Joel 2:7

They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:

They shall run {H7323} like mighty men {H1368}; they shall climb {H5927} the wall {H2346} like men {H582} of war {H4421}; and they shall march {H3212} every one {H376} on his ways {H1870}, and they shall not break {H5670} their ranks {H734}:

Like warriors they charge, they scale the wall like soldiers. Each one keeps to his own course, without getting in the other's way.

They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course.

They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks.

Commentary

Joel 2:7 vividly describes the relentless and disciplined advance of the locust army, which serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment in the prophet Joel's vision. This verse paints a picture of an unstoppable force, moving with military precision and unity.

Context

In Joel chapter 2, the prophet describes an unprecedented locust plague that devastates the land of Judah. This natural disaster is presented not merely as an ecological event but as a direct precursor to, or a manifestation of, the great and terrible Day of the Lord. The imagery used, particularly in verses 4-9, personifies the locusts as a mighty, disciplined army, highlighting the severity and inevitability of God's impending judgment if the people do not repent. The description emphasizes their overwhelming numbers and their ability to conquer any obstacle, foreshadowing a time of divine reckoning.

Key Themes

  • Unstoppable Force and Divine Judgment: The primary theme is the irresistible nature of the "army" (whether literal locusts or a future invading force) sent by God. Their ability to "run like mighty men" and "climb the wall" signifies that no human defense or natural barrier can withstand the judgment of the Almighty. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty and power.
  • Discipline and Unity: The phrase "they shall not break their ranks" highlights the perfect coordination and unwavering discipline of this army. Unlike human armies that might falter or disperse, this force moves with singular purpose and efficiency, emphasizing the terrifying effectiveness of God's instruments, whether natural or human.
  • Imminence of the Day of the Lord: The terrifying precision and power of this described force underscore the urgency of Joel's call to repentance and returning to the Lord. The relentless advance signifies that the time for decision is now, as judgment is swiftly approaching.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses powerful military terminology to describe the locusts' movement. "Mighty men" (ื’ึดึผื‘ึนึผื•ืจึดื™ื, gibborim) and "men of war" (ืึทื ึฐืฉึตืื™ ืžึดืœึฐื—ึธืžึธื”, anshei milchamah) are terms typically reserved for formidable human warriors. Applying these terms to insects elevates the description beyond a mere natural phenomenon, imbuing the locusts with a terrifying, almost supernatural, efficiency and strength. The phrase "they shall not break their ranks" (ื•ึฐืœึนื ื™ึทืขึฐื‘ึฐึผื˜ื•ึผืŸ ืึนืจึฐื—ึนืชึธื, welo ya'abetun orhotam) suggests an unwavering adherence to their path, a perfect, unyielding march that leaves no room for deviation or surrender.

Practical Application

Joel 2:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute control over creation and history. For believers today, it calls us to:

  • Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: Recognize that even seemingly natural disasters or formidable human forces can be instruments in God's hand, working according to His divine plan. As Daniel 4:35 affirms God's dominion over all things.
  • Heed Warnings: Just as ancient Israel was warned, we are called to be vigilant and responsive to God's warnings, whether through scripture, circumstances, or the Holy Spirit.
  • Embrace Discipline and Unity: While this verse describes an enemy, it also implicitly sets a standard for the people of God. The church is called to move with discipline, unity, and a clear sense of purpose in fulfilling the Great Commission, not breaking ranks in its mission.

This verse ultimately points to the futility of resisting God's purposes and the wisdom of aligning our lives with His will, understanding that His warnings are opportunities for repentance and restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 30:27

    The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

  • 2 Samuel 5:8

    And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David's soul, [he shall be chief and captain]. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

  • 2 Samuel 1:23

    Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

  • Joel 2:9

    They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.

  • Isaiah 5:26

    And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:

  • Isaiah 5:29

    Their roaring [shall be] like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry [it] away safe, and none shall deliver [it].

  • 2 Samuel 2:18

    ยถ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel [was as] light of foot as a wild roe.
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