Definition: And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joel 2:25. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage about God’s plan to protect His people from suffering. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is sending a massive army – his "great army" – to actively fight off plagues that are devastating and destroying. Let's unpack each part: “And I will restore to you…” : This tells us the action is going to be restoring . It’s not just about letting things go; it’s about reversing a terrible situation. “…the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm.” : This is where it gets a little more specific. These are different types of insects – locusts, cankerworms, caterpillars, and palm worms – that are causing immense harm to crops and people. They're all incredibly destructive pests. “My great army which I sent among you” : This is the crucial part! God has already sent a large group of these insects (the "army") to plague the land. He’s essentially saying he's actively working to eliminate them. So, what does this mean in practical terms? Joel was writing during a time of great famine and hardship in Israel. The locust plagues were devastating, causing widespread death and destruction. This verse speaks to God’s active intervention to stop these plagues from continuing to harm people and their crops. It suggests that God is determined to protect His people from suffering, even if it means using powerful forces. Important Note: This isn't a guarantee of never experiencing these plagues again. The verse describes a process – a sustained effort to eliminate the problems. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give you some historical context about the locust plagues in ancient times? Explain what "army" might mean in biblical language? Discuss the symbolism behind these plagues within the Old Testament?