CRITICAL NOTES.] The prophecy opens with lamentation over the land, made desolate by successive swarms of locusts. Joel 1:2 contain the spirited introduction. OLD MEN] are called upon to note the unusual course of nature. INHABITANTS] of Judah, whatever part they occupy, and whatever calamities they... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:8. A VIRGIN] The impersonated nation to lament with the sorrow and despair of a young girl, whose hopes have been blighted, and her beloved taken away by a stroke (Ezekiel 16:8). JOEL 1:9.] The cessation of temple service would be the greatest sorrow, and would impress the... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:11.] The third appeal to HUSBANDMEN and VINEDRESSERS. Wheat and barley destroyed before their eyes; vines languish and choice fruit-trees perish. JOEL 1:12. JOY] The joy of harvest withered away (Psalms 4:7; Isaiah 9:3). _HOMILETICS_ DISAPPOINTED HUSBANDMEN.—_Joel 1:11_ T... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:13.] A summons to repentance. PRIESTS] first; they have been negligent, and must set the example of penitence. SACKCLOTH] Outward garments must indicate inward grief (Isaiah 32:11; Jeremiah 4:8). JOEL 1:14. SANCTIFY] Set apart, hallow days of fasting. SOLEMN ASSEM.] Lit. pro... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:15. THE DAY] of anger (Isaiah 13:9) and ill omen; evil in itself, and foreshadowing greater evils; a transition from invading locusts to the day of judgment upon all ungodly men. Present calamities are clothed in greater terror when regarded as a type of the last judgment. J... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:16.] Food cut off, the joy of festivals and sacrifices banished. JOEL 1:17. SEED] decayed under the clods. GARNERS] Storehouses went to ruin and prospects of future harvest were blighted. JOEL 1:18.] From the homestead attention is directed to the fields. CATTLE] bewildere... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.] JOEL 1:19.] Beasts cry to God, but man hears not; the prophet is touched and cries for the impenitent. TO THEE] beasts even lift their heads in dumb appeal, and to thee I cry, for thou art the only hope (Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 23:9), amid the insensibility of man, the distress of na... [ Continue Reading ]