Joel 1:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joel 1:20
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.
Chapter Context
Joel 1 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, worship, creation. Written during possibly post-exilic period (uncertain date), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed a community devastated by natural disaster as a sign of divine judgment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joel 1:20
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 17:7, 18:5, Job 38:41, Psalms 104:21, 145:15, 147:9