Joel 1:19

KJV

O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068}, to thee will I cry {H7121}: for the fire {H784} hath devoured {H398} the pastures {H4999} of the wilderness {H4057}, and the flame {H3852} hath burned {H3857} all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, I cry out to you! For the fire has consumed the pastures in the desert, and the flame set ablaze all the trees in the fields.

Berean Standard Bible

To You, O LORD, I call, for fire has consumed the open pastures and flames have scorched all the trees of the field.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah, to thee do I cry; for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:19 captures the prophet Joel's fervent and desperate cry to the Lord in the face of widespread ecological devastation. This verse serves as a pivotal moment in the chapter, transitioning from a vivid description of the catastrophic locust plague and severe drought to the prophet's personal and communal lament, acknowledging God's sovereignty amidst the destruction and appealing for divine intervention as the land's vital resources—pastures, wilderness, and trees—have been utterly consumed by what is described as "fire" and "flame."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:19 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Joel, which vividly describes an unprecedented locust plague followed by a severe drought. The preceding verses (Joel 1:1-18) meticulously detail the layers of destruction: crops are ruined, vines and fig trees are stripped bare, and even the cattle groan for lack of pasture. The prophet calls for a solemn assembly, urging the elders and all inhabitants to lament and fast, recognizing the calamity as a manifestation of the "Day of the LORD" – a theme that intensifies throughout the book, particularly in [Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord and the Locust Army"). Verse 19 marks a shift from description and communal exhortation to Joel's personal intercession, a model of turning to God in profound crisis. His cry to Yahweh is a direct response to the dire circumstances, embodying the very lament he has called others to perform.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Judah, an agrarian society heavily dependent on rainfall and fertile land for survival. The destruction of crops, pastures, and trees was not merely an economic setback but a threat to the very existence of the community. Locust plagues were a known, devastating natural phenomenon in the ancient Near East, often interpreted as divine judgment or a sign of impending doom. The "wilderness" (midbar) in this context refers not to an uninhabitable desert but to grazing lands and open country, vital for livestock. The "field" (sadeh) signifies cultivated land. The imagery of "fire" and "flame" could refer to the scorching effects of a prolonged drought, the sun-baked earth, or even the destructive path of the locusts, which leave behind a scorched-earth appearance, as mentioned in [Joel 2:3](/joel/2-3 "Joel 2:3 - Locusts as a Devouring Fire"). This profound dependence on the land made such a catastrophe a profound theological and existential crisis for the people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Discipline**, as the natural disaster is understood not merely as an unfortunate event but as a consequence of Judah's spiritual state, a call to repentance. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Desperate Prayer and Lament**, demonstrating the appropriate response of an individual and a community when faced with overwhelming suffering and divine displeasure. Joel's direct address to "O LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes a profound reliance on God's covenant faithfulness and power. Thirdly, the vivid imagery reinforces the theme of **Ecological Devastation and its Consequences**, portraying a land utterly ravaged, leading to widespread famine and despair, a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of natural forces, whether divinely sent or otherwise. This devastation serves as a stark precursor to the greater judgment of [the Day of the LORD](/joel/2 "Joel 2 - The Day of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, Yahweh. Joel's use of "Yᵉhôvâh" signifies a direct appeal to the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal One who is faithful to His covenant people, even in judgment. It implies a plea rooted in a relationship, appealing to God's character as the sovereign ruler and provider, the one who alone can intervene and restore.
* **cry (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this word denotes a fervent, desperate calling out, not merely a casual request but an urgent plea. It suggests a formal, earnest appeal, a summoning of God's attention born out of deep distress and an urgent need for divine intervention. It is the language of one who has exhausted all other options and turns solely to God for help.
* **devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** From H398, this primitive root means "to eat" or "consume." Here, it vividly describes the complete destruction wrought by the "fire." It emphasizes the totality of the devastation, as if the land itself has been consumed, leaving nothing behind. This word powerfully conveys the severity of the calamity, whether from locusts, drought, or literal fire, leaving the land barren and lifeless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD, to thee will I cry":** This opening clause establishes the personal and direct nature of Joel's prayer. It is a desperate, intimate appeal to Yahweh, the covenant God, signifying a profound dependence and recognition that only divine intervention can alleviate the catastrophe. It sets the tone of lament and supplication that characterizes the prophet's response to the crisis.
* **"for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness":** This clause provides the immediate reason for Joel's lament. The "fire" (which could be literal conflagration, the scorching effects of drought, or the consuming nature of the locust plague) has utterly consumed the "pastures of the wilderness." This refers to the open grazing lands, essential for livestock, indicating a complete destruction of the primary food source for animals and, by extension, the people.
* **"and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field":** This second part of the explanation further amplifies the extent of the devastation. The "flame" (synonymous with "fire") has "burned" (scorched, consumed) "all the trees of the field." This includes both cultivated fruit trees and wild trees, signifying that no part of the land's vegetation, whether for food, shade, or timber, has been spared. The use of "all" emphasizes the totality and comprehensiveness of the destruction, leaving the land utterly barren and desolate.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:19 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the crisis and the prophet's response. The most prominent is **Lament**, as the verse functions as a direct expression of sorrow and distress to God, characteristic of biblical lament psalms. There is also striking **Personification**, where "fire" and "flame" are depicted as active agents that "devoured" and "burned," giving them a destructive agency that mirrors the locusts' voracious consumption. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness" is mirrored and intensified by "and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field." This repetition with slight variation emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the destruction. Finally, the use of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** with "all the trees of the field" underscores the utter totality of the devastation, leaving no part of the land untouched.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel's cry in Joel 1:19 serves as a profound theological statement, affirming God's sovereignty over creation and calamity, and humanity's absolute dependence on Him. In the face of overwhelming natural disaster, the prophet does not turn to human solutions or despair, but directs his desperate plea to the Lord, acknowledging that such events are ultimately under divine control, whether as judgment, discipline, or a call to repentance. This act of crying out to God in distress is a fundamental biblical response, demonstrating faith that God hears and has the power to intervene and restore, even when all seems lost. It underscores the truth that even in the midst of suffering, God remains the ultimate refuge and source of hope, prompting His people to seek His face.

* [Psalm 50:15](/psalm/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer You")
* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalm/121-1-2 "Psalm 121:1-2 - My Help Comes from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:19 offers a timeless model for how we, as individuals and communities, should respond to overwhelming crises and periods of profound suffering. Whether facing personal devastation, national calamities, or global challenges, the prophet's immediate and direct cry to the Lord provides a clear path forward. It reminds us that our first and most vital response should be to turn to God in earnest prayer, expressing our dependence, lamenting our losses, and trusting in His ultimate power and mercy. This is not a sign of weakness, but of profound spiritual strength, recognizing that human efforts alone are insufficient in the face of truly catastrophic circumstances. Joel's example encourages us to bring our raw emotions, our fear, and our helplessness before the One who is sovereign over all things, believing that He hears our cries and has the capacity to bring restoration even from the ashes of destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world around you do you see "fire" and "flame" consuming what is vital, and how does Joel's response challenge or affirm your own?**
* **How does Joel's immediate cry to the "LORD" (Yahweh) inform your understanding of who God is and how you should approach Him in times of crisis?**
* **What does it mean to "cry" to the Lord in a way that reflects deep dependence and earnestness, rather than just a casual request?**
* **How can acknowledging God's sovereignty over difficult circumstances, as Joel does, provide a foundation for hope and resilience?**

### FAQ

**Is the "fire" in Joel 1:19 a literal fire or a metaphor for something else?**

Answer: The "fire" and "flame" described in [Joel 1:19](/joel/1-19 "Joel 1:19 - Joel's Cry to the Lord") are likely a powerful metaphor for the comprehensive devastation caused by the locust plague and the subsequent severe drought, rather than a literal widespread conflagration. While literal fires can occur, the context of Joel 1 emphasizes the consumption of vegetation by the locusts and the parching of the land by the drought. [Joel 2:3](/joel/2-3 "Joel 2:3 - The Locusts as a Devouring Fire") explicitly states that before the locusts, the land was like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it was like a "desolate wilderness," implying a scorched-earth effect. This imagery vividly conveys the utter destruction and barrenness left in the wake of the calamity, making the land appear as if it had been consumed by fire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel's desperate cry to the LORD in the face of overwhelming devastation finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. The "fire" and "flame" that consumed the land in Joel's day foreshadow the profound spiritual desolation and judgment that humanity faced due to sin, a condition from which no human effort could deliver. Just as Joel cried out to Yahweh, humanity's deepest need was for a divine intercessor. Jesus, the Son of God, is the ultimate "cry" to the Father on behalf of a fallen world. He is the one who, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, takes away the sin of the world, extinguishing the flames of divine wrath that justly burned against humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, where Joel lamented a land consumed and unproductive, Christ promises a new creation and spiritual fruitfulness. He is the source of living water ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")) and the true vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")), bringing life and abundance even to the spiritual "wilderness" of our hearts. In Him, the ultimate judgment of God is satisfied, and the promise of restoration, even of all things, is secured ([Acts 3:21](/acts/3-21 "Acts 3:21 - Restoration of All Things")). Our cry to the Lord, like Joel's, is now heard and answered through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")).

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 9:10

For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through [them]; neither can [men] hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Amos 7:4

Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Luke 18:7

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Joel 2:3

A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.

Habakkuk 3:17

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: