8 They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks.
8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword,
8 They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.
8 They don't get in each other's way. Each one knows his job and does it. Undaunted and fearless, unswerving, unstoppable.
8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down.
8 They never jostle each other; each moves in exactly the right position. They break through defenses without missing a step.
9 They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows.
9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
9 They leap upon the city, they run upon the walls, they climb up into the houses, they enter through the windows like a thief.
9 They storm the city, swarm its defenses, Loot the houses, breaking down doors, smashing windows.
9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief.
9 They swarm over the city and run along its walls. They enter all the houses, climbing like thieves through the windows.
(Read Joel 2:1-14)
The priests were to alarm the people with the near approach of the Divine judgments. It is the work of ministers to warn of the fatal consequences of sin, and to reveal the wrath from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. The striking description which follows, shows what would attend the devastations of locusts, but may also describe the effects from the ravaging of the land by the Chaldeans. If the alarm of temporal judgments is given to offending nations, how much more should sinners be warned to seek deliverance from the wrath to come! Our business therefore on earth must especially be, to secure an interest in our Lord Jesus Christ; and we should seek to be weaned from objects which will soon be torn from all who now make idols of them. There must be outward expressions of sorrow and shame, fasting, weeping, and mourning; tears for trouble must be turned into tears for the sin that caused it. But rending the garments would be vain, except their hearts were rent by abasement and self-abhorrence; by sorrow for their sins, and separation from them. There is no question but that if we truly repent of our sins, God will forgive them; but whether he will remove affliction is not promised, yet the probability of it should encourage us to repent.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joel 2:8
Commentary on Joel 2:1-14
(Read Joel 2:1-14)
The priests were to alarm the people with the near approach of the Divine judgments. It is the work of ministers to warn of the fatal consequences of sin, and to reveal the wrath from heaven against the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. The striking description which follows, shows what would attend the devastations of locusts, but may also describe the effects from the ravaging of the land by the Chaldeans. If the alarm of temporal judgments is given to offending nations, how much more should sinners be warned to seek deliverance from the wrath to come! Our business therefore on earth must especially be, to secure an interest in our Lord Jesus Christ; and we should seek to be weaned from objects which will soon be torn from all who now make idols of them. There must be outward expressions of sorrow and shame, fasting, weeping, and mourning; tears for trouble must be turned into tears for the sin that caused it. But rending the garments would be vain, except their hearts were rent by abasement and self-abhorrence; by sorrow for their sins, and separation from them. There is no question but that if we truly repent of our sins, God will forgive them; but whether he will remove affliction is not promised, yet the probability of it should encourage us to repent.