John Calvin Commentary Joel 1:11

"Be confounded, O ye husbandmen, wail, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; for the harvest of the field is perished." — Joel 1:11 (ASV)

The Prophet says nothing new here but only strengthens what he had said before, and he is not wordy without reason, as he intends here not merely to teach but also to produce an effect. This is the design of heavenly teaching, for God not only wishes that what He says may be understood, but also intends for it to penetrate our hearts. The word of God, we know, consists not only of doctrine but also of exhortations, threats, and reproofs.

So the Prophet now pursues this plan: You husband men, he says, be ashamed, and you vinedressers, howl; for perished has the harvest of the field.

The sum of it all is that the Jews, as we have already said, could not cover their indifference with any excuse. For their outcry was heard everywhere, their complaints resounded everywhere: that the land had become a wasteland, that they themselves were famished, and that they were afflicted with many calamities. Yet, no one acknowledged God, who visited them for their sins, as the source.

But what remains I will put off until tomorrow.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as You daily invite us by various means to repentance and also continue to urge us because You see our extreme slowness—O grant that we may at last be awakened from our indifference. Keep us from being intoxicated by the charms of Satan and the world; but by Your Spirit rouse us to genuine groaning, so that, being ashamed of ourselves, we may flee to Your mercy and not doubt that You will be favorable to us, provided we call on You with a sincere heart and seek that reconciliation which You daily offer to us by Your Gospel, in the name of Your only begotten Son. Amen.