Joel 3.1-17
In this chapter the prophet Joel describes how it will be "in those days" highlights that a more complete explanation of how God's judgment on the nations will be carried out where he will return the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem
Captivity: condition of those of Judah and Israel who have been scattered throughout the world "whom they scattered among the nations" in a broad sense, some scholars apply the phrase to scattered Jews who will return to a restored Israel at the end of time , others see it as a symbolic reference to the church
In that order of ideas God will call all his chosen ones also in those days to fulfill his promises of salvation in the remnant that will save the earth
In like manner Joel emphasizes that Jehovah will gather all the nations and bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat and there enter into judgment with them, saying that he will do it on account of his people and of Israel his inheritance, whom they scattered among the nations and they divided their land
The Jehoshaphat Valley: in the Jewish tradition, it is considered part of the valley of cedron, between the temple and the mountain of olives "josafat" means "jehovah is judge", so that Joel may have had in mind a place symbolic of judgment and decision and not a real site
It should be noted that the prophecy emphasizes the fate that they cast on Israel, giving the children to a harlot
The phrases "and cast lots on my people" occurred because when a nation was conquered, it was a common practice to distribute its members as slaves throwing lots and "gave the children for a harlot" and "girls for wine" this was a terrible practice of using children as a coin to spend a night with a prostitute or have a glass of wine
In conclusion this prophecy of Joel represents the events after the trial and the restoration of the Lord
When all this happens the nations will be ripe for the judgment of God
we must prepare ourselves...we must prepare ourselves because God will judge his people and all the nations of the earth
From sc-v I invite you...
