Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse emphasizes the sheer speed and unstoppable momentum of the invading force, comparing them to charging horses and riders. This isn't just about their appearance, but their terrifying, rapid advance that leaves no room for escape.
Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Joel is describing a terrifying locust invasion, likening them to a powerful army. These swarms are not just a natural disaster but a symbol of God's impending judgment on the land. The verses before depict the vastness and ferocity of the approaching swarm, while those following detail the panic and devastation they will cause, stripping the land bare and striking fear into the hearts of the people.
Imagine an invading army. Now imagine that army isn't made of men, but of something far more alien and terrifying. Joel uses a vivid comparison to paint a picture of this invasion.
The prophet Joel describes the approaching locusts with a startling simile: 'Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.' This isn't just about how they look; it's about their sheer force and terrifying speed.
Resemblance to Horses
Ancient commentators noted that the shape of a locust's head remarkably resembles that of a horse. This physical similarity gave rise to names like 'horse-locust' in various languages. But the comparison goes deeper.
The Nature of War Horses
War horses were symbols of power, speed, and destructive capability. When Joel says the locusts run 'like war horses,' he's evoking the image of a cavalry charge – relentless, powerful, and designed to overwhelm.
This comparison highlights:
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This isn't just a description of insects; it's a sign of something far greater and more terrifying. Joel connects this swarm to a pivotal event in God's plan.
The graphic description of the locusts in Joel 2:4 is not an end in itself. It serves a crucial purpose: to illustrate the terrifying reality of the 'Day of the Lord.'
A Day of Darkness and Destruction
Joel uses the locust invasion as a preview of God's judgment. The creatures are described as a vast, strong army, devouring everything in their path, leaving behind devastation. This isn't just natural disaster; it's divine judgment.
The Unstoppable Advance
The comparison to horses and horsemen emphasizes the relentless and overwhelming nature of this day. There is no stopping them, no escaping their advance. This paints a picture of a time when God's judgment will be poured out with unparalleled force.
The locust swarm, in its terrifying appearance and rapid, destructive movement, is a powerful metaphor for the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's judgment on the Day of the Lord.
Joel uses vivid imagery of horses and horsemen to describe the terrifying, swift, and overwhelming nature of the invading locust swarm, likening it to the feared Assyrian war machine that threatened and devastated the region. This comparison highlights the immensity of the divine judgment being unleashed.
c. 800-750 BC
Assyrian Empire's Rise
The Neo-Assyrian Empire consolidates power, becoming a dominant military force in the Near East, known for its efficient and often brutal military campaigns. This expansion sets the stage for future threats to smaller kingdoms like Judah.
c. 750-700 BC— this verse
Prophetic Ministry of Joel
Joel prophesies during a time of increasing regional instability and potential threats, likely during or shortly after the flourishing of the Assyrian Empire's influence.
701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, conquering many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event vividly demonstrated the terrifying power and reach of the Assyrian war machine.
681-668 BC
Reign of Assyrian King Esarhaddon
Assyria continues its expansionist policies, exerting significant influence and control over the region, including Judah, maintaining a powerful military presence.
626-609 BC
Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
Following the decline of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian Empire emerges as a new major power, eventually conquering Judah and initiating the Babylonian Exile.
This passage in Revelation also compares locusts to horses prepared for battle, reinforcing the imagery of formidable and swift attackers.
Jeremiah 4:13Jeremiah describes the swift and powerful enemy (often interpreted as the Babylonians) with the imagery of horses and chariots, mirroring the terrifying speed and might depicted in Joel.
Job 39:20This verse likens the war horse's power and terrifying appearance to that of a locust, creating a strong parallel in the biblical use of this comparison for destructive force.
2 Samuel 1:23In lamenting Saul and Jonathan, David describes them as swifter than eagles and stronger than lions, yet also compares them to horses in their swiftness, linking animal imagery to martial prowess.
pulpitJoel 2:4: "The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run."
Verses 4-6. - These verses describe the appearance of the locusts and the alarm which their presence causes. Verse 4. - The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses. They arc said to resemble horses in the shape of the head; hence the Germans call them Heupferde, or hay-horses, and the Italians cavalette. This resemblance had been noticed long ago by Theodoret, who says, "If any one s…
ellicottJoel 2:4: "The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run."
(4) As the appearance of horses.— So also are locusts described in the Revelation: “And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle” (from this likeness the Italians call a locust cavalletta) . . . “and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots, of many horses running to battle” ( Revelation 9:7 ; Revelation 9:9 ).
The verse emphasizes the sheer speed and unstoppable momentum of the invading force, comparing them to charging horses and riders. This isn't just about their appearance, but their terrifying, rapid advance that leaves no room for escape.
The prophet Joel is describing a terrifying locust invasion, likening them to a powerful army. These swarms are not just a natural disaster but a symbol of God's impending judgment on the land. The verses before depict the vastness and ferocity of the approaching swarm, while those following detail the panic and devastation they will cause, stripping the land bare and striking fear into the hearts of the people.
The prophet Joel is describing a terrifying locust invasion, likening them to a powerful army. These swarms are not just a natural disaster but a symbol of God's impending judgment on the land. The verses before depict the vastness and ferocity of the approaching swarm, while those following detail the panic and devastation they will cause, stripping the land bare and striking fear into the hearts of the people.
"Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run." — The verse emphasizes the sheer speed and unstoppable momentum of the invading force, comparing them to charging horses and riders. This isn't just about their appearance, but their terrifying, rapid…
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Last reviewed October 2026