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Joel 2:9

Old Testament Minor Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Joel 2:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief.
Joel 2:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Joel 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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?
12Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
← Joel 2:8Joel 2:10 →
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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
“They shall run to and fro in the city, etc.] Leap about from place to place, as locusts do; (see <233304>Isaiah 33:4); and as the Chaldeans did when they became masters of the city of Jerusalem; they ran about from place to place to seize upon their spoil and plunder: they shall run upon the wall; which before they climbed, now they shall run upon, and go from tower to tower, as the Chaldeans did, and broke clown the walls and fortifications: they shall climb up upon the houses, and enter in at the windows, like a thief; so the locusts entered into the houses of the Egyptians, (<021006>Exodus 10:6); and Pliny says F42, they will eat through everything, and even the doors of houses. Theodoret…”
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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
“run to and fro in the city--greedily seeking what they can devour. the wall--surrounding each house in Eastern buildings. enter in at the windows--though barred. like a thief-- (Joh 10:1; compare Jer 9:21).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“They shall run to and fro in the city - “The city” is questionless Jerusalem. So to the Romans, “the city” meant Rome; to the Athenians, Athens; among ourselves, “town” or “the city” are idiomatic names for the whole of London or “the city of London.” In Wales “town” is, with the country people, the neighboring town with which alone they are familiar. There is no ambiguity in the living language. In Guernsey, one who should call Port Pierre by any other name than “the town,” would betray himself to be a stranger. In Hosea, and Amos, prophets for Israel, “the city” is Samaria Hosea 11:9; Amos 3:6. In Solomon Psalms 72:16; Proverbs 1:21; Proverbs 8:3 and the prophets of Judah (Micah 6:9;…”
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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
“Runs to and fro - This seems not proper to these insects, but it well suits with soldiers, that conquer a city and search all places for plunder. Run upon the wall - To clear the wall of all the besieged. The houses - Either forsaken by the inhabitants, or defended by such as are in them. Like a thief - Suddenly, unexpectedly, to spoil if not to kill. Joel 2:10”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“enter: Exo 10:6; Jer 9:21; Joh 10:1 Joel 2:10”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification