Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Joel 1:8

8. Lament--O "my land" (Joe 1:6; Is 24:4).

virgin ... for the husband--A virgin betrothed was regarded as married (De 22:23; Mt 1:19). The Hebrew for "husband" is "lord" or "possessor," the husband being considered the master of the wife in the East.

of her youth--when the affections are strongest and when sorrow at bereavement is consequently keenest. Suggesting the thought of what Zion's grief ought to be for her separation from Jehovah, the betrothed husband of her early days (Jr 2:2; Eze 16:8; Ho 2:7; compare Pr 2:17; Jr 3:4).