Definition: Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really important part of the Old Testament and it’s about judgment and accountability. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Joel is telling people who are living right now – those who have been around for a long time – to check if they’ve ever done something that could be harmful or wrong. He’s asking them, “Have you ever acted in a way that has caused suffering or trouble?” Let's unpack it further: "Hear this, ye old men..." : Joel is speaking to people who have been around for a long time – likely older generations. He’s addressing those with experience and wisdom. "...and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land." : This means he's calling on everyone to listen carefully. It’s not just a casual conversation; it’s a serious call to conscience. "Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers?" : This is the crucial part. Joel is asking if any of us – past generations – have ever done something that has caused problems, pain, or trouble for others. It’s a question about our actions and their impact. What does it mean practically? The message behind this verse is about responsibility. It suggests that everyone bears the consequence of their actions, both good and bad. Joel is urging us to consider how we've behaved – whether it's been just or unjust. It’s a reminder that our choices have consequences for others and for future generations. In essence, it’s a call to conscience and accountability. It’s about taking responsibility for our actions and being mindful of the impact they have on the world around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about Joel’s time or the situation he's describing?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 1:20. It’s a pretty dramatic statement about the state of the world. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Joel is telling us that God is very concerned about the land and its resources – specifically, the water sources and pastures – and he’s worried about a time when things are going to be incredibly difficult. Let’s unpack each part: “The beasts of the field cry also unto thee…” - This means animals (like cows, sheep, and deer) are calling out to him. It's like they’re expressing a sense of distress or warning. “…for the rivers of waters are dried up…” – This is the core of the problem. Rivers that used to flow freely are now stopped - their water isn’t available anymore. This suggests a loss of life and abundance. “and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.” – This is the most alarming part. “The fire” refers to God's judgment or punishment. "Devoured the pastures" means it's destroying the land’s resources - the fields and grazing areas where animals live. Putting it all together: Joel is saying that God is witnessing a time of great hardship and loss for the land. He’s worried about the lack of water, the destruction of crops, and the overall devastation to the natural world. It's a clear warning that something significant is going to happen. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse often speaks to times of judgment or crisis – a time when God is actively working to restore things to their original state or to punish those who are not faithful to Him. It’s a message about responsibility and the consequences of neglecting God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail? Give you some possible interpretations of what this verse might mean?