Joel 1:10
The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth.
Original Language Analysis
שֻׁדַּ֣ד
is wasted
H7703
שֻׁדַּ֣ד
is wasted
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֻׁדַּ֣ד
is wasted
H7703
שֻׁדַּ֣ד
is wasted
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
הוֹבִ֥ישׁ
is dried up
H3001
הוֹבִ֥ישׁ
is dried up
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
8 of 11
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
תִּיר֖וֹשׁ
the new wine
H8492
תִּיר֖וֹשׁ
the new wine
Strong's:
H8492
Word #:
9 of 11
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
Cross References
Hosea 4:3Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.Jeremiah 12:11They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.Hosea 9:2The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her.Joel 1:5Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's economy depended on grain, wine, and oil—the Mediterranean triad providing bread, drink, and cooking/lighting fuel. Their failure meant economic collapse and potential starvation. This agricultural crisis would have reminded Israel of covenant curses threatened in Deuteronomy 28:16-18, 38-40. The personification of land mourning reflects ancient Near Eastern understanding that land and people were interconnected—righteous living blessed the land, wickedness cursed it (Leviticus 18:24-28, 26:3-20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does creation's groaning under sin's curse (Romans 8:22) shape environmental stewardship?
- What does it mean that our sin affects not just ourselves but the created order around us?
Analysis & Commentary
"The field is wasted, the land mourneth" personifies creation as mourning—echoing Genesis 3's curse where creation suffers for human sin (Romans 8:19-22). The Hebrew 'amal (mourn/wail) suggests deep grief. "For the corn is wasted" lists agricultural devastation: corn (grain), wine, oil—Israel's primary crops. The phrase "the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth" uses Hebrew umla'm (withered/dried) and 'umlal (languishes/fails) conveying progressive decay and death. This comprehensive destruction demonstrates that covenant curses aren't theoretical threats but experiential realities. God's warnings have teeth. The Reformed doctrine of progressive sanctification warns against presumption—professing Christians who presume grace nullifies judgment face discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11) and potentially revelation that their faith was never genuine (Matthew 7:21-23). Temporal judgments serve as merciful warnings of eternal realities.