Charles Ellicott Commentary Joel 1:8

"Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth." — Joel 1:8 (ASV)

For the husband of her youth. —The land is addressed as a virgin betrothed, but not yet married, and forfeiting her marriage by unworthy conduct. Such was the relation of Israel to the Lord: He was faithful, but Israel unfaithful. Now let her mourn the penalty.