1 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
3 And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.
4 Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;
5 Because ye have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things:
6 The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.
7 Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head:
8 And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken [it].
9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:
10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I [am] strong.
11 Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
12 Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.
14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.
15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.
16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
17 So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
18 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
19 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence [against] the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
20 But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
21 For I will cleanse their blood [that] I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.
Overview of Joel Chapter 3
Joel Chapter 3 is a prophetic passage that focuses on the themes of judgment, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God over the nations. The chapter is a continuation of the preceding themes in the book of Joel, emphasizing the Day of the Lord and the consequences of human actions. It serves as a call to repentance and a promise of divine intervention and blessing for God’s people.
Key Themes
- Divine Judgment: The chapter opens with a declaration of God’s judgment against the nations, highlighting the consequences of their actions against Israel.
- Restoration of Israel: Following the judgment, there is a promise of restoration for Israel, indicating that God will bring back His people and bless them.
- The Day of the Lord: The chapter emphasizes the coming Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning for all nations, where God will execute justice.
- God’s Sovereignty: Throughout the chapter, God’s sovereignty is affirmed, showcasing His power over all nations and His ability to protect and restore His people.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-2: The Gathering of Nations
These verses describe God’s call to gather the nations for judgment. The imagery of a valley of decision emphasizes the seriousness of this gathering, where God will confront the nations for their treatment of Israel.
- Verses 3-8: The Charges Against the Nations
God lists the offenses of the nations, including the selling of Israelites into slavery and the mistreatment of His people. This section emphasizes the moral accountability of nations and their actions against God’s chosen ones.
- Verses 9-16: The Call to Arms and the Day of the Lord
This section serves as a rallying cry for the nations to prepare for battle, but it is ultimately God who will fight for His people. The imagery of darkness and turmoil reflects the gravity of the Day of the Lord, where God’s presence will bring both fear and hope.
- Verses 17-21: The Promise of Restoration
The chapter concludes with a promise of restoration for Israel. God assures His people that they will dwell in His presence, and the land will be blessed. This serves as a hopeful resolution to the judgment and turmoil described earlier.
Theological Implications
Joel Chapter 3 presents significant theological implications regarding the nature of God, human responsibility, and eschatological hope. The chapter underscores the following points:
- God’s Justice: The depiction of divine judgment illustrates God’s commitment to justice and righteousness, holding nations accountable for their actions.
- Human Accountability: The actions of the nations against Israel serve as a reminder of the moral responsibility that individuals and nations have toward one another.
- Hope and Restoration: The promise of restoration highlights God’s mercy and willingness to redeem His people, offering hope even in the midst of judgment.
- Eschatological Vision: The imagery of the Day of the Lord points to a future event where God’s sovereignty will be fully realized, and His kingdom will be established.
Conclusion
Joel Chapter 3 encapsulates the dual themes of judgment and restoration, reflecting God’s character as both just and merciful. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin while also offering hope for redemption and renewal for God’s people. It calls readers to recognize the seriousness of their actions and the ultimate sovereignty of God over history and nations.
