Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale.
much pained--namely, with terror. The Arab proverb is, "More terrible than the locusts." faces shall gather blackness-- (Isa 13:8; Jer 30:6; Nah 2:10). MAURER translates, "withdraw their brightness," that is, wax pale, lose color (compare Joe 2:10; Joe 3:15).
The locusts' heads resemble horses closely, a fact observers have long noted. Their springing motion roars like war chariots on rough roads; their devouring crackles like fire on stubble. The nations see this army of God approach and their faces go pale with terror.
AI summary
Commenting on Joel 2:4-6
Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. (e) They will be pale and black because of fear, as in .