Joel 1:11

Be dismayed, O farmers, wail, O vinedressers, over the wheat and barley, because the harvest of the field has perished.

Study Bible

Be dismayed, O farmers
The call for farmers to be dismayed reflects the severe impact of the locust plague described earlier in the chapter. In ancient Israel, agriculture was the backbone of the economy, and farmers were crucial to the community's survival. The dismay indicates a deep sense of loss and helplessness, as their livelihood and sustenance are threatened. This phrase also serves as a call to repentance, urging the people to recognize the spiritual implications of the disaster.

Wail, O vinedressers
Vinedressers were responsible for tending vineyards, a significant part of Israel's agricultural output. The command to wail underscores the emotional and economic devastation caused by the plague. Vineyards were often associated with joy and celebration, as wine was a staple in religious and social gatherings. The destruction of the vineyards symbolizes a loss of joy and prosperity, echoing the lamentation found in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Over the wheat and barley
Wheat and barley were staple grains in ancient Israel, essential for daily sustenance and religious offerings. The mention of these grains highlights the comprehensive nature of the disaster, affecting both basic needs and spiritual practices. Wheat and barley were harvested at different times, indicating that the plague's impact was prolonged and devastating. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's judgment affecting all aspects of life.

Because the harvest of the field has perished
The perishing of the harvest signifies a complete and utter loss, not just a temporary setback. In the biblical context, a failed harvest was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. This phrase connects to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience brought blessings, and disobedience led to curses, as outlined in Deuteronomy. The perished harvest serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, urging the people to return to Him in repentance and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Farmers
Individuals who cultivate the land and grow crops. In the context of Joel, they are experiencing devastation due to a locust plague.

2. Vinedressers
Workers who tend to vineyards, responsible for the care and harvesting of grapes. They are also affected by the destruction of their crops.

3. Wheat and Barley
Staple crops in ancient Israel, essential for daily sustenance and economic stability. Their destruction signifies a severe crisis.

4. Harvest
The time of gathering mature crops from the fields. The failure of the harvest represents a significant loss and a call to repentance.

5. The Land of Judah
The setting of Joel's prophecy, where the people are called to recognize the judgment of God through natural calamities.

Teaching Points

Recognition of Divine Judgment
The devastation of crops in Joel 1:11 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. Believers are called to recognize when God is using circumstances to draw them back to Him.

Call to Repentance
The lament of the farmers and vinedressers is a call to repentance. In times of crisis, Christians should examine their lives and turn back to God with sincere hearts.

Dependence on God for Provision
The loss of the harvest highlights the need for reliance on God rather than solely on human efforts or natural resources. Trust in God's provision is essential.

Community Lament and Prayer
The communal aspect of the lament in Joel encourages believers to come together in prayer and seek God's mercy during difficult times.

Hope in Restoration
While Joel 1:11 speaks of destruction, the broader message of Joel includes the promise of restoration. Christians can find hope in God's ability to restore and renew.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the destruction of the harvest in Joel 1:11 reflect the spiritual state of the people of Judah, and what can we learn from this about the relationship between physical and spiritual well-being?

2. In what ways can modern Christians identify and respond to "locust plagues" in their own lives, whether literal or metaphorical?

3. How does the call to lament in Joel 1:11 compare to other biblical calls to repentance, such as those found in the book of Amos or Isaiah?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our dependence is on God rather than on our own resources or abilities, especially in times of crisis?

5. How can the promise of restoration found later in the book of Joel encourage us in our personal and communal struggles today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including agricultural failure as a consequence of turning away from God.

Isaiah 24
Describes the earth's mourning and languishing due to the sin of its inhabitants, similar to the devastation in Joel.

Amos 4
Amos speaks of various calamities, including agricultural disasters, as a means for God to call His people to return to Him.