Joel 1:16
Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֛וֹא
H3808
הֲל֛וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֶ֥גֶד
H5048
נֶ֥גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
2 of 9
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
עֵינֵ֖ינוּ
before our eyes
H5869
עֵינֵ֖ינוּ
before our eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
נִכְרָ֑ת
cut off
H3772
נִכְרָ֑ת
cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
5 of 9
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מִבֵּ֥ית
from the house
H1004
מִבֵּ֥ית
from the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
of our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ
of our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Historical Context
Joel likely prophesied during the Persian period (post-exilic, c. 400 BC) or possibly during Joash's reign (835-796 BC). The locust plague was both literal and symbolic, foreshadowing later judgment. The temple stood, but its worship required agricultural prosperity—which locusts decimated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the loss of 'joy and gladness' from worship reveal your dependence on circumstances versus the condition of your heart?
- What does it mean when natural disasters disrupt religious observance—is it mere misfortune or divine speech?
- How do material blessings enable spiritual worship, and what happens when they're removed?
Analysis & Commentary
Is not the meat cut off before our eyes (halo okhel nikhrat le'neghed enenu)—The rhetorical question demands acknowledgment of obvious devastation. 'Meat' (okhel, literally 'food') includes all agricultural sustenance, not just animal flesh. The locust plague has destroyed the grain offerings.
Yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God (simchah ve-gil mibeit Elohenu)—No grain means no offerings, and no offerings means no temple celebrations. The Hebrew terms simchah (joy) and gil (gladness/exultation) describe the festal worship commanded in Deuteronomy 16:14-15. When material sustenance fails, worship itself becomes impossible—revealing Israel's dependence on God's provision for both physical and spiritual life. This anticipated the devastation of 586 BC when the temple was destroyed.