Joel 2:22

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Joel 2:22 KJV provides a vivid picture of divine restoration and abundant blessing following a period of severe judgment and devastation. This verse is part of God's promise to reverse the effects of the devastating locust plague and drought described earlier in the book, bringing renewed life and prosperity to the land.

Context

The Book of Joel opens with a graphic description of an unprecedented locust infestation and accompanying drought, which left the land barren and the people in despair (see Joel 1:4). This calamity is presented as a manifestation of the "day of the LORD," a time of divine judgment. However, following a call to repentance and mourning (as seen in Joel 2:12-17), God responds with compassion and promises to restore what was lost. Joel 2:22 is a direct assurance of this restoration, specifically focusing on the reversal of agricultural ruin.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The verse emphasizes God's power to bring life back to a desolate land. What was consumed by locusts and withered by drought will now flourish abundantly.
  • Abundance and Provision: The imagery of "pastures... do spring" and trees bearing fruit signifies a return to plentiful harvests and sustenance, demonstrating God's generous provision for His people and even the animals.
  • Reversal of Judgment: This verse marks a turning point from divine discipline to divine blessing, showing God's mercy and willingness to bless those who turn to Him. It's a promise of restoration for the years the locusts have eaten.
  • God's Care for Creation: The unusual address, "Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field," highlights God's comprehensive care that extends beyond humanity to the entire creation, which also suffered during the judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "yield their strength" (Hebrew: נָתַן חֵילָהּ, natan cheilah) for the fig tree and vine is significant. It implies not just bearing fruit, but doing so with full vigor and productivity, reflecting the abundant nature of God's promised blessing. The "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar) here refers to open grazing lands that had become parched, now promised to "spring" forth with new growth.

Practical Application

Joel 2:22 offers a powerful message of hope for all generations. It reminds us that even after periods of intense hardship, loss, or spiritual barrenness, God has the power and desire to bring about profound restoration. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: Just as God restored the land of Israel, He is faithful to bring about renewal in our lives, communities, and circumstances.
  • Look for Hope in Despair: When faced with overwhelming challenges, this passage provides assurance that God can reverse seemingly irreversible situations, turning barrenness into fruitfulness.
  • Recognize God's Holistic Care: His concern extends to all aspects of creation, underscoring His comprehensive love and power to provide. It echoes themes of God's provision seen throughout scripture, such as in Matthew 6:26 regarding the birds of the air.

Ultimately, Joel 2:22 is a declaration of God's sovereign ability to transform desolation into abundance, providing a tangible picture of His transformative power in the natural world as a sign of His spiritual blessings.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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