Joel 3

The LORD Judging the Nations

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, Joel 3:1–2

In the last days Jehovah will gather Israel home and bring all nations to judgment in the valley of Jehoshaphat, a name meaning "Jehovah judges." Latter-day Saints connect this with the great battle and deliverance before Christ's coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Zechariah 14:2-4 — All nations gathered against Jerusalem; the LORD fights for His people and His feet stand on the Mount of Olives.

The LORD Seated as Judge

Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Joel 3:12

Jehovah will sit as judge over all nations. Jesus taught that when the Son of Man comes in glory He will sit on His throne with all nations gathered before Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Matthew 25:31-32 — The Son of man sits on the throne of His glory and all nations are gathered before Him.

The Harvest of the Earth

Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Joel 3:13

The ripe harvest pictures the end of the world when the Lord gathers and judges. John saw one "like unto the Son of man" thrust in His sickle, and the Lord uses the same harvest image in latter-day revelation.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Revelation 14:14-15 — One like the Son of man on a cloud is told, "Thrust in thy sickle... for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
• alluded to by Doctrine and Covenants 4:4 — "The field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle."

The LORD Roaring from Zion

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14–16

When the day of the LORD comes, the heavens shake at His voice, yet He is the hope and strength of His people. The Doctrine and Covenants uses this language for the voice of Jesus Christ at His coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• a parallel account in Amos 1:2 — Amos opens with the same line: "The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem."
• alluded to by Doctrine and Covenants 133:21 — "He shall utter his voice out of Zion, and he shall speak from Jerusalem."
• alluded to by Matthew 24:29 — Sun and moon darkened at the Son of man's coming.

The LORD Dwelling in Zion

So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. Joel 3:17

After the judgment the LORD Himself will dwell in Zion and make Jerusalem holy. This looks forward to Christ's personal reign during the Millennium.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Fountain from the House of the LORD

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim. Joel 3:18

A life-giving fountain will flow from the temple and heal dry land. Ezekiel, Zechariah, and John see the same waters, which flow from the throne of God and of the Lamb; Jesus is the source of living water.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Ezekiel 47:1 — Waters issue from under the threshold of the temple.
• the same event in Zechariah 14:8 — Living waters go out from Jerusalem in that day.
• alluded to by Revelation 22:1 — A river of water of life proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

The LORD Who Cleanses and Dwells in Zion

But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. Joel 3:20–21

The book ends with the LORD cleansing His people and dwelling in Zion forever. Cleansing from guilt comes through Christ, who will reign among His people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him