lvi. 9, the beasts of the field likewise occur as a figurative

designation of the heathen. In Jer. xiv.--a prophecy which has been distorted by expositors through a too literal interpretation--the image is, in vers. 5, 6, individualized by the mention of particular wild beasts--the hind and the wild ass. Joel himself indicates that the beasts in this description must, in general, be understood figuratively, by using in ver. 18 the word נאשמו, which can be explained only by "become guilty," "suffer punishment." (Compare Is.