vines in Joel 1:10–12 consistent with known environmental events, or does it seem exaggerated when compared to historical data on locust plagues? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Prophet Joel's portrayal of the locust plague impact your understanding of God's judgment? 2. In verses 5-7, Joel speaks to the drunkards. Why do you think he chose to address this group specifically? 3. How does the depiction of the land in mourning (verses 8-12) resonate with the current environmental issues we face today? 4. What lessons can we draw from the response of the priests and the people to the crisis? 5. How does Joel 1 challenge our understanding of prosperity and wellbeing? 6. If you were to put yourself in the shoes of the inhabitants of Judah, how would you respond to the prophecy? 7. How can we apply the call to repentance found in verses 13-20 to our lives today? 8. What are the possible spiritual implications of the agricultural devastation depicted in Joel 1? 9. How does the concept of communal repentance presented in Joel 1 apply in today's individualistic society? 10. How can the themes of Joel 1 guide our actions in times of global crisis? 11. How does Joel 1 provoke us to introspect our personal spiritual journey? 12. In the face of hardship and loss, how does Joel 1 inspire us to respond? 13. How does Joel 1 challenge us to rethink our relationship with nature? 14. What parallels can you draw between the call to repentance in Joel 1 and contemporary calls for social change? 15. How does Joel 1 illustrate the relationship between human actions and divine intervention? 16. What impact does the imagery of fire consuming the wilderness have on your understanding of divine judgment? 17. How can we reconcile the harsh judgment depicted in Joel 1 with the notion of a loving God? 18. Joel 1 ends with a personal cry for help. How does this resonate with you in times of personal struggle? 19. What steps can we take to avoid the spiritual desolation depicted in Joel 1? 20. How does Joel 1 challenge our contemporary views on material prosperity and spiritual wellness? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions