Joel 1: A Devastating Plague and the Call to Repentance

Executive Summary ✨

Joel 1, “A Devastating Plague and the Call to Repentance,” vividly depicts a catastrophic locust plague that ravages the land of Judah. This plague serves not merely as an agricultural disaster but as a divine warning, a precursor to the Day of the Lord. The prophet Joel calls upon the elders, the priests, and all the inhabitants of the land to lament, fast, and repent. He emphasizes the severity of the situation, drawing attention to the economic and spiritual consequences of the devastation. The chapter underscores the importance of recognizing God’s judgment and responding with sincere humility and repentance, a message that resonates even today in our own times of trial. The plague serves as a symbolic foreshadowing of greater judgments to come, urging us to examine our lives and turn back to God before it is too late. Joel’s lament and call to action provide a model for how we should respond to crises, both personal and collective.

The book of Joel opens with a stark and terrifying vision: a locust plague of unprecedented scale and ferocity. This is not just a natural disaster; it is a prophetic sign, a divine call to repentance for a people who have strayed from God. Let us delve into the depths of Joel 1, exploring its historical context, spiritual meaning, and practical application for our lives in the Coptic Orthodox tradition.

Commentary: Verse by Verse 📜

Joel 1:1

Original Hebrew: דְּבַר־יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אֶל־יוֹאֵל בֶּן־פְּתוּאֵל

KJV: The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

NKJV: The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.

This verse introduces the prophet Joel and establishes the divine origin of his message. The phrase “the word of the Lord” signifies that Joel is not speaking on his own authority but as a messenger of God. We know very little about Joel himself, other than his father’s name, Pethuel. This reminds us that the message is more important than the messenger; it’s about God’s call to His people. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand that prophets are vessels through which God speaks, and their words carry divine weight. This echoes the Theotokia, where we honor the Virgin Mary as the vessel that carried the Word of God. Similarly, the prophets carried the word of God, bringing messages of warning and hope.

Spiritual Application: We must be attentive to the voice of God in our lives, recognizing that He speaks through various means, including Scripture, the Church, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must also strive to be faithful vessels, sharing God’s love and truth with others.

Joel 1:2

Original Hebrew: שִׁמְעוּ־זֹאת הַזְּקֵנִים וְהַאֲזִינוּ כֹּל יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ הַהֲיָתָה כָזֹאת בִּימֵיכֶם וְאִם בִּימֵי אֲבֹתֵיכֶם

KJV: Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?

NKJV: Hear this, you elders, and give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?

Joel addresses the elders and all inhabitants of the land, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the disaster. He asks if such a plague has ever been witnessed before, emphasizing its severity and demanding immediate attention. The call to “hear” and “give ear” suggests not merely listening but deeply considering the message. This echoes the parable of the sower (Matthew 13), where the seed that falls on good ground represents those who hear the word and understand it. The elders, as leaders of the community, are called upon to recognize the significance of the plague and lead the people in repentance. The use of hyperbole – “Has anything like this happened…?” – is a common prophetic technique to shock people out of complacency.

Spiritual Application: We should pay attention to the warnings God gives us, whether through trials, personal experiences, or the teachings of the Church. We must not become complacent but should be ready to heed the call to repentance and renewal.

Joel 1:3-4

Original Hebrew: עַל־בְּנֵיכֶם סַפֵּרוּ וּבְנֵיכֶם לְבְנֵיהֶם וּבְנֵיהֶם לְדוֹר אַחֵר׃ יֶתֶר הַגָּזָם אָכַל הָאַרְבֶּה וְיֶתֶר הָאַרְבֶּה אָכַל הַיָּלֶק וְיֶתֶר הַיֶּלֶק אָכַל הֶחָסִיל

KJV: Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten.

NKJV: Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.

These verses emphasize the generational impact of the plague and describe the different stages of locust devastation. The call to “tell your children” underscores the importance of passing down the memory of this event as a warning and a lesson. The use of different Hebrew words for locusts (“palmerworm,” “locust,” “cankerworm,” “caterpillar”) suggests multiple waves of destruction or different species, each completing the work of the previous one. The cumulative effect is total devastation. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we see the importance of generational teaching in preserving the faith. The Liturgy instructs us to teach our children the faith, ensuring that the Orthodox tradition is passed down from generation to generation, like a precious inheritance. St. Athanasius, in his struggle against Arianism, emphasized the importance of maintaining the apostolic faith and passing it down to future generations. The devastation by the locusts is a potent image of sin’s corrosive effect, with each successive wave bringing more destruction. We must actively combat sin in our lives and teach our children to do the same, lest it consumes us entirely.

Spiritual Application: We must take responsibility for educating future generations about the importance of faith and repentance. We must also be vigilant against the destructive forces of sin and work to protect ourselves and our families from its influence. Consider how sin can accumulate in your life, like waves of locusts consuming everything valuable. What steps can you take to stop this devastation?

Joel 1:5-7

Original Hebrew: הָקִיצוּ שֹׁכֵרִים וּבְכוּ וְהֵילִילוּ כָּל־שֹׁתֵי יָיִן עַל־עָסִיס כִּי נִכְרַת מִפִּיכֶם׃ כִּי־גוֹי עָלָה עַל־אַרְצִי עָצוּם וְאֵין מִסְפָּר שִׁנָּיו שִׁנֵּי אַרְיֵה וּמְתַלְּעֹת לָבִיא לוֹ׃ שָׂם גַּפְנִי לְשַׁמָּה וּתְאֵנָתִי לִקְצָפָה הֶעֱרָה הִשְׁלִיךְ הִבְאִישׁוּ קְצִירֶיהָ

KJV: Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth. For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion. He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.

NKJV: Awake, you drunkards, and weep; and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. For a nation has come up against My land, strong, and without number; his teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the fangs of a fierce lion. He has laid waste My vine, and ruined My fig tree; He has stripped it bare and thrown it away; its branches are made white.

Joel calls on the drunkards to weep, as the source of their indulgence, the new wine, has been cut off. The locusts are described as a powerful nation with the teeth of a lion, emphasizing their destructive force. The imagery of the vine and fig tree being laid waste underscores the complete devastation of the land. The call to the drunkards may seem misplaced, but it highlights the pervasiveness of sin and indulgence in the land. Those who were preoccupied with worldly pleasures are now forced to face the consequences of their actions. This connects to the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on sobriety and self-control. Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are integral to our spiritual life. The description of the locusts as a “nation” with the teeth of a lion is a powerful metaphor for the destructive power of sin. Just as locusts can strip a land bare, sin can strip our lives of joy, peace, and purpose. The Fathers speak extensively about the necessity of vigilance against temptations. St. Antony the Great said, “Always be prepared for the spiritual battle and guard yourself against the temptations of the devil.” (Apophthegmata Patrum).

Spiritual Application: We should examine our own lives for areas of indulgence and excess. We must be willing to sacrifice worldly pleasures in order to draw closer to God and recognize that true joy comes from Him, not from fleeting pleasures. Consider what “new wine” might be cut off from your life. What worldly pleasure do you rely on that needs to be replaced with spiritual fulfillment?

Joel 1:8-10

Original Hebrew: אֱלִי כְבְתוּלָה חֲגֻרַת שַׂק עַל בַּעַל נְעוּרֶיהָ׃ הֻשְׁמַד מִנְחָה וְנֶסֶךְ מִבֵּית יְהוָה אָבְלוּ הַכֹּהֲנִים מְשָׁרְתֵי יְהוָה׃ שֻׁדַּד שָׂדֶה אָבְלָה אֲדָמָה כִּי־שֻׁדַּד דָּגָן הוֹבִישׁ טִירוֹשׁ אֻמְלַל יִצְהָר

KJV: Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth. The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the Lord; the priests, the Lord’s ministers, mourn. The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.

NKJV: Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth. The grain offering and the drink offering have been cut off from the house of the Lord; the priests mourn, who minister to the Lord. The field is wasted, the land mourns; for the grain is ruined, the new wine is dried up, the oil fails.

Joel calls for lamentation, comparing it to a virgin mourning the loss of her betrothed. The cessation of offerings in the Temple highlights the spiritual impact of the disaster. The priests mourn because they can no longer perform their duties, and the land mourns because its produce has been destroyed. The image of the virgin mourning is particularly poignant, signifying a deep and personal sense of loss. The loss of offerings in the Temple is a direct consequence of the devastation. Without the produce of the land, the people cannot offer sacrifices to God. This underscores the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. The priests, as intercessors between God and the people, are deeply affected by this disruption in worship. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand the importance of both outward expressions of grief (like mourning) and inward contrition. We also recognize the central role of the Eucharist, which requires offerings of bread and wine. The Eucharistic offering is seen as a continuation of the Old Testament sacrifices, fulfilled in Christ. The Fathers emphasize the importance of offering our whole lives as a sacrifice to God. St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “My spirit salutes you, and so does the love of the churches that have received me for the name of Jesus Christ… Be ye imitators of Christ, as He was of the Father.” (Letter to the Philadelphians).

Spiritual Application: We must be willing to grieve over our sins and the brokenness of the world. We must also strive to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, dedicating our lives to His service and recognizing that true worship involves both outward acts and inward devotion. Consider the sacrifices you can make in your life to express your sorrow for sin and your devotion to God. How can you offer your “field” – your talents, resources, and time – back to Him?

Joel 1:11-12

Original Hebrew: הֹבִישׁוּ אִכָּרִים הֵילִילוּ כֹּרְמִים עַל־חִטָּה וְעַל־שְׂעֹרָה כִּי אָבַד קְצִיר שָׂדֶה׃ הַגֶּפֶן הוֹבִישָׁה וְהַתְּאֵנָה אֻמְלָלָה רִמּוֹן תָּמָר וְתַפּוּחַ כָּל־עֲצֵי הַשָּׂדֶה יָבֵשׁוּ כִּי־הֹבִישׁ שָׂשׂוֹן מִבְּנֵי אָדָם

KJV: Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished. The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

NKJV: Be ashamed, you farmers, wail, you vinedressers, for the wheat and the barley; because the harvest of the field has perished. The vine has dried up, and the fig tree has withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree—all the trees of the field are withered; because joy has withered away from the sons of men.

The farmers and vinedressers are called to be ashamed and wail, as their livelihoods have been destroyed. The devastation extends to all the trees of the field, signifying a complete loss of agricultural productivity. The verse concludes with the statement that “joy is withered away from the sons of men,” highlighting the profound emotional and spiritual impact of the disaster. The shame and wailing of the farmers and vinedressers reflect their economic despair, but also, perhaps, a sense of responsibility for the disaster. The phrase “joy is withered away” underscores the spiritual dimension of the plague. It is not just about material loss; it is about the loss of hope and happiness. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand that true joy comes from God and is not dependent on material circumstances. We seek to cultivate a spirit of joy even in the midst of suffering. The Fathers speak of the importance of spiritual joy. St. Seraphim of Sarov said, “Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved.” This peace leads to joy, even in difficult circumstances.

Spiritual Application: We should not place our hope and happiness in material possessions but in God. We must strive to maintain a spirit of joy even in the face of adversity, trusting in God’s providence and seeking His presence in our lives. Where do you find your joy? Is it in something that can be withered away? How can you cultivate a joy that is rooted in God’s love and presence?

Joel 1:13-14

Original Hebrew: חִגְרוּ וְסִפְּדוּ הַכֹּהֲנִים הֵילִילוּ מְשָׁרְתֵי מִזְבֵּחַ בֹּאוּ לִינוּ בַשַּׂקִּים מְשָׁרְתֵי אֱלֹהַי כִּי־נִמְנַע מִבֵּית אֱלֹהֵיכֶם מִנְחָה וְנֶסֶךְ׃ קַדְּשׁוּ־צוֹם קִרְאוּ עֲצָרָה אִסְפוּ זְקֵנִים כֹּל יֹשְׁבֵי הָאָרֶץ בֵּית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם וְזַעֲקוּ אֶל־יְהוָה

KJV: Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden from the house of your God. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.

NKJV: Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; wail, you who minister before the altar; come, lie all night in sackcloth, you who minister to my God; for the grain offering and the drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. Consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.

Joel calls on the priests to gird themselves with sackcloth and lament, as the offerings have been withheld from the Temple. He commands them to consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly, and gather all the inhabitants of the land to cry out to the Lord. This verse emphasizes the importance of communal repentance and prayer in times of crisis. The priests are called to lead the people in repentance, acknowledging their sin and seeking God’s mercy. The call to “lie all night in sackcloth” signifies a deep and sincere act of humility and contrition. The act of sanctifying a fast involves setting aside a time for focused prayer and abstinence from food and worldly pleasures. This signifies a turning away from self and a turning towards God. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, fasting is an essential part of our spiritual discipline. We fast not to punish ourselves, but to humble ourselves before God and to create space in our lives for prayer and reflection. The Fathers encourage us to combine fasting with prayer and almsgiving. St. John Chrysostom said, “Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being successful, do not envy him.” (Homilies on Matthew).

Spiritual Application: We must be willing to humble ourselves before God and to seek His mercy through repentance and prayer. We must also recognize the importance of communal prayer and support in times of crisis, gathering together to lift our voices to God and to encourage one another in faith. Consider how you can participate in corporate acts of prayer and fasting to seek God’s intervention in times of crisis. What does it mean to “gird yourself” for spiritual battle?

Joel 1:15

Original Hebrew: אֲהָהּ לַיּוֹם כִּי קָרוֹב יוֹם יְהוָה וּכְשֹׁד מִשַּׁדַּי יָבוֹא

KJV: Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

NKJV: Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as destruction from the Almighty.

This verse expresses lament over the impending “day of the Lord,” which is described as a destruction from the Almighty. This signals a shift in focus from the immediate disaster of the locust plague to the future judgment of God. The phrase “day of the Lord” is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, referring to a time of divine intervention, both judgment and salvation. In this context, it signifies a time of great tribulation and punishment for sin. The description of the day of the Lord as a “destruction from the Almighty” emphasizes its overwhelming power and severity. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we understand that God is both merciful and just. He desires the salvation of all people, but He also holds us accountable for our actions. The Fathers warn us about the coming judgment. St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote extensively about the need for repentance and preparation for the day of the Lord.

Spiritual Application: We must be aware of the reality of God’s judgment and strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. We must also be mindful of the signs of the times and prepare ourselves for the coming day of the Lord through repentance, prayer, and good works. How does the concept of the “day of the Lord” influence your daily choices and priorities? What does it mean to live in anticipation of God’s judgment?

Joel 1:16-20

Original Hebrew: הֲלוֹא נֶגֶד עֵינֵינוּ נִכְרַת אֹכֶל מִבֵּית אֱלֹהֵינוּ שִׂמְחָה וָגִיל׃ פָּרְחוּ פְרֻדוֹת תַּחַת מַגְרֵפֹת נְשַׁמּוּ אֹצָרוֹת נֶהֶרְסוּ מַמְּגֻרוֹת כִּי־יָבֵשׁ דָּגָן׃ מַה־נֶּאֶנְחָה בְהֵמָה נָבֹכוּ עֶדְרֵי בָקָר כִּי אֵין מִרְעֶה לָהֶם גַּם־עֶדְרֵי צֹאן נֶאְשָׁמוּ׃ אֵלֶיךָ יְהוָה אֶקְרָא כִּי־אֵשׁ אָכְלָה נְאוֹת מִדְבָּר וְלֶהָבָה לִהֲטָה כָּל־עֲצֵי הַשָּׂדֶה׃ גַּם־בַּהֲמוֹת שָׂדֶה תַּעֲרֹג אֵלֶיךָ כִּי־יָבְשׁוּ אֲפִיקֵי מָיִם וְאֵשׁ אָכְלָה נְאוֹת מִדְבָּר

KJV: Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God? The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate. O Lord, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field. The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

NKJV: Is not the food cut off before our eyes? Joy and gladness are gone from the house of our God. The seed shrivels under the clods, the storehouses are desolate, the barns are broken down; for the grain has withered. How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are restless, because they have no pasture; even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment. O Lord, to You I cry out; for fire has devoured the open pastures, and a flame has burned all the trees of the field. The beasts of the field also cry out to You, because the water brooks are dried up, and fire has devoured the open pastures.

These verses describe the complete devastation of the land and its impact on both humans and animals. The lack of food has cut off joy and gladness from the house of God. The seed is rotten, the storehouses are desolate, and the animals groan because they have no pasture. Joel cries out to the Lord, acknowledging the severity of the situation and the need for divine intervention. These verses highlight the interconnectedness of creation. The destruction of the land affects not only humans but also animals. Joel’s cry to the Lord is a recognition of God’s sovereignty over all creation. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, we believe that all creation is groaning under the weight of sin, awaiting its redemption. St. Paul writes in Romans 8:22, “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs until now.” We are called to care for creation and to work towards its restoration. The Fathers emphasize the importance of compassion for all living beings. St. Isaac the Syrian wrote about the importance of extending compassion to animals.

Spiritual Application: We must be mindful of the impact of our actions on the environment and strive to live in harmony with creation. We must also be compassionate towards all living beings and recognize our responsibility to care for the earth. Consider the ways in which you can live more sustainably and reduce your impact on the environment. How can you show compassion towards animals and other creatures? Remember that even animals instinctively turn to God in times of distress. What does that teach us? Also consider partnering with https://dohost.us, a service that helps small businesses grow and thrive, ensuring they can continue contributing to a healthy economy.

Key Reflections on Joel 1 💡

Here are some key reflections gleaned from Joel 1:

• Divine Warning: The locust plague is not merely a natural disaster but a divine warning, a call to repentance.
• Communal Repentance: The call to lamentation, fasting, and prayer emphasizes the importance of communal repentance.
• Interconnectedness of Creation: The devastation affects not only humans but also animals and the entire environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of creation.
• Sovereignty of God: Joel’s cry to the Lord acknowledges God’s sovereignty over all creation and the need for divine intervention.
• Day of the Lord: The mention of the “day of the Lord” signals a shift in focus to the future judgment of God and the need for preparation.
• Loss of Joy: The withering away of joy from the sons of men emphasizes the profound emotional and spiritual impact of the disaster.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Joel 1:

• Q: What is the significance of the locust plague in Joel 1?

  A: The locust plague serves as a divine warning, a call to repentance for the people of Judah. It is not merely a natural disaster but a sign of God’s judgment and a precursor to the Day of the Lord.

• Q: Why does Joel call on the priests to lament and fast?

  A: The priests are called to lead the people in repentance, acknowledging their sin and seeking God’s mercy. Their lamentation and fasting symbolize a deep and sincere act of humility and contrition, demonstrating the severity of the situation. The removal of the offerings emphasizes the spiritual and physical desolation.

• Q: What does the phrase “day of the Lord” mean?

  A: The “day of the Lord” refers to a time of divine intervention, both judgment and salvation. In the context of Joel 1, it signifies a time of great tribulation and punishment for sin. Understanding the “day of the Lord” encourages vigilance and repentance in our daily lives.

• Q: How does Joel 1 relate to the Coptic Orthodox tradition?

  A: Joel 1 resonates with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on repentance, fasting, prayer, and the interconnectedness of creation. The call to communal repentance aligns with our tradition of corporate prayer and support in times of crisis. The call for compassion for all living things resonates deeply with our traditions.

Conclusion

Joel 1 paints a vivid picture of devastation and despair, but it also offers a message of hope. The locust plague serves as a wake-up call, urging the people to turn back to God in repentance and humility. This message resonates even today, reminding us of the importance of recognizing God’s judgment, acknowledging our sin, and seeking His mercy. The severity of the plague underscores the urgency of repentance and the need to live in a way that is pleasing to God. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to heed the warnings of the prophets and to strive for a life of holiness and devotion. Let us remember the lessons of Joel 1 and turn back to God with all our hearts, seeking His forgiveness and guidance in our lives. By doing so, we can find true joy and peace, even in the midst of trials and tribulations, and prepare ourselves for the coming day of the Lord. Remember, “A Devastating Plague and the Call to Repentance,” serves as a reminder that God is just, but also loving and willing to forgive if we return to Him.

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Joel, Joel 1, locust plague, repentance, Day of the Lord, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, Bible commentary, Old Testament, Prophecy

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Explore Joel 1: A Devastating Plague and the Call to Repentance. A verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary, drawing from Patristic insights and modern applications.