Translations
Modern
Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the channels of water have dried up, and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Latin
Sed et bestiæ agri, quasi area sitiens imbrem, suspexerunt ad te, quoniam exsiccati sunt fontes aquarum, et ignis devoravit speciosa deserti.
Original
Hebrew
English
Even the beasts of the field pant for You, for the streams of water have dried up, and fire has consumed the open pastures.
Notes
All creation suffers because of human sin (Genesis 3:17–18; 9:2; Romans 8:20–21). Even wild animals cry out to God. The Hebrew word translated "pant” is the same as in Psalm 42:1, where the deer “pants” for water. The animals, needing food and drink, show how the people of Judah and Jerusalem should seek their Lord (see Isaiah 1:3).
The prophet Joel describes a severe locust plague that struck Judah and Jerusalem.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Joelc. 820 BC
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Animals: Suffer Under Divine Judgments, Sent Upon Man Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Famine: Described Fire: Drying Nation: Chastised