Joel 3:12

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.

Ver. 12. Let the heathen be awakened] Here begins God's answer to the prophet's prayer. The heathen, though at ease, Zechariah 1:11, and fast asleep, must be aroused and assembled to the valley of Jehoshaphat, where God the righteous Judge (at the prophet's request reminding him of his promise, "I am come for thy words," saith he to Daniel, Dan 10:12) gets up to the tribunal, and there sits to judge all the heathen round about. Let not us doubt of the like success of our suits; but, when wronged, run to the Judge of heaven and earth, who will do us right. So we pray over the promises, as here, and not faint, though he bear long with us. This our Saviour has taught us, by that famous parable of the uniust judge and the importunate widow, Luke 18:2,3, wherein we may take notice of many excellent encouragements to pray down our enemies. 1. He was a judge only; but God is our Father also. 2. He was an unrighteous judge; but is there unrighteousness with God? Romans 9:14. Romans 9:3. He, as he feared not God, so he cared not for man; but God is φιλανθρωπος, properly and peculiarly loving to man above other creatures, Titus 3:4 Titus 3:4. He avenged the widow, as wearied out with her, and merely to be rid of her; and shall not God do as much for us, out of his love to righteousness and hatred of wickedness? Psalms 45:7 Psalms 45:5. It was troublesome to him to be sued unto; but God is displeased with us for nothing more than for our backwardness and bashfulness, John 16:24. Quid est cur nihil petis? What meanest thou to ask me nothing? said Severus to his favourite. 6. The unjust judge had no care of his credit; but God is most tender of his glory; and delights much in that title of his, "O thou that hearest prayers."