Joel 2:7

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joel 2:7 offers a vivid and terrifying depiction of the invading army, whether literal locusts or a human military force, portraying them with remarkable discipline, strength, and unwavering purpose. This verse emphasizes the unstoppable nature of God's instruments of judgment, highlighting their military precision, their ability to overcome any obstacle, and their unified advance, serving as a stark warning of the impending "Day of the Lord" and the futility of human resistance against divine decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 2:7 is part of a larger prophetic vision in Joel chapter 2, where the prophet describes an unprecedented and devastating plague. This plague is not merely a natural disaster but is explicitly framed as a manifestation of the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and reckoning (Joel 2:1-2). Verses 4-9 specifically personify the locusts as an invincible army, detailing their appearance, movement, and destructive power. Joel 2:7, in particular, focuses on their military discipline and their relentless advance, emphasizing their ability to overcome all human defenses. This imagery serves to underscore the severity and inevitability of the impending judgment, setting the stage for Joel's urgent call to repentance in [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12-17 "Joel's Call to Repentance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Joel is notoriously difficult to date, but its message resonates with the agricultural societies of ancient Israel, where locust plagues were a known, albeit catastrophic, threat. Such plagues could decimate crops, leading to famine and economic ruin. The prophet uses this familiar natural disaster as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, drawing on the common experience of warfare in the ancient Near East. The imagery of a disciplined army scaling walls and maintaining ranks would have been immediately recognizable to an audience familiar with military sieges and organized warfare. The emphasis on an unyielding, unified force would have evoked a sense of dread, as such an army was virtually impossible to resist, mirroring the overwhelming nature of God's judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The description in Joel 2:7 contributes significantly to several key themes in the book of Joel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over creation and history, using even natural phenomena or human armies as instruments of His will. The relentless advance and military precision of the described force highlight the **Irresistible Nature of God's Instruments**, signaling that no human defense can withstand His purposes. Furthermore, the emphasis on their unity and discipline ("they shall not break their ranks") underscores the theme of **Perfect Execution of Divine Will**, contrasting with the potential disarray or wavering of human endeavors. This terrifying imagery serves to heighten the urgency of the prophet's call for national repentance, emphasizing the imminence and severity of the [Day of the Lord](/joel/2-1 "Joel 2:1 - The Day of the Lord is Near").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** (H1368) This term, often translated as "warrior" or "champion," denotes strength, power, and valor. Its application to the locusts elevates them from mere insects to a formidable, almost superhuman, force, emphasizing their destructive capability and the futility of human resistance. It is a term typically reserved for elite human fighters, highlighting the terrifying efficacy of God's chosen instrument.
* **climb (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** (H5927) This verb signifies ascending, mounting, or going up. When applied to the locusts climbing the wall, it powerfully conveys their ability to overcome any physical barrier or defense that humans might erect. It suggests an unstoppable upward movement, symbolizing their pervasive infiltration and conquest of all obstacles.
* **ranks (Hebrew, _ʼôrach'_):** (H734) This word refers to a well-trodden road, path, or a caravan/troop's order. In the context of "not break their ranks," it speaks to the perfect order, discipline, and unwavering adherence to a predetermined path. It implies a unified, unbroken front, moving with singular purpose and without deviation or disarray, making them an incredibly efficient and terrifying force.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall run like mighty men;":** This clause immediately establishes the extraordinary power and speed of the invading force. By comparing them to "mighty men" (גִּבֹּורִים, _gibbôwrîm_), the prophet imbues the locusts with a strength and ferocity far beyond their natural size, emphasizing their overwhelming and formidable nature as agents of divine judgment. Their running denotes swift, unhindered movement.
* **"they shall climb the wall like men of war;":** This phrase illustrates the invaders' ability to overcome any obstacle, even fortified defenses. Walls, typically symbols of security and protection, prove no hindrance to this army. The comparison to "men of war" (אַנְשֵׁי מִלְחָמָה, _’anshêy milchâmâh_) further reinforces their military prowess, discipline, and determination to penetrate and conquer.
* **"and they shall march every one on his ways,":** This clause highlights the individual and collective discipline of the army. Each unit, or even each individual locust, maintains its designated path and direction. There is no confusion, no straying, and no deviation from their destructive course, signifying a perfectly coordinated and relentless advance.
* **"and they shall not break their ranks:":** This final phrase is a powerful statement about the unity and unwavering order of the invading force. Unlike human armies that might falter, break formation, or retreat under pressure, this army maintains perfect cohesion. This unyielding discipline underscores their unstoppable nature and the inevitability of the judgment they represent.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 2:7 is rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, painting a vivid picture of the locust army's terrifying advance. The prophet uses **Personification** by attributing human military qualities—running, climbing, marching, and maintaining ranks—to the locusts, elevating them from a mere natural phenomenon to a disciplined, intelligent, and formidable fighting force. The repeated use of **Simile** ("like mighty men," "like men of war") directly compares the locusts to human warriors, emphasizing their strength, agility, and strategic precision, thereby intensifying the sense of dread and the overwhelming nature of the impending judgment. The description also employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme nature of the plague, portraying the locusts as an unparalleled force against which no defense is effective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 2:7 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to use any means, even seemingly insignificant creatures or overwhelming natural forces, to execute His divine will and judgment. The unstoppable, disciplined advance of the "army" serves as a powerful reminder that when God acts, nothing can hinder His purposes. This passage underscores the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of divine reckoning for those who refuse to repent, compelling humanity to recognize God's supreme authority over all creation and history.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")
* [Habakkuk 1:6-7](/habakkuk/1-6-7 "Habakkuk 1:6-7 - The Ruthless Chaldeans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 2:7, with its vivid portrayal of an unstoppable, disciplined force, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to confront the reality of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of His judgment. In a world often marked by chaos and resistance to divine authority, this verse serves as a stark reminder that God remains in ultimate control, and His purposes will be accomplished. For us, this means fostering a deep reverence for God, acknowledging His power not just in creation but also in His righteous judgments. It calls for a life of humility and responsiveness to His Word, understanding that warnings, whether from Scripture or through circumstances, are opportunities for repentance and alignment with His will. Furthermore, while describing an adversary, the verse implicitly challenges the church to embody a similar discipline and unity in its mission. Just as the "army" moves with unwavering purpose, so too should the body of Christ march forward in evangelism, discipleship, and service, "not breaking ranks" in its commitment to the Great Commission and its pursuit of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of an unstoppable, disciplined army in Joel 2:7 challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty and power in the face of global challenges or personal struggles?**
* **In what areas of my life or in the life of my community of faith do we need to cultivate greater discipline and unity, mirroring the unwavering purpose described in this verse?**
* **What warnings from God, whether through Scripture, circumstances, or the Holy Spirit, might I be resisting, and how can Joel 2:7 prompt me to a more immediate and sincere repentance?**

### FAQ

**Is Joel 2:7 describing literal locusts or a human army?**

Answer: Joel 2:7, like much of Joel chapter 2, employs highly metaphorical language. While the immediate context describes a devastating locust plague, the imagery used—"mighty men," "men of war," climbing walls, and maintaining military ranks—transcends a literal description of insects. Scholars often interpret this as a dual reference: a literal locust plague that serves as a powerful metaphor for an invading human army, or even as a direct prophetic vision of a future military invasion that will enact God's judgment. The ambiguity allows the passage to convey the terrifying, overwhelming nature of God's judgment, regardless of the specific instrument, whether natural or human, that He employs. It emphasizes the *effect* of the judgment—its irresistibility and precision—rather than definitively identifying the *means*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 2:7 vividly portrays an instrument of divine judgment, its underlying themes of God's sovereignty, the inevitability of His purposes, and the futility of resistance find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The "unbreakable ranks" and "mighty men" imagery, initially terrifying, foreshadow the disciplined and unstoppable advance of God's redemptive plan through His Son. Jesus, the true [Mighty One](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God"), did not come to break ranks with God's will but perfectly fulfilled it, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His resurrection demonstrates God's ultimate victory over sin and death, an unstoppable force that no "wall" or "rank" of opposition could withstand (Acts 2:24). Furthermore, the church, as the body of Christ, is called to move with a similar divine discipline and unity, not breaking ranks in its mission to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, empowered by the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-3). The terrifying judgment described in Joel ultimately points to the judgment that Christ bore on our behalf, offering a path to salvation for all who, like ancient Israel, turn in repentance to the Lord (Romans 5:8-9), finding refuge in the one who fulfilled all righteousness and conquered all opposition.

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

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

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