Joel 1:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גוֹי֙
For a nation
H1471
גוֹי֙
For a nation
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 14
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
עָלָ֣ה
is come up
H5927
עָלָ֣ה
is come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עָצ֖וּם
strong
H6099
עָצ֖וּם
strong
Strong's:
H6099
Word #:
6 of 14
powerful (specifically, a paw); by implication, numerous
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
מִסְפָּ֑ר
and without number
H4557
מִסְפָּ֑ר
and without number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
8 of 14
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
H8127
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
9 of 14
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
H8127
שִׁנֵּ֣י
are the teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
10 of 14
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת
and he hath the cheek teeth
H4973
וּֽמְתַלְּע֥וֹת
and he hath the cheek teeth
Strong's:
H4973
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a biter, i.e., a tooth
Historical Context
Locust plagues were devastating in the ancient Near East. Swarms containing billions of insects could darken the sky, devouring every green plant within hours. Ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, and other records describe similar catastrophes. The military language also functions symbolically, pointing beyond the immediate plague to future military invasion (likely Babylon's conquest in 586 BC). Joel employs near fulfillment (locust plague) anticipating ultimate fulfillment (eschatological Day of the LORD).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty over natural disasters affect your response to them?
- What does Joel's judgment imagery teach about the certainty of final judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
"For a nation is come up upon my land" describes the locust invasion using military terminology. The Hebrew goy (nation) typically refers to foreign peoples but here describes an insect army God sovereignly commands. This metaphor establishes that God controls nature to accomplish His purposes—natural disasters function as instruments of divine judgment. "Strong, and without number" emphasizes overwhelming force. The phrase "whose teeth are the teeth of a lion" uses vivid imagery communicating destructive power. Lions epitomized strength and terror. This language prepares readers for Joel's later description of the ultimate "Day of the LORD" when God's judgment will be final and inescapable. Theologically, this teaches God's sovereignty over creation and His use of even insects to accomplish judicial purposes.