Joel 1:18

KJV

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

How do the beasts {H929} groan {H584}! the herds {H5739} of cattle {H1241} are perplexed {H943}, because they have no pasture {H4829}; yea, the flocks {H5739} of sheep {H6629} are made desolate {H816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How the animals groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture. The flocks of sheep bear the punishment, too.

Berean Standard Bible

How the cattle groan! The herds wander in confusion because they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep are suffering.

American Standard Version

How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:18 powerfully depicts the widespread devastation of a severe locust plague and drought upon the animal kingdom in ancient Israel. The prophet articulates the deep distress of beasts, cattle, and sheep, who are left without sustenance and are utterly perplexed and desolate. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the catastrophic nature of the judgment, emphasizing that the entire creation groans under the weight of the calamity, thereby intensifying the prophet's urgent call for national lamentation and repentance before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:18 is situated within the opening chapter of the book, which primarily describes an unprecedented locust plague followed by a severe drought. The chapter begins with a call to attention, detailing the complete destruction wrought by the locusts (often interpreted as a literal plague, a metaphor for an invading army, or both) in [Joel 1:2-7](/joel/1-2-7 "Joel 1:2-7 - Description of the Locust Plague"). This is followed by a lamentation for the land and its inhabitants, including priests, farmers, and vinedressers, who mourn the loss of their crops and livelihood ([Joel 1:8-13](/joel/1-8-13 "Joel 1:8-13 - Call to Lament for the Land")). Verse 18 specifically extends this lament to the animal kingdom, demonstrating the all-encompassing nature of the disaster. The suffering of the animals, unable to find food or water, serves as a poignant illustration of the land's desolation, leading directly into the desperate cry to the Lord in [Joel 1:19-20](/joel/1-19-20 "Joel 1:19-20 - Joel's Cry to the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Joel is set in Judah, likely during a period of agricultural crisis. Ancient Israel was an agrarian society, heavily dependent on rainfall and fertile land for survival. Locust plagues were a known, though devastating, threat in the ancient Near East, capable of consuming all vegetation in a short time. Drought was equally catastrophic, leading to famine and the death of livestock. In the biblical worldview, such natural disasters were often interpreted as divine judgment or a call to repentance, reflecting God's displeasure or a test of faith. The well-being of livestock was crucial for the economy, food supply, and sacrificial system, making their suffering a profound indicator of societal collapse and divine disfavor. The imagery of animals groaning and being perplexed would have resonated deeply with an audience whose daily lives were intertwined with their herds and flocks.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 1:18 contributes significantly to several major themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Widespread Devastation** of the judgment, demonstrating that the calamity affects not only humanity but the entire created order, from the smallest insect to the largest beast. This holistic suffering underscores the magnitude of God's judgment and the severity of the crisis. Secondly, it emphasizes **Nature's Suffering**, portraying creation itself as groaning under the weight of the curse or the consequences of human sin, a theme echoed in [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation's Groaning"). The animals, though innocent, bear the brunt of the environmental catastrophe. Finally, the suffering of the animals serves as a powerful **Call to Lamentation and Repentance**, mirroring the desperation of the human population and urging them to return to the Lord with all their heart, as later exhorted in [Joel 2:12-13](/joel/2-12-13 "Joel 2:12-13 - Call to Repentance"). Their visible distress acts as a catalyst for human introspection and a turning back to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Groan (Hebrew, _ʼânach'_):** From a primitive root, this word signifies a deep, pained sigh or moan, an audible expression of extreme distress and physical anguish. It conveys a sense of profound suffering, not merely discomfort, but a visceral reaction to an unbearable situation, often associated with lament or complaint.
* **Perplexed (Hebrew, _bûwk'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to involve," this term conveys a state of confusion, bewilderment, or being utterly lost and without direction, as if entangled. It describes the cattle's disorientation and inability to find a way out of their dire circumstances, highlighting their helplessness and the absence of any solution.
* **Pasture (Hebrew, _mirʻeh'_):** This noun refers to a place for feeding or the act of feeding, but also the haunt of wild animals. In this context, its absence highlights the complete lack of sustenance and the barrenness of the land. The word emphasizes the fundamental need for food and the devastating impact of its removal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How do the beasts groan!":** This exclamation sets the tone for the verse, expressing profound lament and sorrow. The "beasts" (H929, _bᵉhêmâh_), referring to large quadrupeds or animals collectively, are depicted as deeply suffering, their groans a visceral manifestation of their pain and distress. This rhetorical question emphasizes the severity of their anguish, making it a lamentable sight.
* **"the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture;":** The focus narrows to "herds of cattle" (H5739, _ʻêder_ of H1241, _bâqâr_), which are described as "perplexed" (H943, _bûwk_). Their perplexity stems directly from the cause: "they have no pasture" (H4829, _mirʻeh_). This clause vividly portrays the animals' disorientation and helplessness in the face of a barren landscape, unable to find the food essential for their survival.
* **"yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.":** The lament continues, extending to "flocks of sheep" (H5739, _ʻêder_ of H6629, _tsôʼn_). The phrase "are made desolate" (H816, _ʼâsham_) indicates a state of ruin, barrenness, or being laid waste. This final clause reinforces the comprehensive nature of the destruction, showing that even the typically resilient sheep are utterly undone by the lack of vegetation, their very existence threatened.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the crisis. **Personification** is evident in the depiction of the animals: the "beasts groan," and the "herds of cattle are perplexed." While animals do make sounds of distress and can appear confused, the prophet attributes human-like emotional and intellectual states ("groan," "perplexed") to them, intensifying the reader's empathy and highlighting the profound suffering that transcends mere physical discomfort. **Imagery** is central to the verse, painting a vivid picture of desolation: groaning beasts, bewildered cattle, and desolate sheep. This sensory language allows the audience to almost hear the pained sounds and visualize the barren land, making the impact of the plague and drought tangible. Furthermore, the rhetorical question "How do the beasts groan!" functions as a form of **Exclamation** or **Lament**, inviting the audience to join in the mourning and recognize the extreme nature of the catastrophe. The cumulative effect of these devices is to evoke a profound sense of shared suffering and urgency.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:18 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that creation itself is deeply affected by the spiritual state of humanity and the consequences of sin or divine judgment. When the land is cursed, or judgment falls, it does not discriminate, impacting all living things. The suffering of the animals serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of all creation and the far-reaching implications of humanity's relationship with God. It underscores the idea that a broken covenant or widespread unfaithfulness can lead to a state where even the innocent creation groans under the weight of a fallen world, awaiting redemption. This lament for the animals is a call to recognize the holistic nature of the crisis and to prompt a comprehensive response of repentance and reliance on God's mercy, for the well-being of all creation is intrinsically linked to the spiritual health of humanity.

* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans in Anticipation of Redemption")
* [Hosea 4:3](/hosea/4-3 "Hosea 4:3 - The Land Mourns and Animals Languish")
* [Jeremiah 12:4](/jeremiah/12-4 "Jeremiah 12:4 - The Land Mourns Because of Wickedness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:18 compels us to look beyond immediate human concerns and consider the broader impact of our actions and the state of the world on all creation. The anguished cries of the animals serve as a powerful metaphor for the distress of an ecosystem under duress, whether from natural disaster, human negligence, or spiritual brokenness. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and compassion, not only for our fellow human beings but for all living creatures who share our planet. It reminds us that environmental degradation, often a consequence of human choices, has profound and widespread effects. Furthermore, within a theological framework, the suffering of the animals can be seen as a signpost, a tangible indicator of a deeper spiritual malaise that calls for introspection and a turning back to God. Just as the groaning of the beasts in Joel's day was a clear sign of the land's distress and a prompt for repentance, we too are called to be attentive to the signs of suffering around us—ecological, social, or spiritual—and to respond with prayer, responsible stewardship, and a renewed commitment to justice and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suffering of animals in Joel 1:18 challenge my understanding of the interconnectedness of creation and humanity's role within it?**
* **In what ways might the "groaning" of creation today (e.g., environmental crises, natural disasters) serve as a call to spiritual reflection or action in my own life or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to demonstrate greater empathy and responsible stewardship towards the natural world, recognizing its intrinsic value and its vulnerability?**

### FAQ

**Why does the Bible describe animals suffering in times of judgment or calamity?**

Answer: The Bible often portrays animals suffering during times of judgment or calamity to emphasize the comprehensive and devastating nature of the crisis. In an agrarian society, the well-being of livestock was directly tied to human survival and prosperity. Their suffering served as a stark, tangible indicator of the severity of the situation, demonstrating that the judgment affected the entire created order, not just humanity. Theologically, it underscores the interconnectedness of creation and the idea that when humanity's relationship with God is broken, the consequences can ripple through the entire natural world, as seen in passages like [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground"). It also serves as a powerful call to lament and repentance for the human population, as the distress of the animals mirrors their own desperate plight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 1:18 vividly portrays the suffering of creation under a curse, it ultimately points forward to the comprehensive redemption found in Jesus Christ. The groaning of the beasts and the desolation of the land foreshadow the broader "groaning" of all creation, which, as [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans in Anticipation of Redemption") reveals, eagerly awaits its liberation from the bondage of decay. Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of the curse, including its impact on the natural world. His redemptive work on the cross not only reconciles humanity to God but also initiates the restoration of all creation, culminating in the promise of a "new heavens and a new earth" where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). He is the Good Shepherd who provides true and eternal pasture ([John 10:9-11](/john/10-9-11 "John 10:9-11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), ensuring that those who follow Him will never hunger or thirst again, and ultimately leading His flock to springs of living water in the new creation ([Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Will Shepherd Them")). Thus, the desolation of Joel 1:18 anticipates the glorious provision and restoration found in Christ, the ultimate provider and redeemer of all things.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 12:4

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Jeremiah 14:5

Yea, the hind also calved in the field, and forsook [it], because there was no grass.

Jeremiah 14:6

And the wild asses did stand in the high places, they snuffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes did fail, because [there was] no grass.

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.

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

1 Kings 18:5

And 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.