Joel 3:9

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:

Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles. The nations hostile to Israel are summoned by Yahweh to "come up" (this phrase is used because Jerusalem was on a hill) against Jerusalem, not that they may destroy it, but be destroyed by the Lord at it (Ezekiel 38:7, "Be thou (Gog) prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou and all thy company ... and I will call for a sword against him ... and I will plead against him," etc.; Zechariah 12:2 "I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege against Judah;" Zechariah 14:2).

Prepare war - literally, Sanctify war: because the pagan always began war with religious ceremonies. The very Prepare war - literally, Sanctify war: because the pagan always began war with religious ceremonies. The very phrase used of Babylon's preparations against Jerusalem (, "Prepare (sanctify) ye war against her") is now used of the final foes of Jerusalem. As Babylon was then desired by God to advance against her for her destruction, so now all her foes, of whom Babylon was the type, are desired to advance against her for their own destruction.