Joel 1:20
The beasts of the field cry also unto thee: for the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Joel 1:20 (KJV)
Context
The book of Joel is one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The prophet delivered a message to the people of Judah during a national crisis, likely in the 9th century BC. A devastating locust plague had destroyed crops and vegetation, and a severe drought had dried up the streams. Joel 1:20 concludes a lament in which the prophet himself cries out to the Lord, and now even the wild animals join that cry.
Meaning
The phrase “the beasts of the field cry also unto thee” pictures animals panting or longing desperately for water. The Hebrew word conveys intense yearning. The verse names two causes of their distress: the rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness. The fire may refer to the scorching heat of drought or the aftermath of the locust plague, which left the land barren. Even the most remote grazing lands were not spared, showing the totality of the disaster.
This verse emphasizes that all creation depends on God’s provision. When He withholds blessing, both humans and animals suffer. The animals, which cannot repent, instinctively look to God for relief. Their cry serves as a silent rebuke to human stubbornness, reminding the people of Judah—and readers today—that turning from God brings devastation to the whole land.
Biblical connections
The verse follows Joel 1:19, where the prophet cries to the Lord, showing that both humans and animals turn to God in distress. Later, Joel 2:25 promises that God will restore the years the locusts have eaten, offering hope after judgment. The groaning of creation under the effects of sin also echoes Romans 8:22, where creation itself awaits redemption.
Application
Dependence on God: When rivers dry up and pastures are devoured, all living creatures are vulnerable. This verse calls us to recognize our utter dependence on God for sustenance and blessing.
Consequences of Sin: Throughout Scripture, natural disasters sometimes follow human disobedience. The locust plague serves as a metaphor for God’s judgment, reminding us that our actions have consequences and that turning away from God leads to suffering.
Interconnectedness of Creation: The suffering of animals due to dried-up rivers and destroyed pastures shows that the well-being of all creatures is interlinked. We are responsible to care for the environment and all living beings.
Repentance and Restoration: When faced with the consequences of sin, we can turn back to God, seeking forgiveness and restoration. Just as the land can be renewed after devastation, our lives can be restored through God’s grace.
Compassion for Creation: We are challenged to consider how our actions affect the environment and to act responsibly as caretakers of God’s creation, extending compassion to all living beings.
Reflection
Joel 1:20 teaches us about dependence on God, the consequences of sin, and the interconnectedness of creation. It invites us to humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and seek His face, knowing that He hears the cries of all His creatures. In times of distress, we can cry out to Him, trusting in His mercy and power to restore.
