Joel 1:5-12

The Distress Caused by the Plague.

Joel 1:5. The wine-bibbers no censure is implied; they are mentioned first because of the contrast between their accustomed merriment and the tears they are bidden to shed are summoned to arouse from their drunken sleep and bemoan the devastation of the vineyards. The many-mouthed host of invaders (for nation cf. Proverbs 30:25 f.) has wrought such destruction that it is likened to a ravening lion. Vine and fig-tree are stripped bare, so that the twigs splinter and the branches gleam white.

[ Joel 1:6 b. The comparison with lions-' teeth (Revelation 9:8) is very apt, for in proportion to its size the teeth of the locust are enormously strong, and have a saw-like edge. A. S. P.].

Joel 1:7. barked: rather splintered. made it clean bare: i.e. vines and fig-trees collectively; the inedible or unattractive fragments were cast away, rejected.