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Joel 2:8

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Joel 2:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].
Joel 2:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Joel 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Like 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.
6At their presence the peoples are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale.
7They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks.
8Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path; and they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].
9They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief.
10The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble; the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
11And Jehovah uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
← Joel 2:7Joel 2:9 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Neither shall one thrust another, etc.] Press upon another, thrust him out of his place, or push him forward, or any ways straiten and distress him, or in the least hinder him in his progress: they shall walk everyone in his path; or “highway” F38; everyone should have his path, and keep in it, and it should be as roomy to him as if he had a highway to walk in by himself, and in which he could not err: and when they shall fall upon the sword; on which they would pitch without any fear or dread of it: they shall not be wounded: or “cut to pieces” F39 by it; it not being easy for the sword to pierce and cut them, through the smoothness and smallness of their bodies; (see <660909>Revelation…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Neither shall one thrust another--that is, press upon so as to thrust his next neighbor out of his place, as usually occurs in a large multitude. when they fall upon the sword--that is, among missiles. not be wounded--because they are protected by defensive armor [GROTIUS]. MAURER translates, "Their (the locusts') ranks are not broken when they rush among missiles" (compare Dan 11:22).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“When they fall upon the sword - (literally, “among the darts”) they shall not be wounded It may be that the prophet would describe how the locust seems armed as in a suit of armor. As one says , “Their form was wondrous; they had a sort of gorget round their neck like a lancer, and a helm on their head, such as soldiers wear.” But, more, he exhibits their indomitableness and impenetrableness, how nothing checks, nothing retards, nothing makes any impression upon them. : “They do not suffer themselves to be impeded by any obstacles, but fly boldly on, and are drowned in the sea when they come to it.” : “When on a march during the day, it is utterly impossible to turn the direction of a troop,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The sword - The sword shall not be a weapon to destroy them; literally verified in the locusts, and verified in the strange preservations in the most desperate adventures made by the Assyrians or Babylonians. Joel 2:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“sword: or, dart, Ch2 23:10, Ch2 32:5 \*marg. Neh 4:17, Neh 4:23; Job 33:18, Job 36:12; Sol 4:13 Joel 2:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification