Joel 3

Joel 3:1-21 . GOD'S VENGEANCE ON ISRAEL'S FOES IN THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT. HIS BLESSING ON THE CHURCH.

1. bring again the captivity--that is, reverse it. The Jews restrict this to the return from Babylon. Christians refer it to the coming of Christ. But the prophet comprises the whole redemption, beginning from the return out of Babylon, then continued from the first advent of Christ down to the last day (His second advent), when God will restore His Church to perfect felicity [CALVIN].

2. Parallel to Zechariah 14:2 Zechariah 14:3 Zechariah 14:4 , where the "Mount of Olives" answers to the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" here. The latter is called "the valley of blessing" (Berachah) ( 2 Chronicles 20:26 ). It lies between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives and has the Kedron flowing through it. As Jehoshaphat overthrew the confederate foes of Judah, namely, Ammon, Moab, &c. ( Psalms 83:6-8 ), in this valley, so God was to overthrow the Tyrians, Zidonians, Philistines, Edom, and Egypt, with a similar utter overthrow ( Joel 3:4 Joel 3:19 ). This has been long ago fulfilled; but the ultimate event shadowed forth herein is still future, when God shall specially interpose to destroy Jerusalem's last foes, of whom Tyre, Zidon, Edom, Egypt, and Philistia are the types. As "Jehoshaphat" means "the judgment of Jehovah," the valley of Jehoshaphat may be used as a general term for the theater of God's final judgments on Israel's foes, with an allusion to the judgment inflicted on them by Jehoshaphat. The definite mention of the Mount of Olives in Zechariah 14:4 , and the fact that this was the scene of the ascension, makes it likely the same shall be the scene of Christ's coming again: compare "this same Jesus . . . shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven" ( Acts 1:11 ).
all nations--namely, which have maltreated Judah.
plead with them--( Isaiah 66:16 , Ezekiel 38:22 ).
my heritage Israel--( Deuteronomy 32:9 , Jeremiah 10:16 ). Implying that the source of Judah's redemption is God's free love, wherewith He chose Israel as His peculiar heritage, and at the same time assuring them, when desponding because of trials, that He would plead their cause as His own, and as if He were injured in their person.

3. cast lots for my people--that is, divided among themselves My people as their captives by lot. Compare as to the distribution of captives by lot ( Obadiah 1:11 , Nahum 3:10 ).
given a boy for . . . harlot--Instead of paying a harlot for her prostitution in money, they gave her a Jewish captive boy as a slave.
girl for wine--So valueless did they regard a Jewish girl that they would sell her for a draught of wine.

4. what have ye to do with me--Ye have no connection with Me (that is, with My people: God identifying Himself with Israel); I (that is, My people) have given you no cause of quarrel, why then do ye trouble Me (that is, My people)? (Compare the same phrase, Joshua 22:24 , Judges 11:12 , 2 Samuel 16:10 , Matthew 8:29 ).
Tyre . . . Zidon . . . Palestine--( Amos 1:6 Amos 1:9 ).
if ye recompense me--If ye injure Me (My people), in revenge for fancied wrongs ( Ezekiel 25:15-17 ), I will requite you in your own coin swiftly and speedily.