Joel 1:8-13
1:8 a Weep like a bride (literally a virgin): Judah is compared to a young betrothed woman whose marriage is never consummated due to the death of her husband.1:9 b The locust plague threatened the people of Judah with starvation and brought the regular daily animal sacrifices and offerings of grain and wine at the Temple in Jerusalem to a halt (cp. Exod 29:38-41 c; Num 28:2-8 d).
1:10 e The locusts destroyed the three essential staple crops of ancient Israel: grain . . . grapes and olive oil.
1:12 f Drought had intensified the devastation of the locust plague; everything had withered and dried up (see also 1:19-20 g). Spiritually, the people’s joy had dried up along with the fruit trees.
Summary for Joel 1:13-14: 1:13-14 h The priests were to lead all the people in public rites of mourning at the Temple. Their outward actions must be matched by authentic inward change (see 2:13 i).
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