Joel 2:22

22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

Joel 2:22 In-Context

20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea. And his stink shall come up, and his ill savor shall come up"" because He hath done great things.

21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD will do great things!

22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.

23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; for He hath given you the early rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the early rain and the latter rain in the first month.

24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.