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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joel 1:9

Verse 9 Here, in other words, the Prophet paints the calamity; for, as it has been said, we see how great is the slowness of men to discern God’s judgments; and the Jews, we know, were not more attentive to them than we are now. It was, therefore, needful to prick them with various goads, as the Prophet now does, as though he said, “If ye are not now concerned for want of food, if ye consider not even what the very drunkards are constrained to feel, who perceive not the evil at a distance, but... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joel 1:10

Verse 10 The Prophet goes on here with the same subject, and uses these many words to give more effect to what he said; for he knew that he addressed the deaf, who, by long habit, had so hardened themselves that God could effect nothing, at least very little, by his word. This is the reason why the Prophet so earnestly presses a subject so evident. Should any one ask what need there was of so many expressions, as it seems to be a needless use of words; I do indeed allow that all that the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joel 1:11

Verse 11 The Prophet says nothing new here, but only strengthens what he had said before, and is not wordy without reason; for he intends here not merely to teach, but also to produce an effect: And this is the design of heavenly teaching; for God not only wishes that what he says may be understood, but intends also to penetrate into our hearts: and the word of God, we know, consists not of doctrine only, but also of exhortations, and threatenings, and reproofs. This plan then the Prophet now... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joel 1:12

Verse 12 The Prophet now concludes his subjects which was, that as God executed judgments so severe on the people, it was a wonder that they remained stupefied, when thus reduces to extremities. The vine, he says, has dried up, and every kind of fruit; he adds the fig-tree, afterwards the רמון remun, the pomegranate, (for so they render it,) the palm, the apple-tree, (4) and all trees. And this sterility was a clear sign of God’s wrath; and it would have been so regarded, had not men either... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:2-7

These verses describe the invasion of the locusts, with an exhortation to reflect on and lament for the calamity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:5

Three classes are called on to lament—the winebibbers, the husbandmen, and the priests. The verses before us ( Joel 1:5-7 ) contain the prophet's appeal to the drunkards. Their sin had not alarmed them; the danger with which their soul was imperilled bad not aroused them; now, however, the heavy visitation that awaited them would affect them more vehemently, touching them more nearly. Deprived of the means of their favourite indulgence, they are urged to awake from their stupid slumber and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:5

Awake! This solemn appeal to those who are designated and denounced as drunkards is fraught with implicit lessons of wisdom and faithfulness for all devout readers of God's Word. I. IT IMPLIES THE PREVALENCE OF SPIRITUAL SLUMBER . Such is the state of those who are immersed in the cares and the enjoyments of this earthly life, who are deaf to the thunder of the Law and to the promises of the gospel, who are blind to the visions of judgment or of grace that are passing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:5

A call to drunkards. "Awake, ye drunkards, and weep I and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine! for it is cut off from your mouth." The words imply that the wine used in Judah was of an intoxicating character, that men in that country used it to an inebriating extent, and that such men should humble themselves in deep penitence on account of the great calamity that was coming upon the land. A more contemptible character, a more injurious member of the human family,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:5-8

The lessons taught by this calamity. The lessons which God intended to teach his people by the calamitous events here recorded are solemn as salutary. Among them may be reckoned the ends for which they were sent, the alarming extent of them, and the effects produced. I. THE ENDS OF THE CRUSHING CALAMITY THEN PRESSING ON THE PEOPLE OF JUDAH . 1 . It was designed to rouse them out of their sinful slumber. Previous intimations of Divine displeasure had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joel 1:6

For a nation is come up upon my land, strong and without number. The loss of the wine and of the sweet juice of the grape would be a source of genuine sorrow to the drinkers of wine; that loss would be occasioned by the destruction of the vines. In this and the following verse the prophet explains the instrumentality by which that destruction would be brought about. The prophet, fully identifying himself with his countrymen, speaking in their name and as their representative, says "my land."... read more

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