1:12 The vine has dried up;
the fig tree languishes –
the pomegranate, date, and apple 1 as well.
In fact, 2 all the trees of the field have dried up.
Indeed, the joy of the people 3 has dried up!
1:19 To you, O Lord, I call out for help, 4
for fire 5 has burned up 6 the grassy pastures, 7
flames have razed 8 all the trees in the fields.
2:22 Do not fear, wild animals! 9
For the pastures of the wilderness are again green with grass.
Indeed, the trees bear their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield to their fullest. 10
1 tn This Hebrew word וְתַפּוּחַ (vÿtappuakh) probably refers to the apple tree (so most English versions), but other suggestions that scholars have offered include the apricot, citron, or quince.
2 tn These words are not in the Hebrew text but are supplied in the translation for clarity.
3 tn Heb “the sons of man.”
4 tn The phrase “for help” does not appear in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity.
5 sn Fire here and in v. 20 is probably not to be understood in a literal sense. The locust plague, accompanied by conditions of extreme drought, has left the countryside looking as though everything has been burned up (so also in Joel 2:3).
6 tn Heb “consumed.” This entire line is restated at the end of v. 20.
7 tn Heb “the pastures of the wilderness.”
8 tn Heb “a flame has set ablaze.” This fire was one of the effects of the drought.
7 tn Heb “beasts of the field.”
8 tn Heb “their strength.” The trees and vines will produce a maximum harvest, in contrast to the failed agricultural conditions previously described.