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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joel 2:4 Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joel/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/29_Jol_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joel 2:4 - The Army of Locusts" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they gallop along like cavalry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They look like horses; they charge forward like warhorses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The appearance of them <i>is</i> as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like war horses, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like war horses, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like war horses, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like war horses, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, And they run like war horses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like war horses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like war horses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/joel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They look like horses and charge like cavalry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The soldiers look like horses. They run like war horses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They look like horses; they run like war-horses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As to their form, they're like horses; and like chariot horses, how they can run!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They look like horses; they charge ahead like war horses. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses, and as horsemen, so do they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is as the appearance of horses, and they run as horsemen. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As the appearance of horses [is] its appearance, "" And as horsemen, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As the appearance of horses is its appearance, And as horsemen, so they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />His appearance as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen so shall they run.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses, and they shall run like horsemen. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and they will rush forward like horsemen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Their appearance is that of horses; like war horses they run. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They have the appearance of horses, and like war-horses they charge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and like horsemen so they run;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Its appearance is like the appearance of horses and like horsemen thus they run<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; And as horsemen, so do they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Their appearance is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they pursue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joel/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oEU9eLLsIkI?start=263" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joel/2.htm">The Army of Locusts</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame scorches. The land before them is like the Garden of Eden, but behind them, it is like a desert wasteland—surely nothing will escape them. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: kə·mar·’êh (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">Their appearance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">is like that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sū·sîm (N-mp) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">of horses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: yə·rū·ṣūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">and they gallop</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: ū·ḵə·p̄ā·rā·šîm (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-mp) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">like swift steeds.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Revelation 9:7-9</a></span><br />And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads; and their faces were like the faces of men. / They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. / They also had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/3-17.htm">Nahum 3:17</a></span><br />Your guards are like the swarming locust, and your scribes like clouds of locusts that settle on the walls on a cold day. When the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-27.htm">Jeremiah 51:27</a></span><br />“Raise a banner in the land! Blow the ram’s horn among the nations! Prepare the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms against her—Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; bring up horses like swarming locusts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Isaiah 5:28-29</a></span><br />Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind. / Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl and seize their prey; they carry it away, and no one can rescue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8</a></span><br />Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/39-19.htm">Job 39:19-25</a></span><br />Do you give strength to the horse or adorn his neck with a mane? / Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? / He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength; he charges into battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-7.htm">Ezekiel 1:7</a></span><br />Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Amos 5:19</a></span><br />It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/10-3.htm">Zechariah 10:3</a></span><br />“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6</a></span><br />For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Revelation 6:2</a></span><br />So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-14</a></span><br />Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10</a></span><br />He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a></span><br />Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Jeremiah 4:13</a></span><br />Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Revelation 9:7</a></b></br> And the shapes of the locusts <i>were</i> like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads <i>were</i> as it were crowns like gold, and their faces <i>were</i> as the faces of men.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/10-18.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-10.htm">Cavalry</a> <a href="/daniel/10-18.htm">Form</a> <a href="/hosea/1-7.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/hosea/14-3.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/hosea/2-7.htm">Run</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-18.htm">Running</a> <a href="/hosea/10-14.htm">War</a> <a href="/hosea/14-3.htm">War-Horses</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Cavalry</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Form</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/amos/4-10.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/joel/2-7.htm">Run</a> <a href="/joel/2-7.htm">Running</a> <a href="/joel/2-7.htm">War</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-10.htm">War-Horses</a><div class="vheading2">Joel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-1.htm">He shows unto Zion the terribleness of God's judgment.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">He exhorts to repentance;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-15.htm">prescribes a fast;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-18.htm">promises a blessing thereon.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-21.htm">He comforts Zion with present,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joel/2-28.htm">and future blessings.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Their appearance is like that of horses</b><br>This phrase draws a vivid comparison between the locusts and horses, emphasizing the formidable and intimidating nature of the invading force. In the ancient Near Eastern context, horses were symbols of power and military strength, often associated with chariots and warfare. The imagery suggests an unstoppable and disciplined army, evoking fear and awe. This comparison can also be seen in <a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Revelation 9:7</a>, where locusts are described with similar characteristics, indicating a connection between Joel's prophecy and apocalyptic visions.<p><b>and they gallop like swift steeds</b><br>The emphasis on speed and agility highlights the relentless and overwhelming advance of the locusts. In biblical times, swift steeds were prized for their ability to cover great distances quickly, often used in battle to outmaneuver enemies. This imagery underscores the urgency and inevitability of the coming judgment. The swiftness of the locusts can be seen as a metaphor for the rapid unfolding of God's plans, as seen in other prophetic texts like <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8</a>, where the Chaldeans are described with similar speed. This also points to the divine orchestration behind the events, as God uses natural phenomena to fulfill His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/joel.htm">Joel</a></b><br>A prophet in the Old Testament, Joel is the author of the book that bears his name. He is known for his prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord and calls for repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_locust_army.htm">The Locust Army</a></b><br>In <a href="/bsb/joel/2.htm">Joel 2</a>, the prophet describes a devastating locust plague that serves as a metaphor for an invading army. This army is depicted with imagery that conveys power and speed, likened to horses and swift steeds.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Joel's prophecy. The people of Judah are called to repentance in light of the coming judgment.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_day_of_the_lord.htm">The Day of the Lord</a></b><br>A central theme in Joel, referring to a time of divine judgment and deliverance. It is both a day of destruction for the unrepentant and a day of salvation for those who turn to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>Joel's message includes a call to repentance, promising that God will restore and bless His people if they return to Him with sincere hearts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_imagery.htm">The Power of Imagery</a></b><br>Joel uses vivid imagery to convey the seriousness of God's judgment. This teaches us the importance of understanding biblical metaphors to grasp the full weight of God's messages.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/urgency_of_repentance.htm">Urgency of Repentance</a></b><br>The swift and powerful nature of the locust army underscores the urgency with which we should respond to God's call for repentance. We should not delay in turning back to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>The depiction of the locusts as an unstoppable force reminds us of God's sovereignty over all creation, including His use of natural and historical events to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>Despite the dire warnings, Joel's prophecy also offers hope. God promises restoration and blessing for those who repent, highlighting His mercy and faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Just as the people of Judah were called to be vigilant and prepared for the Day of the Lord, we too must remain spiritually alert and ready for Christ's return.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joel 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/solomon's_horse_stalls_count.htm">How many stalls of horses did Solomon have? (1 Kings 4:26 vs. 2 Chronicles 9:25)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_9_25_and_1_kgs_4_26_differ.htm">Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_isn't_joel_2_28-29_fulfilled_globally.htm">Why does the universal outpouring of the Spirit in Joel 2:28-29 not appear to be fulfilled worldwide?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_40,000_stalls_in_1_kings,_4,000_in_2_chron.htm">Why does 1 Kings 4:26 mention 40,000 stalls for Solomon's horses, while 2 Chronicles 9:25 records only 4,000?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/joel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">As the appearance of horses.--</span>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" (<a href="/revelation/9-7.htm" title="And the shapes of the locusts were like to horses prepared to battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.">Revelation 9:7</a>; <a href="/revelation/9-9.htm" title="And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.">Revelation 9:9</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4-6.</span> - These verses describe the appearance of the locusts and the alarm which their presence causes. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses</span>. They arc said to resemble horses in the <span class="accented">shape of the head</span>; hence the Germans call them <span class="accented">Heupferde</span>, or hay-horses, and the Italians <span class="accented">cavalette.</span> This resemblance had been noticed long ago by Theodoret, who says, "If any one should examine accurately the head of the locust, he <span class="cmt_word">will find it exceedingly like that of a horse." And</span> as horsemen, so shall they run. In <span class="accented">rapidity</span> of motion they resembled running horses (<span class="accented">parashim</span>). <span class="cmt_word">Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap</span>. This is the next circumstance noticed about them, viz. the <span class="accented">noise</span> of their motion. Their motion was peculiar; it was springing or leaping, and, when they sprang or leaped, the noise they made resembled the rattling of a jerky two-wheeled war-chariot over a rough mountain-road. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joel/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Their appearance</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(kə·mar·’êh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is like that</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְאֵ֑הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mar·’ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of horses,</span><br /><span class="heb">סוּסִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(sū·sîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swallow, swift (type of bird)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they gallop</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוּצֽוּן׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·ṣūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like swift steeds.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְפָרָשִׁ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·p̄ā·rā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> </span><span class="str2">A steed, a driver, cavalry</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joel/2-4.htm">OT Prophets: Joel 2:4 The appearance of them is as (Jl Joe.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joel/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joel 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joel 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joel/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joel 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joel 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>