Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Joel+003

 

Joel 3 (ESV)

18 “And in that day

the mountains shall drip sweet wine,

and the hills shall flow with milk,

and all the streambeds of Judah

shall flow with water;

and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord

and water the Valley of Shittim.

 

19 “Egypt shall become a desolation

and Edom a desolate wilderness,

for the violence done to the people of Judah,

because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

20 But Judah shall be inhabited forever,

and Jerusalem to all generations.

21 I will avenge their blood,

blood I have not avenged,

for the Lord dwells in Zion.”

 

REFLECTION:

• The prophet Joel first discusses how God judges the nations in this chapter, and verses 18-21 describe the restoration of Israel. The fate of the elect of Israel is closely related to the Temple of Jerusalem, so when the city and temple are safe, the people will also be safe. God here promises that the Holy City will receive sufficient supplies and be free from the enemy’s hands. God will also live in Zion Himself and begin the eternally victorious kingdom. This passage can foretell that today’s church is not restricted by the enemy Satan and the world’s opposition to God. The gospel is still widely spread, the kingdom of God continues to expand, and God Himself is with the church to provide spiritual security and avoid harassment by the enemy!
• Verse 18 is a beautiful picture of a restored land, just like the Garden of Eden. The fountain of life flows from the temple of the Lord, showing that God wants to bless. Those who believe in God will be abundant eternally (cf. Ezek. 47:1-12; Rev. 22:1-2).
• For a long time, Egypt and Edom have been enemies of Israel. They represent all those who are against God’s chosen people. God promised to destroy them, that is, he promised that all evil in the world would one day be wiped out (19).
• At the beginning of the prophecy in the Book of Joel, Joel mentioned the destruction of the land; at the end, he mentioned reconstruction (20-21). At first Joel emphasized the importance of repentance, and finally he talked about the promise of forgiveness of sins brought about by repentance. Joel urged the people to be alert (1:5), not to be overwhelmed, and to realize the danger of living away from God. For us, his message indicates that we still have time and opportunity, and all those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved (2:12-14, 32). Those who return to God will enjoy the blessings mentioned in the prophecy; those who reject God will face destruction.

 

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You and praise You for Your promise of victory. Although the church has experienced the attack of the enemy Satan, it still stands firm by Your grace, preaching the gospel for the Lord and saving the soul. On that day You will take us to glory.

 

HYMN:

Living Hope – youtu.be/ifFovH-dhHw