Joel 2:22

22 Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best. ^[a]

Joel 2:22 Meaning and Commentary

Joel 2:22

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field
Which before groaned, and were perplexed for want of pasture, and cried because of the drought, ( Joel 1:18 Joel 1:20 ) ; perhaps the Gentiles may be here designed, in the mystic and spiritual sense, in distinction from the Jews, the children of Zion, in ( Joel 2:23 ) ; for the pastures of the wilderness do spring;
grass in abundance springs up in them, and covers them, so that there was plenty of food for the beasts of the field: for the tree beareth her fruit;
brings forth and bears fruit suitable to it, agreeable to its nature: the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength;
send forth their branches, put forth their buds, their leaves and fruit. This and the preceding clause cannot be understood as a reason why the beasts of the field should not be afraid, for they relate not to them, but to men; and may serve to confirm the mystic sense of the words, as they may refer to the great fruitfulness produced in the wilderness of the Gentile world, through the preaching of the Gospel in the times of the Messiah; which are more clearly pointed at in ( Joel 2:23 ) ; and which were introduced with great outward peace and plenty; and the Jews ^F6 by the tree bearing her fruit, in the preceding clause, understand barren trees bearing fruit.

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 112. 2.

Joel 2:22 In-Context

20 The northern army I will drive away from you, banishing it to a barren and desolate land, its front ranks into the Eastern Sea, and its rear guard into the Western Sea. And its stench will rise; its foul odor will ascend. For He has done great things.

21 Do not be afraid, O land; rejoice and be glad, for the LORD has done great things.

22 Do not be afraid, O beasts of the field, for the open pastures have turned green, the trees bear their fruit, and the fig tree and vine yield their best.

23 Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.

24 The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally their strength