Joel 2:22

KJV

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not afraid {H3372}, ye beasts {H929} of the field {H7704}: for the pastures {H4999} of the wilderness {H4057} do spring {H1876}, for the tree {H6086} beareth {H5375} her fruit {H6529}, the fig tree {H8384} and the vine {H1612} do yield {H5414} their strength {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be afraid, wild animals; for the desert pastures are green, the trees are putting out their fruit, the fig tree and vine are giving full yield.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best.

American Standard Version

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth its fruit, the fig-tree and the vine do yield their strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:22 delivers a profound message of divine restoration and abundant blessing, promising a complete reversal of the devastating locust plague and drought that had afflicted the land. It assures the natural world, including the wild beasts, that fear is unwarranted, as God's compassionate intervention will cause the parched wilderness pastures to flourish, trees to bear fruit, and vineyards to yield their full strength, signaling a return to life, fertility, and prosperity after a period of severe judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:22 is situated within a pivotal section of the prophecy of Joel, marking a dramatic shift from divine judgment to promised restoration. Chapters 1 and the early part of Chapter 2 vividly depict an unprecedented locust plague and severe drought, presented as a manifestation of the "Day of the Lord"—a time of divine reckoning and desolation for Israel due to their sin. Following a fervent call to national repentance, fasting, and mourning in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to Repentance"), God responds with compassion and a series of promises to restore what was lost. Verse 22 is part of this divine response, specifically addressing the agricultural and ecological recovery, setting the stage for even greater spiritual blessings and the outpouring of the Spirit later in the chapter, as seen in [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - The Outpouring of the Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joel is set in Judah, a predominantly agrarian society where life was intrinsically linked to the fertility of the land, dependent on seasonal rains and productive harvests. A locust plague, especially one of the magnitude described in [Joel 1:4](/joel/1-4 "Joel 1:4 - The Devastating Locust Plague"), would have been an existential threat, leading to widespread famine, economic collapse, and national despair. The "wilderness" (midbar) in this context refers not to an uninhabitable desert but to open grazing lands or uncultivated areas that had become parched and barren due0 to the drought and locusts. The promise of these areas "springing" forth with new growth would have been a powerful image of God's direct intervention, reversing the natural consequences of their sin and demonstrating His sovereign control over creation and provision for His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Joel and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Control over Creation**, demonstrating God's absolute power to both send judgment (locusts, drought) and orchestrate complete restoration. Secondly, it underscores **God's Compassion and Mercy**, showing that His ultimate desire is not to destroy but to redeem and bless those who turn to Him in repentance, as promised in [Joel 2:13](/joel/2-13 "Joel 2:13 - God is Gracious and Merciful"). Thirdly, the theme of **Restoration and Abundance** is central, with the imagery of flourishing pastures and fruit-bearing trees symbolizing a return to prosperity and God's generous provision, reversing the "years that the locust hath eaten" ([Joel 2:25](/joel/2-25 "Joel 2:25 - God Restores What Was Lost")). Finally, the unusual address to "beasts of the field" emphasizes **God's Holistic Care for All Creation**, acknowledging that the judgment affected the entire ecosystem and that His restoration extends beyond humanity to the natural world itself.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, meaning to fear, morally to revere, or causatively to frighten. In this context, it is an imperative "Be not afraid," directly addressing the creatures of the field. This command signifies the removal of the cause for their fear—the famine and desolation—and the impending return of security and provision.
* **spring (Hebrew, _dâshâʼ'_):** From H1876, a primitive root meaning to sprout or bring forth. This word vividly describes the rapid and robust emergence of new vegetation in the pastures of the wilderness. It conveys a sense of immediate and vibrant renewal, indicating that the barren lands will quickly become fertile and green again.
* **strength (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, meaning a force, whether of men, means, or other resources; often translated as might, power, or valor. When applied to the fig tree and vine, it implies that they will not merely bear fruit, but will do so with full vigor, productivity, and abundance. It speaks to the richness and quality of the yield, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's promised blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field":** This opening clause is striking for its personification, directly addressing the wild animals. It conveys God's comprehensive care, acknowledging that the judgment of drought and locusts had also caused suffering among the animal kingdom, leading to fear and scarcity. The command to "be not afraid" signals the end of their distress and the coming of peace and provision.
* **"for the pastures of the wilderness do spring":** This provides the immediate reason for the beasts' lack of fear. The "wilderness" (midbar) here refers to the open grazing lands that had become parched and barren. The promise that these pastures will "spring" forth signifies a miraculous and rapid renewal of vegetation, ensuring abundant food for the animals.
* **"for the tree beareth her fruit":** This clause extends the promise of agricultural restoration to all general trees. It indicates that the trees, which had likely withered or failed to produce during the drought and plague, will now resume their natural function of bearing fruit, contributing to the overall abundance and sustenance of the land.
* **"the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength":** This specifies two crucial agricultural products of the land—the fig tree and the vine—which were vital for the diet and economy of ancient Israel. The phrase "yield their strength" (natan chayil) means they will produce their fruit not just adequately, but with full vigor, potency, and richness. This emphasizes the quality and quantity of the coming harvest, symbolizing a return to complete and overflowing prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. **Personification** is prominently used in the opening phrase, "Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field." By directly addressing the animals, the prophet imbues them with the capacity for fear and understanding, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of God's judgment and, more importantly, His subsequent compassion and care for all creation. This device also serves to emphasize the dramatic shift in the natural order. **Imagery** is rich and vivid throughout the verse, painting a picture of lush, fertile landscapes. Phrases like "pastures of the wilderness do spring," "tree beareth her fruit," and "fig tree and the vine do yield their strength" create a sensory experience of abundance and life, contrasting sharply with the desolation described earlier. This powerful imagery serves to reassure the audience of the tangible reality of God's promised blessings. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the promise that the "pastures of the wilderness do spring." While the wilderness refers to uncultivated lands, the idea that they would spontaneously burst forth with such vitality suggests an extraordinary, almost miraculous, level of fertility, underscoring the magnitude and generosity of God's restorative power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:22 is a powerful testament to God's character as both a righteous judge and a merciful redeemer. It demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even after they have experienced the consequences of their sin. The physical restoration of the land serves as a tangible sign of God's spiritual renewal and His commitment to reverse the effects of judgment when His people genuinely repent. This divine act of turning barrenness into abundance underscores God's sovereign control over creation and His desire to provide generously for all His creatures. It speaks to a theology of hope, reminding us that no situation is beyond God's power to restore and transform, mirroring His ultimate plan for cosmic renewal.

* [Isaiah 35:1-2](/isaiah/35-1-2 "Isaiah 35:1-2 - The Desert Blooms"): "The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God."
* [Ezekiel 36:29-30](/ezekiel/36-29-30 "Ezekiel 36:29-30 - Abundant Harvests"): "I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen."
* [Psalm 65:9-13](/psalm/65-9-13 "Psalm 65:9-13 - God's Provision for the Earth"): "Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:22 offers a timeless message of hope and reassurance that resonates deeply with human experience. In a world often marked by periods of loss, despair, and perceived barrenness—whether personal, communal, or even ecological—this verse reminds us that God's power to restore is absolute and comprehensive. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances of desolation and to trust in God's capacity to bring forth life where there was none, to turn mourning into dancing, and to transform scarcity into overflowing abundance. This promise encourages us to cultivate a posture of faith, knowing that even when our "fields" seem ravaged, God is able to cause them to "spring" again. It calls us to repentance when we have strayed, assuring us that His mercy is always available, leading to restoration that often exceeds our expectations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I currently feel a sense of "wilderness" or barrenness, and how can Joel 2:22 encourage me to trust in God's restorative power?**
* **How does God's concern for the "beasts of the field" in this verse broaden my understanding of His comprehensive care for all creation?**
* **What specific actions of repentance or faith might God be calling me to take, believing that He desires to "yield strength" in my life and circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does God address the "beasts of the field" in this verse?**

Answer: God addresses the "beasts of the field" to emphasize the comprehensive nature of His judgment and, subsequently, His restoration. The locust plague and drought had devastated the entire ecosystem, causing immense suffering not only to humans but also to animals, who would have faced starvation due to lack of pastures and water. By directly telling the beasts "Be not afraid," God demonstrates His sovereign care and compassion for all creation, highlighting that His redemptive work extends beyond humanity to the whole natural world. This underscores His role as the benevolent Creator and Provider for every living thing, as also seen in [Psalm 104:14](/psalm/104-14 "Psalm 104:14 - God Provides for Animals").

**What is the significance of the phrase "do yield their strength" when referring to the fig tree and the vine?**

Answer: The phrase "do yield their strength" (Hebrew: _natan chayil_) implies more than just bearing fruit; it signifies producing fruit with full vigor, potency, and abundant quality. It suggests an overflowing, robust, and rich harvest, not merely a meager one. This emphasizes the completeness and generosity of God's promised restoration. After a period of desolation where trees and vines would have withered or produced nothing, this promise assures a return to peak productivity and fertility, symbolizing a truly prosperous and blessed time for the land and its inhabitants, a picture of God's overflowing provision found throughout Scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 28:11-12](/deuteronomy/28-11-12 "Deuteronomy 28:11-12 - Blessings of Abundance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 2:22 speaks of a physical, agricultural restoration for ancient Israel, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ and the spiritual new creation He inaugurates. The barrenness caused by sin, far more devastating than any locust plague, is overcome by Christ's redemptive work. Just as God promised to cause the wilderness to "spring" with life, Jesus brings spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead, transforming hearts that were once barren and unproductive into fertile ground for the Spirit's fruit. The "strength" yielded by the fig tree and vine foreshadows the abundant life and spiritual fruitfulness that believers experience through Christ, who is the true vine ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")). Moreover, the comprehensive care God shows for creation in Joel 2:22 points to Christ's universal Lordship and His ultimate work of cosmic reconciliation, where all creation groans for redemption and will one day be set free from its bondage to decay ([Romans 8:19-23](/romans/8-19-23 "Romans 8:19-23 - Creation Groans for Redemption")). The promise of a restored land finds its eschatological echo in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and there will be no more curse ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Joel 2:22 is a beautiful Old Testament shadow of the greater, spiritual, and eternal restoration accomplished and guaranteed in Jesus Christ.

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

Zechariah 8:12

For the seed [shall be] prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these [things].

Psalms 65:12

They drop [upon] the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.

Psalms 145:15

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

Psalms 145:16

Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

Joel 1:18

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

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.

Psalms 107:35

He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.