Font Size
The promise is given that the Lord will be jealous for his land (v.18). However, it is appropriate to translate the verbs in vv.18 and 19 in the past tense. In which case the indication is that the prophet’s counsel was heeded, the people repented, and God answered with forgiveness and blessings. The land was restored and grain, wine, and oil, the basic agricultural products of the land, were restored.
The conclusion of the locust infestation is described as the northern army being driven into the sea—both the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea—with a resultant stench created by dead insects washed up on the shores (v.20). Eyewitnesses to this phenomenon affirm that this indeed does occur as a result of strong winds blowing seaward. With the termination of the locust invasion there is no longer any need for fear. Wild animals, pastures, fruit trees, and vines are now in their normal cycle of fertility. The drought has ended with abundant rains. All of the normal activities of harvest are restored. The fear of starvation is over (vv.21-25). Because of the blessings of restored prosperity, Israel will realize that the Lord their God is with them and besides him there is no other deity (vv.26-27; cf. Isa 45:5-6, 18).