In our study of Joel chapter three, we will look at what the Bible says about the end of the nations and the coming new world government.
** Note ** In this study, we will be using the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) translation which was translated directly from Hebrew into English. You can get your own hardback or paperback copy on Amazon where we will earn a small commission.
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"For then, at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Y'hoshafat [ADONAI judges]. I will enter into judgment there for my people, my heritage Isra'el, whom they scattered among the nations; then they divided my land. They drew lots for my people, traded boys for whores, sold girls for wine to drink.
The phrase "at that time" refers us back to the Millennial Reign as we saw in chapter two. At the end of this time of peace, we see that ALL nations will be drawn to this valley for judgment. The Valley of Jehoshaphat refers to part of the Kidron Valley that is between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. We see that the nations that come to attack Jerusalem will be judged based on how they have treated God's people (the Jews). We see these same events described by John in Revelation 20. It is important to note, here, that ALL the nations of the earth will come to this valley. There are those who say that the USA will never abandon the state of Israel but God's word says they will. How is this possible? The answer is quite simple in that all of these events will take place after the church has been taken out of the world. Christians are the greatest friends of the Jews and, when we are removed, the USA will turn against Israel.
"Moreover, what have you against me, Tzor, Tzidon, all parts of P'leshet? Are you paying me back for something I did? If you're paying me back for something I did, then easily, quickly, I'll pay you back right on your own head. You took my silver and gold. You brought my good treasures into your temples. The people of Y'hudah and Yerushalayim you sold to the Greeks, so that you could remove them far away from their land.
Now, we see that God speaks to the nations of Joel's time with the charges against them. This also speaks of the attitude that will bring the nations against Jerusalem for the final judgment. The Millennial Reign is a time of example in showing the world what it is like when God is reigning in power. Instead of repentance and accepting God's authority, this time will bring about jealousy on the part of the nations which will draw them to this valley for judgment.
I will rouse them from the place where you sold them and pay you back right on your own head I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Y'hudah; and they will sell them to the men of Sh'va, a nation far off; for ADONAI has spoken.
The judgment against the nations of Joel's day was that the things that they did to God's people were going to happen to them. This principle was firmly established in God's promise to Abram (see Genesis 12:3). It was true then and it is true today and will be on the last day.
"Proclaim this among the nations: 'Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men approach and attack.' Hammer your plow-blades into swords and your pruning-knives into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' Hurry, come, you surrounding nations, gather yourselves together!"
Joel now shifts back to the Day of the Lord and the fact that all nations will prepare for the battle to attack Jerusalem. We see the arrogance of this in the fact that the weak will say "I am strong!" It seems that we are so close to this time as we are told that, if the world would just band together, we can do anything. That is the big lie that Satan will use to convince the nations to attack Jerusalem.
Bring your warriors down, ADONAI! "Let the nations be roused and come up to the Valley of Y'hoshafat [ADONAI judges]. For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations."
We see that Satan calls the nations to attack but does not tell them that they will be against the armies that will appear with Yeshua. They believe they are coming for a great battle but, as we see here, they are coming to their judgment.
Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; come, and tread, for the winepress is full. The vats are overflowing, for their wickedness is great. Such enormous crowds in the Valley of Decision! For the Day of ADONAI is upon us in the Valley of Decision!
When will Yeshua put an end to this rebellion? When the nations assemble in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon have grown black, and the stars have stopped shining. 16 ADONAI will roar from Tziyon, he will thunder from Yerushalayim, the sky and the earth will shake. But ADONAI will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Isra'el.
The darkness that will occur prior to the return of Christ will be both physical and spiritual. As John described in Revelation 16, the whole world is plunged into darkness as the fifth angel pours out his bowl of wrath. We are reminded that it is Yeshua who will defend his people and his city.
"You will know that I am ADONAI your God, living on Tziyon my holy mountain." Then Yerushalayim will be holy, and foreigners will pass through her no more.
As we see in Revelation 19, Yeshua handles the attacking forces and it is obvious to all that it could only be through the power of God. As Joel tells us here, the world will see that Jerusalem is the city of God and this will begin the period of time that is commonly called the Millennial Reign.
Then, when that time comes, the mountains will drip with sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the streambeds of Y'hudah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of ADONAI to water the Sheetim Valley. But Egypt will be desolate and Edom a desert waste, because of the violence done to the people of Y'hudah, because they shed innocent blood in their land.
This Millennial Reign will be a big contrast between the rest of the world and the land of God. The earth will have been decimated by the plagues and judgments but the city of Jerusalem will stand like an oasis in the desert. It will be clear to see the presence of El Shaddai (God Almighty) the only One who has the ability to supply what is needed.
Y'hudah will be inhabited forever, Yerushalayim through all generations. "I will cleanse them of bloodguilt which I have not yet cleansed," for ADONAI is living in Tziyon.
We see that, at the end of this Millennial Reign, will be the final judgment. The sins of God's people are forgiven through the blood of Yeshua Messiah and a new Jerusalem is revealed (see Revelation 21). At the center of the new Jerusalem will be the throne of God.
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