Joe 1:2 | JFB | STEP | 2-3. A spirited introduction calling attention. old men-- the best judges in question concerning the past ( ; ). Hath this been, &c.-- that is, Hath any so grievous a calamity as this ever been before? No such plague of locusts had been since the ones in Egypt. is not at variance with this verse, which refers to Judea, in which Joel says there had been no such devastation before.

‏ Joel 1:2

2-3. A spirited introduction calling attention.

old men--the best judges in question concerning the past (De 32:7; Job 32:7).

Hath this been, &c.--that is, Hath any so grievous a calamity as this ever been before? No such plague of locusts had been since the ones in Egypt. Ex 10:14 is not at variance with this verse, which refers to Judea, in which Joel says there had been no such devastation before.