Matthew Poole and continuators on Joel 1:12

12 The vine is dryed up , and the fig-tree languisheth, the pomegranate-tree , the palm-tree also, and the apple-tree , even all the trees of the field are withered , because joy is withered away from the sons of men.

See ver. 10. let. u.

A Tree well known, and the fruit of it was usually a great advantage, and benefit to the people of those Countries.

A pleasant tree as appears Cant. 4.13. and 7.12. and its fruit lovely, therefore fit for ornaments about the pillars of the Temple. These in the common drought and by locusts have lost their beauty, and fail the hopes of him that planted them.

Of great beauty in the height, and uniformity of its growth, and that doth rise under the weight which would depress it, Psal. 92.12. with these Ezekiels Temple was adorned, chap. 40.16, 22, 26. with the branches of these, triumphant shews were also made, but these are wither'd and dry.

The fruit whereof was very useful, and did ordinarily well recompence the care of the Planter, but now as other trees fail them.

None so hardy and able to bear unkind seasons, but are now destroyed by the judgments of God in drought and locusts.

Not as in Autumn, when the leaf falleth, but because the root fails is either dead or dying.

Or therefore, or surely, for the particle here used is oftentimes assertive, not causal.

All mirth and livelyness of men is blasted with this dismal blast upon their labours and hopes, they cannot rejoyce who foresee they shall be, nay, are already pincht with want and famine.