Vs. 6-7:           A vast army – a nation -  too numerous to count – Their horrible destructive weapons – the result of their attack.  The Locusts devastate the land like an invading army.  Joel compares the locust infestation with the advance of the Assyrian Empire of the future.  The destruction of these locusts is the worst type of possible locust damage – teeth like a lion – saw teeth.   This variety of locust can even chew through bark and leather leaving the land totally stripped (white).

Vs. 8-10:         Weep / wail :  a feminine form of the verb - pertains to the whole nation here.   Like a virgin:  a woman who is either betrothed, engaged, or married but who has not yet physically consummated the marriage.  A real reason for sorrow and a call to universal mourning.  This describes the misery and sorrow of the people when the Assyrian army invades Judah in the future.  An analogy between the virgin widow and Judah as the bride of God who has not yet known Him (Gen. 4:1; Phil. 3:10).  

The daily sacrifices can’t be offered because the offerings are gone from the locusts.  A deep pain from this horrible disruption to the sacrifice schedule and procedure.  Due to the coming Assyrian invasion, the religious life of the Jews will cease.  The offerings which are implications to Christ will no longer take place, removing the reminder pointers to this great salvation of God to come for His people.

Vs. 11-12:       Here farmers and vine dressers are mentioned – They should despair – some feel these represent priests and preachers who would despair if there were no grains, etc. for the sacrifices.  The oils, grains, and wine necessary for the offerings are all gone.  There will be starvation, disease, famine, and plague as well.  Then several trees are mentioned because they are destroyed:

Grapevine and Fig Tree:            Many homes were completely shrouded in grapevines.   Fig trees were grown for food and medical treatment was also made from the fig cakes.  It was also a sign of prosperity to sit under your fig tree and rest. 

Pomegranate Tree:        Numerous references to this tree in the scriptures – Desirable Fruit – tasty pulp – 2 kinds: acid and sweet – The juice from the acid type was then sweetened and used as a beverage.

Palm Tree:        Common tree of warm dry climate areas – the coin made to commemorate the capture of Jerusalem was a woman weeping under a palm tree and read “Judaea Capta.”

Apple Tree:      not specific but a large tree to shade the houses and tents and the fruit was good to the taste – with a pleasant smell and refreshing.  They have all dried up and withered.  Even the joy has been destroyed.  This is a call to repentance.  As these things begin to disappear the people should begin to seek after their God and repent.

Vs. 13-14:       A direct call to repentance starting with the ministers and priests of God.  Up to them to prepare the way back to God.  They are to communicate to the people a time of fasting and a call to come together in serious prayer and seeking God.  Return to the Temple (church) to cry out to God – Something about the church and getting serious with the Lord there, together.  Because of a lack of interest in God and following His Word, Judah should prepare for the discipline from God.  Repent in sackcloth (outward) and fast and pray (inward) reflecting on God’s Word.  This is Joel’s call to his people by God’s inspiration to him.  Summon the elders and all who live in the land to cry out to the Lord (the rulers of the land in the infant king’s place).  Everyone to participate.