_For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem._ THE YEAR OF RECOMPENSE I. It shall be the year of the redeemed. Though the bondage of God’s people may be grievous and long, it shall not be everlasting. That in Egypt ended at length in... [ Continue Reading ]
_Prepare war, wake up the mighty men._ THE FINAL BATTLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL I. In this battle evil will gather all its available energies. “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the up.” mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come This is sublime irony. The wi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe._ THE END OF THE WORLD REPRESENTED BY THE HARVEST All things are evidently tending to decay and dissolution. As there was an hour fixed from all eternity for the creation of the world, so there is an hour fixed for its dissolution. Many scriptural fig... [ Continue Reading ]
_Multitudes in the valley of decision._ THE VALLEY OF DECISION These words were spoken in a time of deep depression. Joel says the sadness and gloom were mainly due to the indecision of the people, who did not know whether to trust foreign alliances or Jehovah. So they would have to be led into a... [ Continue Reading ]
_But the Lord will be the hope of His people._ THE HAVEN OF REPAIR The margin reads, “The Lord will be a place of repair, or a harbour for His people.” As a secluded, landlocked haven, where storm does not rock, is to a dismasted vessel, so will our God be to those who come in live spiritual need.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine._ THE GOLDEN AGE I. It will be an age in which great temporal prosperity will be witnessed. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, a... [ Continue Reading ]