Book of Joel - Chapter 1 - Verse 11

In this verse, the prophet Joel is calling on the husbandmen and vinedressers to feel a sense of shame and sorrow because the harvest of the field has perished. The husbandmen and vinedressers were responsible for cultivating and caring for the crops, so the failure of the harvest would have been a devastating blow to them. The loss of the wheat and barley crop would have had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only their livelihoods but also the food supply for the community. By urging them to howl in grief, Joel emphasizes the severity of the situation and the need for repentance and mourning. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on God for sustenance and the consequences of turning away from Him.

The theological interpretation of this verse can be understood in the context of agricultural imagery. The husbandmen and vinedressers are called to be ashamed and howl because the wheat and barley harvest has perished. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual state of the people of Israel, who have neglected their relationship with God and have failed to bear spiritual fruit. The image of the harvest being perished signifies a time of judgment and loss. The call to howl can be seen as a call to repentance and mourning over their spiritual condition. In a word study, the terms "husbandmen" and "vinedressers" can be examined in their original Hebrew context to uncover deeper meanings related to caretaking, stewardship, and cultivation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of spiritual neglect and the importance of tending to one's faith and relationship with God.