Joel 3:12

12 Let the pagan nations set out for Judgment Valley. There I'll take my place at the bench and judge all the surrounding nations.

Joel 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Joel 3:12

Let the Heathen be awakened, and come to the valley of
Jehoshaphat
That is, let the enemies of Christ and his church be aroused from that state of security in which they are, and prepare for their own defence; for in such a state the antichristian powers will be before their destruction; see ( Revelation 18:7 ) ; let them bestir themselves, and exert all the rigour and strength they have; let them come in high spirits against the people of God; let them invade the holy land, and come even to the valley of Jehoshaphat; and, when come thither, let them, descend into the place appointed for their ruin: the land of Judea being said to be higher than other countries, going to it is generally expressed by going up to it; otherwise it is more usual to say that men go down a valley than come up to it; and, mention being made again of this valley, shows that the same thing is referred to here as in ( Joel 3:2 ) ; these words are said in answer to the petition in ( Joel 3:11 ) ; for they are spoken by the Lord, as appears by what follows: for there will I sit to judge all the Heathen round about;
thither gathered together from all parts: the allusion is to a judge upon the bench, sitting to hear and try causes, and pass a definitive sentence; and here it signifies the execution of that sentence; such a pleading the cause of his people, as to take vengeance and inflict just punishment upon their enemies; see ( Psalms 9:4 Psalms 9:5 ) ( Revelation 14:14 ) .

Joel 3:12 In-Context

10 Turn your shovels into swords, turn your hoes into spears. Let the weak one throw out his chest and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
11 Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on! Get your act together. Prepare to be shattered by God!
12 Let the pagan nations set out for Judgment Valley. There I'll take my place at the bench and judge all the surrounding nations.
13 "Swing the sickle - the harvest is ready. Stomp on the grapes - the winepress is full. The wine vats are full, overflowing with vintage evil.
14 "Mass confusion, mob uproar - in Decision Valley! God's Judgment Day has arrived in Decision Valley.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.