Joel 1:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
The beasts
H929
בַּהֲמ֥וֹת
The beasts
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָֽבְשׁוּ֙
are dried up
H3001
יָֽבְשׁוּ֙
are dried up
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
7 of 13
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
אֲפִ֣יקֵי
also unto thee for the rivers
H650
אֲפִ֣יקֵי
also unto thee for the rivers
Strong's:
H650
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero
מָ֔יִם
of waters
H4325
מָ֔יִם
of waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
9 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
Cross References
Psalms 104:21The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.1 Kings 17:7And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.Psalms 145:15The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.Psalms 147:9He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.Job 38:41Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.1 Kings 18:5And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel's water supply depended on seasonal rains, springs, and cisterns. Drought was catastrophic (1 Kings 17-18). Archaeological evidence shows sophisticated water systems (e.g., Hezekiah's tunnel) to combat water scarcity. Yet when God withheld rain, no technology availed—teaching dependence on divine provision.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that even animals 'cry' to God—how does this reveal universal dependence on the Creator?
- How do ecological crises function as God's voice calling humanity to repentance?
- When have you experienced spiritual 'drought'—dried-up water sources in prayer, Bible study, or worship—and what did God teach you?
Analysis & Commentary
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee (gam bahamot sadeh ta'arog eleikha)—'Cry' (ta'arog) means panting or longing, like a deer panting for water (Psalm 42:1 uses the same root). Animals instinctively 'cry' to their Creator when natural systems fail.
For the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness (ki yavshu afiqei mayim ve-esh akhlah ne'ot ha-midbar)—Drought compounds the locust plague. Water sources (afiqei mayim, 'channels of water') dry up, eliminating the last hope for sustaining life. This echoes Amos 4:7-8's drought judgment. The repetition of 'fire devoured the pastures' (also verse 19) emphasizes totality. All creation suffers, all creation cries—anticipating the groaning of Romans 8:22 and the liberation of Revelation 21:1.