Joel 2:5
Joel 2:5 in Multiple Translations
With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Like the sound of war-carriages they go jumping on the tops of the mountains; like the noise of a flame of fire burning up the grain-stems, like a strong people lined up for the fight.
Listen to the sound: they are like rumbling chariots leaping over the mountain tops, they are like crackling flames burning stubble, they are like a mighty army marching in formation into battle.
Like the noyse of charrets in the toppes of the mountaines shall they leape, like the noyse of a flame of fire that deuoureth the stubble, and as a mightie people prepared to the battel.
As the noise of chariots, on the tops of the mountains they skip, As the noise of a flame of fire devouring stubble, As a mighty people set in array for battle.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains, they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, like a strong people set in battle array.
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
They shall leap like the noise of chariots upon the tops of mountains, like the noise of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, as a strong people prepared to battle.
Leaping over the mountaintops, they make a noise like rumbling chariots, like [SIM] a mighty army that is preparing for a battle, or like [SIM] the roar of a fire that burns up stubble in a field.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joel 2:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joel 2:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/ק֣וֹל
מַרְכָּב֗וֹת
עַל
רָאשֵׁ֤י
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
יְרַקֵּד֔וּ/ן
כְּ/קוֹל֙
לַ֣הַב
אֵ֔שׁ
אֹכְלָ֖ה
קָ֑שׁ
כְּ/עַ֣ם
עָצ֔וּם
עֱר֖וּךְ
מִלְחָמָֽה
כְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
מַרְכָּב֗וֹת
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
N-fp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רָאשֵׁ֤י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
har
H2022
mountain
Art | N-mp
יְרַקֵּד֔וּ/ן
râqad
H7540
to skip about
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
כְּ/קוֹל֙
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
לַ֣הַב
lahab
H3851
flame
N-ms
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
אֹכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal
קָ֑שׁ
qash
H7179
stubble
N-ms
כְּ/עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
עָצ֔וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
mighty
Adj
עֱר֖וּךְ
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Inf-c
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joel 2:5
כְּ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
מַרְכָּב֗וֹת
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
N-fp
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רָאשֵׁ֤י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הֶֽ/הָרִים֙
har
H2022
"mountain"
Art | N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
יְרַקֵּד֔וּ/ן
râqad
H7540
"to skip about"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This verb means to jump or dance around, often with joy or excitement. It is used in the Bible to describe celebrations and happy times, like the Israelites dancing after defeating their enemies.
Definition: 1) to skip about 1a) (Qal) to skip about 1b) (Piel) to dance, leap 1c) (Hiphil) to make to skip
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: dance, jump, leap, skip. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:29; Psalms 114:6; Psalms 29:6.
כְּ/קוֹל֙
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
לַ֣הַב
lahab
H3851
"flame"
N-ms
This word means a flame or a sharp blade, like the point of a spear or sword. It can also describe something that flashes or glitters, like a bright flame.
Definition: 1) flame, blade 1a) flame 1b) of flashing point of spear or blade of sword
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: blade, bright, flame, glittering. See also: Judges 3:22; Isaiah 29:6; Isaiah 13:8.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
אֹכְלָ֖ה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
קָ֑שׁ
qash
H7179
"stubble"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to dry straw or stubble, often used to describe something that is worthless or easily destroyed. It appears in prophetic passages, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, to symbolize God's judgment.
Definition: stubble, chaff
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: stubble. See also: Exodus 5:12; Isaiah 40:24; Psalms 83:14.
כְּ/עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עָצ֔וּם
ʻâtsûwm
H6099
"mighty"
Adj
This word means mighty or powerful, often describing something as strong or numerous. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power and strength.
Definition: 1) mighty, vast, numerous 1a) mighty, strong (in number) 1b) numerous, countless
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] feeble, great, mighty, must, strong. See also: Genesis 18:18; Proverbs 7:26; Psalms 10:10.
עֱר֖וּךְ
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Joel 2:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joel 2:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Joel 2:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 2:5
- Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:5
- Barnes' Notes on Joel 2:5
- Sermons on Joel 2:5
Context — The Army of Locusts
3Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland— surely nothing will escape them.
4Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds.
5With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle.
6Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale. 7They charge like mighty men; they scale the walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 9:9 | They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:24 | Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 3 | Isaiah 30:30 | And the LORD will cause His majestic voice to be heard and His mighty arm to be revealed, striking in angry wrath with a flame of consuming fire, and with cloudburst, storm, and hailstones. |
| 4 | Nahum 2:3–4 | The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, and the spears of cypress have been brandished. The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning. |
| 5 | Matthew 3:12 | His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” |
| 6 | Nahum 3:2–3 | The crack of the whip, the rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot! Charging horseman, flashing sword, shining spear; heaps of slain, mounds of corpses, dead bodies without end— they stumble over their dead— |
Joel 2:5 Summary
Joel 2:5 describes a powerful and loud sound, like chariots, which represents the coming judgment of God. This sound is accompanied by the image of fire consuming stubble, indicating swift and complete destruction. Just as an army is deployed for battle, God's judgment will be organized and unstoppable, as seen in Jeremiah 25:31. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to prepare ourselves for the day of the Lord, when God's power will be manifest, and to array ourselves for the battles of faith, with the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sound being described in Joel 2:5?
The sound is like that of chariots, indicating a loud and powerful noise, similar to the sound of God's presence in Ezekiel 1:24, which was like the roar of many waters.
What does the comparison to a mighty army deployed for battle mean?
This comparison highlights the organized and formidable nature of the army, much like the description of the heavenly army in Revelation 19:19, which is also arrayed for battle.
How does the image of fire consuming stubble relate to the overall picture?
The image of fire consuming stubble, as seen in Joel 2:5, is a metaphor for the swift and complete destruction caused by the invading army, similar to the destruction described in Isaiah 5:24, where the fire consumes the stubble.
What is the significance of the army bounding over the mountaintops?
The army's ability to bound over the mountaintops, as described in Joel 2:5, signifies their unstoppable and uncontainable power, much like the description of God's power in Psalms 18:7-10, where He marches over the mountains.
Reflection Questions
- What does the sound of chariots in Joel 2:5 evoke in my heart, and how can I prepare myself for the day when God's presence is manifest in power?
- In what ways can I apply the image of a mighty army deployed for battle to my own spiritual life, and how can I array myself for the battles of faith?
- How does the comparison of the army to a consuming fire challenge my understanding of God's judgment and mercy, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29?
- What does the picture of nations writhing in horror before the army, as described in Joel 2:6, say about the fear of the Lord, and how can I cultivate a healthy fear of God in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of that mountains shall they leap,.... The motion of the locusts is leaping from place to place; for which the locusts have legs peculiarly made, their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap; such warlike chariots on resounding mountains do, with their rapid motions, and shaking their irons about them, make a great and dreadful noise; so should these locusts in their flight; by which they shall terrify the people before they come to them, for the noise of them may be heard, say some, at six miles’ distance. Like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble; which does with continued crackling burn what is under the flame, and threaten speedy and inevitable ruin to what is before it; all shall be endangered by it, as if surrounded with flaming fire. As a strong people; so . Set in battle array; prepared to assault and destroy: in pursuance of this metaphor, see .
Trapp's Commentary on Joel 2:5
Joe 2:5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.Ver. 5. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains] Not only on the tops of standing grain, as other locusts, which therehence also have their name Aκριδες, but as the hurry of chariots in stony places, Revelation 9:9. For in that book of the Revelation, the penman borrows all the elegancies and flowers of the Old Testament, thereby to set out the story of the New in succeeding ages; as here hence the Popish priests are fitly called locusts for their numerosity and voracity, Revelation 9:3. They are also likened unto horses, Joe 2:7, fed and fierce to run, and rush into the battle not without noise. "Like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble," Ecclesiastes 7:6; or the rattling of "the jumping chariot wheels," Nahum 3:2. As a strong people set in battle array] In a bloody fight between Amurath, the third King of Turkey, and Lazarus, despot of Servia, many thousands fell on both sides. The brightness of the armour and weapons was as it had been the lightning the multitude of lances and other horsemen’ s staves shadowed the light of the sun. Arrows and darts fell so fast that a man would have thought they had poured down from heaven. The noise of the instruments of war, with the neighing of horses and outcries of men, was so terrible and great, that the wild beasts in the mountains stood astonished therewith, and the Turkish histories, to express the terror of the day, vainly say that the angels in heaven, amazed with that hideous noise, for that time forgot the heavenly hymns, wherewith they always glorify God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joel 2:5
Verse 5. Like the noise of chariots] Bochart also remarks: - "The locusts fly with a great noise, so as to be heard six miles off, and while they are eating the fruits of the earth, the sound of them is like that of a flame driven by the wind." - Ibid., p. 478.
Cambridge Bible on Joel 2:5
5. Like the noise of chariots, &c.] Cf. Revelation 9:9, “And the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to war.” The remarkable noise made by a flight of locusts is noticed by many travellers. “Within a hundred paces, I heard the rushing noise occasioned by the flight of so many millions of insects. When I was in the midst of them, it was as loud as the dashing of waters occasioned by the mill-wheel.” “While passing over our heads, their sound was as of a great cataract.” “In flying they make a rushing, rustling noise, as when a strong wind blows through trees.” Cf. below, p. 87 (No. 1), 89 (No. 4), 90 (No. 7). like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble] Here the reference is to the sound made by the insects while feeding. Cyril long ago compared the noise of locusts browsing to that of a wind φλόγαδιαῤῥιπίζοντος (ap. Boch. Hieroz. 3:309); and C. V. Riley, the eminent American entomologist, speaks of it as resembling “the crackling of a prairie-fire” (Riverside Nat. Hist. 2., p. 197). “The sound of their feeding, when in swarms, is as the rushing of flames driven by the wind” (Newman, Hist. of Insects, Joe 2:1, cited in the Speaker’s Comm.). as a strong people set in battle array] cf.
Joe 2:2. They prepare for the attack like a mighty nation, seized to a man with martial ardour, and arrayed in order for the fray.
Barnes' Notes on Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains shall they leap - The amazing noise of the flight of locusts is likened by those who have heard them, to all sorts of deep sharp rushing sounds.
Sermons on Joel 2:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-492 the Holocaust and the Knowledge of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset for those who want to walk with God. He starts by sharing a personal experience of finding newly b |
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The Tribulation, and Those Who Are to Pass Through It. by William Kelly | William Kelly preaches about the great tribulation, emphasizing the distinction between the tribulation that the Christian must endure in this world and the specific trouble at the |
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Husbanding by Abner Kauffman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of taking care of our homes and families. He uses the analogy of threshing instruments to emphasize that each family is uniqu |
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The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f |
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(Daniel) Daniel's Great Vision by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker, Daniel, expresses his grief and troubled spirit. He seeks the interpretation of his dream from a created being. The interpretation reveals that the fou |
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Will God Change Me by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of transformation and newness of life through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the role of John the Baptist in introducing Jesus to t |
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We Must Return to the Apostolic Message by Miki Hardy | In this sermon on 2 Corinthians chapter 6, the speaker shares his personal journey of understanding the Gospel and the call of God in his life. He emphasizes that true ministry is |