The Lord Had Pity
Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Joel 2:22
Be not afraid... The first charge was directed to the wild animals, which had been affected so adversely by the locust invasion and accompanying drought (cf. Joel 1:20). The effects of that judgment would be completely reversed. The open pastures (cf. Joel 1:19) would again bring forth grass and vegetation. The trees and vines would again yield their fruit (cf. Joel 1:7, 1:12, 1:19).
for the pastures... Grass in abundance springs up in them, and covers them, so that there was plenty of food for the beasts of the field.
for the tree... Brings forth and bears fruit suitable to it, agreeable to its nature.
the fig tree... Send forth their branches, put forth their buds, their leaves and fruit. This and the preceding clause cannot be understood as a reason why the beasts of the field should not be afraid, for they relate not to them, but to men.
And may serve to confirm the mystic sense of the words, as they may refer to the great fruitfulness produced in the wilderness of the Gentile world, through the preaching of the Gospel in the times of the Messiah.
Which are more clearly pointed at (in Joel 2:23); and which were introduced with great outward peace and plenty. And the Jews by the tree bearing her fruit, in the preceding clause, understand barren trees bearing fruit.
All natural vegetation springs forth to feed the beasts of the field. The fruit trees will abundantly produce fruit, and the vines will bring forth in strength.
The first charge was directed to the wild animals, which had been affected so adversely by the locust invasion and accompanying drought (cf. Joel 1:20). The effects of that judgment would be completely reversed. The open pastures (cf. Joel 1:19) would again bring forth grass and vegetation. The trees and vines would again yield their fruit (cf. Joel 1:7, 1:12, 1:19).
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