What does Joel 1:20 mean?
"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." - Joel 1:20
Joel 1:20 (KJV) states: "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."
This verse is found in the Old Testament book of Joel, which is a prophetic book that addresses the Day of the Lord and the judgment of God. In this specific verse, Joel describes a time of great calamity and distress, when even the animals cry out to God due to the devastation and destruction that has befallen the land.
The verse begins by mentioning the "beasts of the field," which are also affected by the drought and fire that has ravaged the land. This points to the widespread impact of the natural disaster that has taken place. The animals, unable to find food and water, are also suffering as a result of the desolation. This paints a bleak and devastating picture of the consequences of the judgment that has been brought upon the land.
The reason for this devastation is made clear in the latter part of the verse. It is due to the fact that "the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness." The once flourishing water sources have dried up, and the fertile pastures have been consumed by fire. This environmental destruction has led to a severe scarcity of resources, leading to suffering for both humans and animals alike. The natural order has been disrupted, and the land has been left barren and desolate.
From a thematic perspective, this verse presents the themes of judgment and the consequences of sin. The people of the land have turned away from God and have failed to live in obedience to His commandments. As a result, they are experiencing the judgment of God in the form of environmental devastation and scarcity. The suffering of the animals is a reflection of the broader impact of human sin on the world around them.
In a larger context, this verse can also be seen as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God's will. The devastation described in this verse serves as a warning to the people, urging them to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the consequences of human actions on the natural world.
Symbolically, the dried up rivers and devouring fire can also represent spiritual dryness and the destruction of spiritual sustenance. The people's disobedience and turning away from God has led to a spiritual desolation, just as the land has been left barren and devoid of resources. This serves as a reminder of the importance of staying spiritually nourished and living in harmony with God's will.
Overall, Joel 1:20 (KJV) is a poignant and powerful verse that speaks to the consequences of human sin and the judgment of God. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. Its vivid imagery of environmental devastation and the suffering of the animals highlights the broader impact of human actions on the world around us.
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Joel 1:20 Artwork
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."
"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." - Joel 1:20
Joel 1:2-4, 13-20
1 Chronicles 27:20 - "Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:"
Joel 2:16-20
Joel 1:1 - "The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel."
Joel 3:20 - "But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation."
"The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel." - Joel 1:1
"Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:" - 1 Chronicles 27:20
Joel 1 natural disaster
"But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation." - Joel 3:20
1 Chronicles 11:38 - "Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,"
Joel 1:8 - "¶ Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth."
1 Chronicles 23:8 - "The sons of Laadan; the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham, and Joel, three."
1 Chronicles 5:12 - "Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan."
1 Chronicles 4:35 - "And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,"
1 Chronicles 6:36 - "The son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah,"
1 Chronicles 15:7 - "Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:"
Joel 1:15 - "Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come."
Prophet Joel in a small village surrounded by a small diverse group of listeners. Joel has an aura about his head. The background sky and cloud are seen in soft pastels pinks, yellows, and blues.
Prophet Joel in a small village surrounded by a small diverse group of listeners. Joel has an aura about his head. The background sky and cloud are seen in soft pastels pinks, yellows, and blues.
1 Chronicles 6:33 - "And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,"
Joel 1:10 - "The field is wasted, the land mourneth; for the corn is wasted: the new wine is dried up, the oil languisheth."
Joel 1:3 - "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation."
1 Chronicles 5:4 - "The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,"
Joel 1:17 - "The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered."
Joel 3:1 - "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,"
Joel 1:16 - "Is not the meat cut off before our eyes, yea, joy and gladness from the house of our God?"
1 Chronicles 15:11 - "And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,"
Joel 1:9 - "The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn."