Joel 1:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The beasts {H929} of the field {H7704} cry {H6165} also unto thee: for the rivers {H650} of waters {H4325} are dried up {H3001}, and the fire {H784} hath devoured {H398} the pastures {H4999} of the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even the wild animals come to you, panting, because the streambeds have dried up, and fire has consumed the pastures in the desert."

Berean Standard Bible

Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.

American Standard Version

Yea, the beasts of the field pant unto thee; for the water brooks are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:20 powerfully depicts the utter desolation of the land under divine judgment, where even the wild animals, driven by extreme thirst and starvation, instinctively cry out to God for relief. This verse encapsulates the comprehensive devastation wrought by a severe drought and a preceding locust plague, illustrating how the consequences of sin and judgment extend beyond humanity to afflict the entire natural order, leaving the landscape parched and barren as if consumed by fire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:20 concludes a vivid and escalating lament in the opening chapter of Joel, which details an unprecedented national catastrophe. The chapter begins by calling for the elders and inhabitants to heed the prophet's message concerning a devastating locust plague (Joel 1:2-7). This plague is described with military precision, consuming every green thing. Following this, the narrative shifts to the equally destructive drought, which exacerbates the suffering, causing crops to wither, vineyards to fail, and the land to mourn (Joel 1:8-12). Verses 13-18 issue a desperate call for national repentance, urging priests and elders to gather the people for a solemn assembly and fast. The prophet himself then cries out to the Lord, describing the parched land and the suffering of livestock (Joel 1:19). Joel 1:20 serves as the climactic expression of this lament, personifying the suffering of creation itself as it groans under the weight of the disaster, appealing to the ultimate source of life and sustenance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joel is set in Judah, a predominantly agrarian society where rainfall and fertile land were essential for survival. The annual cycle of planting and harvesting was entirely dependent on the "early and latter rains" (cf. [Deuteronomy 11:14](/deuteronomy/11-14 "Deuteronomy 11:14 - Promise of Rain")). A severe drought, especially one following a locust infestation, would have been catastrophic, leading to famine, economic collapse, and widespread suffering. In ancient Israelite thought, such natural disasters were often interpreted as direct manifestations of divine judgment, a consequence of the people's sin or disobedience to the covenant (cf. [Leviticus 26:18-20](/leviticus/26-18-20 "Leviticus 26:18-20 - Consequences of Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23-24 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses for Disobedience")). The imagery of "fire" consuming pastures could refer to the scorching heat of the sun, causing vegetation to dry up and become brittle as if burned, or even actual brushfires common in drought conditions. The "wilderness" (midbar) here refers not necessarily to a desolate desert, but to open grazing lands or pastures outside settled areas.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 1:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Joel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Universal Suffering and Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that the consequences of human sin and God's disciplinary actions extend beyond humanity to impact the entire created order. The groaning of the animals highlights the pervasive nature of the crisis, echoing the biblical understanding that creation itself is affected by the fall (cf. [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning")). Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **Ecological Devastation**, painting a stark picture of a land rendered barren and uninhabitable due to the absence of water and the destructive power of heat. This serves as a powerful warning about the fragility of ecosystems and humanity's dependence on natural resources. Lastly, the phrase "cry also unto thee" emphasizes the theme of **Dependence on God**. Even the instinctual cries of the animals are presented as an appeal to their Creator, acknowledging God as the ultimate source of provision and the only one capable of bringing relief and restoration to a devastated land, a truth reinforced throughout [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - A Psalm of Creation and Providence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cry (Hebrew, _ʻârag'_):** A primitive root meaning "to long for" or "to pant." In this context, it conveys a deep, desperate longing and an anguished cry born of extreme thirst and distress. It's not merely a sound but an expression of profound suffering and a desperate appeal for relief, as if the animals are panting for water and sustenance.
* **dried up (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to dry up" (as water) or "to wither" (as herbage). It signifies a complete cessation of moisture, leading to desiccation and barrenness. The use of this word for "rivers of waters" emphasizes the severity of the drought, indicating that even major water sources have vanished.
* **devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to eat" (literally or figuratively), "to burn up," or "to consume." Here, it vividly describes the destructive power of the "fire" (likely intense heat or actual brushfires) that has completely consumed and obliterated the vegetation in the pastures, leaving nothing behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The beasts of the field cry also unto thee:"** This clause personifies the suffering of the natural world. "Beasts of the field" refers to wild animals, distinct from domesticated livestock mentioned earlier in the chapter. Their "cry" (from `ʻârag`) is an instinctive, desperate appeal to God, their Creator and Sustainer, for relief from the famine and thirst. It highlights the universality of the suffering and implies that even creation instinctively turns to its divine source in times of extreme distress.
* **"for the rivers of waters are dried up,"** This provides the primary reason for the animals' distress: the complete absence of water. "Rivers of waters" (Hebrew `ʼâphîyq mayim`) refers to streams, brooks, and channels that would typically carry water. Their being "dried up" (from `yâbêsh`) signifies an extreme and pervasive drought, indicating that all sources of hydration have vanished, leading to widespread death and suffering.
* **"and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness."** This second reason for the suffering describes the destruction of vegetation. "Fire" (Hebrew `ʼêsh`) here likely refers to the scorching heat of the sun, which has parched the land to such an extent that the "pastures of the wilderness" (open grazing lands, `nâʼâh midbâr`) have been "devoured" (from `ʼâkal`), as if consumed by flames. This imagery conveys a landscape utterly barren, devoid of any food or shelter, intensifying the sense of desolation and the animals' desperate plight.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:20 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and desolate picture of a land ravaged by drought and fire. The descriptions of "rivers of waters are dried up" and "fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness" appeal directly to the senses, allowing the reader to visualize the parched earth and scorched vegetation. **Personification** is prominently used as "the beasts of the field cry also unto thee," attributing a human-like action of prayer or desperate appeal to animals. This device not only emphasizes the extreme suffering but also suggests a cosmic lament, where all creation acknowledges God's sovereignty and appeals to Him in crisis. The phrase also employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming scale of the disaster, implying that the devastation is so complete that even the wild animals, typically self-sufficient, are driven to a state of desperate supplication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:20 profoundly illustrates the interconnectedness of creation and its susceptibility to the consequences of human sin and divine judgment. It reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over all things, and His discipline, while aimed at humanity, can manifest through the natural world, causing widespread suffering. The cries of the animals serve as a powerful metaphor for the earth groaning under the weight of the curse, a universal lament that calls for divine intervention and restoration. This verse prompts theological reflection on God's justice, His control over nature, and the ultimate hope for a renewed creation where such suffering will cease.

* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning")
* [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalms/104-27-28 "Psalm 104:27-28 - God Provides for Creation")
* [Hosea 4:3](/hosea/4-3 "Hosea 4:3 - Consequences of Sin on Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 1:20 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of our profound dependence on God for all sustenance, both human and natural. It challenges us to consider the far-reaching consequences of sin, which can disrupt not only human society but also the very fabric of creation. The desperate cry of the animals, turning instinctively to their Creator, offers a powerful model for our own response to crisis. In times of personal hardship, national distress, or ecological concern, we are called to humble ourselves, acknowledge God's sovereignty, and turn to Him in fervent prayer and repentance. This verse also implicitly calls us to a greater sense of stewardship over creation, recognizing that our actions have ripple effects on the environment and its inhabitants, and that caring for the earth is an act of worship and obedience to the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suffering of the natural world in Joel 1:20 challenge my understanding of divine judgment and its scope?**
* **In what ways do I, like the "beasts of the field," instinctively turn to God in moments of desperate need or profound suffering?**
* **What does this verse teach me about my responsibility as a steward of God's creation, especially in light of environmental challenges today?**
* **How might the "cry" of creation prompt me to deeper prayer and intercession for the world around me?**

### FAQ

**Why are the animals suffering in this passage? Is it their fault?**

Answer: The suffering of the animals in Joel 1:20 is not attributed to their own sin, but rather to the broader consequences of human disobedience and the resulting divine judgment upon the land. In biblical theology, when humanity, as the covenant people, disobeys God, the effects of the curse can extend to the entire created order, impacting the environment and all living creatures within it. This concept is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on Creation") where the ground is cursed because of Adam's sin, or in [Hosea 4:3](/hosea/4-3 "Hosea 4:3 - Consequences of Sin on Creation"), where the land and its creatures languish due to the people's unfaithfulness. The animals' suffering in Joel 1:20 underscores the severity and pervasive nature of the judgment, demonstrating that the crisis is so profound that even innocent creation is affected, serving as a powerful visual and emotional plea for human repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 1:20, with its portrayal of creation's anguish and its desperate cry to God, finds its ultimate resolution and hope in Jesus Christ. The groaning of the "beasts of the field" and the desolation of the land under the curse of sin foreshadow the universal longing for redemption that is finally met in Christ. He is not only the Creator through whom "all things were created" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), but also the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, redeems creation from the bondage of decay. The "fire" that devours and the "waters" that dry up speak to the destructive power of sin and judgment; yet, Christ is the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, Living Water")) who satisfies all thirst and the light that overcomes darkness. His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection initiate the new creation, promising a future where "the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Romans 8:21 - Creation's Deliverance")). Ultimately, Joel's lament for a devastated earth points to the coming of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, ushering in a renewed heaven and earth where there will be no more curse, no more thirst, and no more suffering ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Psalms 104:21

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

1 Kings 17:7

And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

Psalms 145:15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

Psalms 147:9

He giveth to the beast his food, [and] to the young ravens which cry.

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.

Job 38:41

Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.