Definition: He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast [it] away; the branches thereof are made white.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 1:7. It's a really powerful and symbolic passage about God’s judgment and restoration. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Joel is speaking to a man who is complaining about the damage to his fruit trees – grapes and figs. He’s saying they’re withered, dying, and barren. God is responding by completely removing them, making them bare and white. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He hath laid my vine waste…” – This means God has intentionally ruined or destroyed something that was once healthy and thriving. It’s like a natural disaster – something good is being taken away. “…and barked my fig tree.” - This refers to the fruit trees, specifically the figs. They're dying and rotting. “He hath made it clean bare…” – God isn’t just destroying; he’s removing everything. He’s stripping away anything that wasn’t perfect or healthy. It’s like a fresh start. “…and cast [it] away;” - This is a key part. He's completely removing the trees, taking them out of their place. “The branches thereof are made white.” – And here’s the amazing part! As God removes the old, dying parts, he also creates something new and beautiful. The branches are transformed into a pristine white state. What does this all mean? This is often interpreted as a metaphor for God's judgment on sin and evil. It’s about: Punishment: God is punishing those who have strayed from the path of righteousness. Restoration: However, it’s not just about punishment. It's also about restoring things to a better state – bringing back something that was damaged and corrupted by sin. In essence, Joel 1:7 describes God’s active intervention in restoring what is broken and creating new life through his judgment. Important Note: The context of Joel 1:7 is within the larger story of the Old Testament – a time of great turmoil and judgment. It's a dramatic portrayal of God’s power and plan to bring about renewal and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolism with other biblical passages? Give you a related story or example?