And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.
Then I will enter into judgment with them there
On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
And they have divided up My land.
"They have also cast lots for My people,
Traded a boy for a harlot
And sold a girl for wine that they may drink."
Joel 3:2-3 NASB
Joel prophesied that the LORD will execute vengeance on the nations in the last days. This would happen in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat". Another way to translate this is "Valley of God's Judgment" since Jehoshaphat means "God is Judge". This is no doubt in reference to the valley where God destroyed the nations who came against Judah, in response to their fasting and prayer and praise and worship.
It is from this chapter that John draws at least two quotations in the book of Revelation:
Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Come, tread, for the wine press is full;
The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great.
The sun and moon grow dark
And the stars lose their brightness.
Joel 3:13,15 NASB
These verses are clearly referring to the battle of the ages between the armies of the LORD and the armies of the nations. What have the nations done to merit this day of vengeance?
On behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel,
Whom they have scattered among the nations;
And they have divided up My land.
"They have also cast lots for My people,
Traded a boy for a harlot
And sold a girl for wine that they may drink."
Joel 3:2-3 NASB
Joel prophesied that the LORD will execute vengeance on the nations in the last days. This would happen in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat". Another way to translate this is "Valley of God's Judgment" since Jehoshaphat means "God is Judge". This is no doubt in reference to the valley where God destroyed the nations who came against Judah, in response to their fasting and prayer and praise and worship.
It is from this chapter that John draws at least two quotations in the book of Revelation:
Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Come, tread, for the wine press is full;
The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great.
The sun and moon grow dark
And the stars lose their brightness.
Joel 3:13,15 NASB
These verses are clearly referring to the battle of the ages between the armies of the LORD and the armies of the nations. What have the nations done to merit this day of vengeance?
- Scattered His people among the nations - desolation of the church by persecution and corruption
- Divided up His land - confiscation of property and occupation of holy ground
- Cast lots for His people - slave trade
- Traded a boy for a harlot, sold a girl for wine - sex and drug trafficking
These atrocities happen around the world, but mostly outside America. My church has committed to fighting human trafficking and the sex trade. I must believe that as heinous as the persecution of the church has been throughout history, rampant sex trafficking of innocent children must surely fill the cup of God's wrath to overflowing.
We are working to stop the tide of human trafficking and sex slavery, and I have to believe from studying these verses about Jehoshaphat that we can:
- Recognize that we are powerless before this great multitude coming against us
- Stand before the LORD with our infants and wives and children
- Bow with our face to the ground and worship the LORD
- Rise up early and put our trust in the LORD our God
- Begin singing and praising God
- Stand and see the salvation of the LORD on our behalf
- Take back the spoil, which are the poor desperate young people caught in these traps
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