Joel 1:5

Joel 1:5 issues a stark command to those who are complacent and self-indulgent, specifically the "drunkards" and "drinkers of wine," to awaken and lament the severe consequences of a devastating plague. This verse serves as a powerful wake-up call, emphasizing that even those lost in revelry will be forced to confront the harsh reality of divine judgment.

Context

The Book of Joel opens with a vivid description of an unprecedented locust plague and severe drought that has ravaged the land of Judah. This calamity is presented not merely as a natural disaster but as a direct act of God's judgment, a "day of the LORD" (Joel 1:15) that demands immediate attention and repentance from all segments of society. Joel 1:5 specifically targets those whose lives revolve around earthly pleasures, highlighting how the very source of their joy—the "new wine"—has been completely cut off, forcing them into a state of profound loss and mourning.

Key Themes

• Divine Judgment and Consequence: The loss of the new wine is a direct consequence of the plague, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in bringing about hardship to call His people to account. It illustrates that disobedience or spiritual indifference can lead to the withdrawal of material blessings.
• Call to Spiritual Awakening: The command "Awake!" is not just a literal call to sobriety but a spiritual imperative to shake off complacency and recognize the gravity of the situation. It urges a shift from oblivious self-indulgence to urgent repentance and discernment. This resonates with other biblical calls to spiritual vigilance, such as Romans 13:11.
• Loss of Joy and Sustenance: "New wine" (Hebrew: tirosh) was a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and joy in ancient Israel. Its absence signifies not only economic devastation but also the cessation of celebration and the deep sorrow that accompanies such loss. The call to "weep" and "howl" underscores the depth of this despair.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "new wine," tirosh (תִּירוֹשׁ), refers to the freshly pressed grape juice, distinct from fermented wine. It was a staple agricultural product, often mentioned alongside grain and oil as a primary blessing from God. Its destruction meant a complete disruption of the agricultural cycle and a severe blow to the economy and daily life. The imperative verbs "Awake" (hēqîṣū), "weep" (bāḵû), and "howl" (hêlîlû) are strong commands, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of the required response, moving from a state of stupor to one of deep, public lamentation.

Practical Application

Joel 1:5 remains relevant today as a warning against spiritual apathy and excessive indulgence. It challenges believers to:

• Recognize Divine Hand: Understand that even in difficult circumstances, God may be working to draw us closer to Him, calling us to examine our priorities and dependence on material comforts.
• Cultivate Sobriety and Discernment: Beyond literal sobriety, it encourages a spiritual alertness that recognizes the signs of the times and God's working in the world, rather than being dulled by worldly distractions.
• Respond with Repentance: When blessings are withdrawn or hardships arise, the appropriate response is not despair alone but genuine lamentation and a turning back to God, as seen in other calls for national repentance like Jeremiah 4:8.