Joel 3 - Introduction

(Hebrews 4). The Judgement on the heathen world, and the glorification of the people of God

In the day when Jehovah restores Israel He will contend in judgement with all nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat for the wrongs which they have done to His people (Joel 3:1): especially will He mete out retribution to the Phoenicians and Philistines for having plundered Judah and Jerusalem, and sold their children into slavery (Joel 3:4). There follows a description of the judgement which Jehovah will then hold in the valley of Jehoshaphat. The nations are invited to arm themselves, and muster for the contest: multitudes are already thronging in the "valley of decision"; Jehovah also has his heavenly warriors in readiness; clouds darken the heavens; in the storm which follows Jehovah's thunders annihilate the foe, while His own people emerge unscathed (Joel 3:9). Then will the heathen no more defile Jerusalem with their presence; the land of Judah, protected by the Divine presence, will be blessed with abiding fertility, while the land of Judah's foes will become a desolate waste (Joel 3:17).