Joel 1:6

KJV

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth [are] the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion.

KJV (with Strong's)

For a nation {H1471} is come up {H5927} upon my land {H776}, strong {H6099}, and without number {H4557}, whose teeth {H8127} are the teeth {H8127} of a lion {H738}, and he hath the cheek teeth {H4973} of a great lion {H3833}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For a mighty and numberless nation has invaded my land. His teeth are lion's teeth; his fangs are those of a lioness.

Berean Standard Bible

For a nation has invaded My land, powerful and without number; its teeth are the teeth of a lion, and its fangs are the fangs of a lioness.

American Standard Version

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong, and without number; his teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he hath the jaw-teeth of a lioness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 1:6 vividly depicts an overwhelming and destructive force that has invaded the land of Judah, setting the stage for the prophet Joel's urgent call to repentance. This verse employs powerful and terrifying imagery, likening the invading entity—a devastating locust plague—to a mighty, countless nation whose teeth are as sharp and destructive as those of a lion, even a great lion, emphasizing the complete and merciless consumption of everything in its path. It serves as a stark warning of impending judgment and the dire consequences of spiritual complacency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 1:6 immediately follows a lament over an unprecedented agricultural disaster. Verses 1-4 establish the severity and uniqueness of the plague, describing it as having passed through successive stages of locusts (palmerworm, locust, cankerworm, caterpillar), leaving nothing behind. Verse 5 calls for drunkards to lament because their wine is destroyed, highlighting the economic and social impact. Joel 1:6 then identifies the *agent* of this destruction, personifying the locusts as a "nation" (H1471, _gôwy_) that has "come up" (H5927, _ʻâlâh_) upon God's land. This personification elevates the natural disaster to a prophetic sign, a precursor to the greater "Day of the Lord" (e.g., [Joel 2:1](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - The Day of the Lord Approaches")) which is a central theme throughout the book. The verse's intense imagery prepares the reader for the prophet's subsequent calls to national repentance and lamentation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Locust plagues were a recurrent and terrifying reality in the ancient Near East, particularly in agrarian societies like Judah. These swarms could descend suddenly, devouring all vegetation—crops, trees, and pastures—in a matter of hours or days, leading to widespread famine, economic collapse, and social devastation. From a theological perspective, such natural disasters were often interpreted as divine judgment for covenant disobedience, as explicitly warned in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:38-42](/deuteronomy/28-38-42 "Deuteronomy 28:38-42 - Curses of the Covenant: Locusts and Famine"). The imagery of a "nation" invading or "coming up" also resonates with the constant threat of foreign armies in the region, subtly blending the natural calamity with the specter of military invasion, thereby intensifying the sense of dread and helplessness.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 1:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Joel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying the locust plague as an instrument of God's righteous wrath against a disobedient people. Secondly, the description of the "nation" as "strong, and without number" highlights the **Overwhelming Power and Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that even natural phenomena are under His control and can be marshaled for His purposes. This theme is further developed in [Joel 2:11](/joel/2-11 "Joel 2:11 - The Lord Utters His Voice"), where the Lord leads His army. Thirdly, the vivid imagery of predatory teeth emphasizes the **Thoroughness of Destruction**, leaving no doubt about the comprehensive ruin that has befallen the land. This devastation serves as a stark warning and a powerful impetus for the overarching theme of **Call to Repentance**, which Joel will issue in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Repentance and Fasting"), urging the people to return to the Lord with all their heart before the ultimate "Day of the Lord" arrives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This word, while typically referring to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile," is used here in a figurative sense to describe a "troop of animals" or a "flight of locusts." This dual meaning is crucial, as it elevates the natural disaster to the level of a military invasion, imbuing the locust plague with the terrifying characteristics of an invading army: organized, numerous, and utterly destructive. This choice of word immediately signals the severity and the perceived intentionality behind the calamity.
* **is come up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** (H5927) This primitive root means "to ascend" or "to mount," and is used in a vast array of senses, both literal and figurative. Here, it conveys the active, aggressive movement of the "nation" (locusts) as they "ascend" or "come up" upon the land. It suggests an unstoppable, rising tide of destruction, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the invasion and the futility of human resistance. The verb implies a deliberate and forceful arrival, not a mere passive presence.
* **cheek teeth (Hebrew, _mᵉthallᵉʻâh'_):** (H4973) This term specifically refers to the "jaw tooth" or "molar," the grinding teeth used for thorough mastication. The use of this precise term, in conjunction with "teeth of a lion" (H8127, _shên_), intensifies the imagery of complete and utter consumption. It's not just a superficial bite, but a deep, grinding destruction that leaves nothing undevoured, signifying the thoroughness of the plague's devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a nation is come up upon my land,"**: The verse begins with a causal "For," linking it to the preceding lament. The "nation" (H1471, _gôwy_) is a powerful personification of the locust swarm, portraying it not merely as insects but as an organized, formidable invading army. The phrase "is come up" (H5927, _ʻâlâh_) emphasizes the active, aggressive nature of this invasion. The possessive "my land" (H776, _ʼerets_) highlights that this devastation is happening on God's own covenant land, underscoring the divine hand in the judgment.
* **"strong, and without number,"**: These two descriptors amplify the terrifying nature of the invading "nation." "Strong" (H6099, _ʻâtsûwm_) conveys their immense power and irresistible force, while "without number" (H4557, _miçpâr_) stresses their overwhelming multitude, making any resistance futile. This combination evokes a sense of dread and hopelessness in the face of such an unstoppable force.
* **"whose teeth [are] the teeth of a lion, and he hath the cheek teeth of a great lion."**: This climactic imagery provides a graphic depiction of the locusts' destructive capacity. The comparison to the "teeth of a lion" (H738, _ʼărîy_) immediately conjures images of predatory ferocity and tearing flesh. The escalation to "the cheek teeth" (H4973, _mᵉthallᵉʻâh_), specifically the molars, of a "great lion" (H3833, _lâbîyʼ_) intensifies the metaphor, suggesting a thorough, grinding, and complete consumption. It implies that nothing will be left behind; the land will be stripped bare as if devoured by the most powerful and voracious predator.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 1:6 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message of devastation. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the locust plague is described as a "nation" (H1471, _gôwy_), an entity typically associated with human armies, thereby imbuing the insects with military characteristics like strength and countless numbers. This is further enhanced by **Simile**, as the locusts' destructive power is compared to the "teeth of a lion" (H738, _ʼărîy_). The prophet then employs **Intensification** by escalating the imagery from a "lion" to a "great lion" (H3833, _lâbîyʼ_) and specifying "cheek teeth" (H4973, _mᵉthallᵉʻâh_), emphasizing the utter thoroughness and ferocity of the destruction. This vivid, almost **Hyperbolic**, portrayal aims to evoke profound fear and dread, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the calamity and its devastating impact on the land and its people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 1:6 serves as a powerful theological statement regarding divine judgment and the consequences of a people's spiritual state. The description of the locust plague as an overwhelming, predatory "nation" underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use even natural phenomena as instruments of His will. This judgment is not arbitrary but is understood within the prophetic tradition as a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual apathy or disobedience. The severity of the devastation depicted in this verse is intended to awaken the people to their precarious spiritual condition, prompting them to seek the Lord in repentance. It reflects a broader biblical principle that while God is merciful and slow to anger, His justice will ultimately manifest when His people persistently stray from His covenant.

* [Deuteronomy 28:38-42](/deuteronomy/28-38-42 "Deuteronomy 28:38-42 - Curses for Disobedience, including Locusts")
* [Jeremiah 5:17](/jeremiah/5-17 "Jeremiah 5:17 - Foreign Nation Devouring the Land")
* [Revelation 9:7-9](/revelation/9-7-9 "Revelation 9:7-9 - Locusts from the Abyss")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid and terrifying imagery of Joel 1:6, though describing an ancient agricultural disaster, resonates deeply with contemporary experiences of overwhelming forces that threaten our well-being and stability. Whether these are personal crises, societal challenges, or global events, we often encounter situations that feel "strong, and without number," consuming our resources and leaving us feeling vulnerable. This verse serves as a profound reminder that such devastating experiences, while painful, can be interpreted as a divine call to introspection and re-evaluation. It prompts us to consider our dependence on God, our spiritual priorities, and our response to adversity. Just as the locust plague was a catalyst for Joel's call to national repentance, so too can our own overwhelming challenges serve as an impetus for humility, prayer, and a renewed turning towards God. Recognizing God's sovereignty even in the midst of chaos allows us to find hope and purpose, understanding that He can use even destructive forces to draw us closer to Himself and to refine our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "overwhelming forces" in my life or in the world today feel "strong, and without number," similar to the locust plague in Joel 1:6?**
* **How do I typically respond when faced with situations that seem to "devour" my resources, peace, or sense of security?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances to call me to deeper repentance, humility, or reliance on Him?**
* **How can the imagery of the "lion's teeth" remind me of the seriousness of spiritual complacency or disobedience?**

### FAQ
**Is the "nation" in Joel 1:6 a literal locust plague or a human army?**

Answer: While the language used in Joel 1:6, particularly the terms "nation" (H1471, _gôwy_), "strong" (H6099, _ʻâtsûwm_), and "without number" (H4557, _miçpâr_), often describes human armies in other prophetic texts (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:15](/jeremiah/5-15 "Jeremiah 5:15 - A Distant Nation's Invasion")), the overwhelming consensus among scholars is that Joel 1:6 primarily refers to a literal, unprecedented locust plague. The detailed descriptions of agricultural devastation throughout [Joel 1](/joel/1 "Joel Chapter 1 - The Locust Plague") (e.g., vineyards, fig trees, grain) strongly point to an insect invasion. However, the prophet's deliberate use of military metaphors elevates the natural disaster to a symbolic level, portraying it as a divine judgment that *foreshadows* or *prepares for* the "Day of the Lord," which could involve human armies or other forms of divine intervention ([Joel 2:1-11](/joel/2-1-11 "Joel 2:1-11 - The Day of the Lord and its Army")). Thus, it's a literal plague described with metaphorical language to emphasize its severity and theological significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terrifying "nation" described in Joel 1:6, with its overwhelming strength and predatory teeth, serves as a stark Old Testament foreshadowing of the devastating power of sin and death, which, like a relentless army, has "come up upon" all humanity, devouring our peace, joy, and life. Humanity, "without number" in its fallen state, was helpless against this consuming force. However, the Lord, in His infinite mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to confront and ultimately conquer this "great lion" of destruction. Christ, the true [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah"), did not come to devour, but to be devoured *for* us. His sacrificial death on the cross disarmed the power of sin and death, rendering their "teeth" harmless to those who believe ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory Over Sin")). Through His resurrection, Christ demonstrated His ultimate victory, offering deliverance from the judgment symbolized by the locust plague. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing a path to restoration and abundant life that far transcends the physical restoration promised in Joel, culminating in an eternal kingdom where no destructive force can ever again "come up upon" God's redeemed land ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Revelation 9:7

And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men.

Revelation 9:10

And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months.

Joel 2:2

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

Joel 2:11

And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?

Proverbs 30:14

[There is] a generation, whose teeth [are as] swords, and their jaw teeth [as] knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from [among] men.

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.