Joel 1:18

18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle wander in confusion since they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment.

Joel 1:18 Meaning and Commentary

Joel 1:18

How do the beasts groan?
&c.] For want of fodder, all green grass and herbs being eaten up by the locusts; or devoured, or trampled upon, and destroyed, by the Chaldeans; and also for want of water to quench their thirst: the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture;
the larger cattle, as oxen; these were in the utmost perplexity, not knowing where to go for food or drink: yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate;
which have shepherds to lead and direct them to pastures, and can feed on commons, where the grass is short, which other cattle cannot; yet even these were in great distress, and wasted away, and were consumed for want of nourishment.

Joel 1:18 In-Context

16 Hasn't the food been cut off before our eyes, joy and gladness from the house of our God?

17 The seeds lie shriveled in their casings. The storehouses are in ruin, and the granaries are broken down, because the grain has withered away.

18 How the animals groan! The herds of cattle wander in confusion since they have no pasture. Even the flocks of sheep suffer punishment.

19 I call to You, Lord, for fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness, and flames have devoured all the trees of the countryside.

20 Even the wild animals cry out to You, for the river beds are dried up, and fire has consumed the pastures of the wilderness.