The prophet speaks of the recompense for sin that awaits the Gentiles, and it seems that his prophetic words apply not only to the cities of Tyre and Sidon...
The prophet speaks of the recompense for sin that awaits the Gentiles, and it seems that his prophetic words apply not only to the cities of Tyre and Sidon, where the cults denounced on the pages of the Bible flourished, but also to everyone willing to lead a pagan way of life. This is easily possible: it is not even necessary to worship idols; one may formally acknowledge that the biblical faith is right. But deeds incompatible with the principles we proclaim will expose us. Whenever we place at the center of our concerns something that should have its own proper place—whether material cares or our own person—or whenever we begin to see people solely as a means of achieving something, we immediately become like the pagans of slaveholding antiquity. Our familiar, “normal” aspirations thereby turn out to be rebellion against God and a trampling of His commandments. But “God is not mocked” (Gal 6:7).
3 This chapter has been partly fulfilled in the several deliverances of the Jews, and will have its full accomplishment at the great day. It contains a prophecy of God reckoning with the enemies of his people, Joe 3:1-8.
Of his openly judging all nations, Joe 3:9-17.
And of the provision he has made for his people, Joe 3:18-21.
3:1 In those days - When I shall by Cyrus bring Judah out of Babylon. Of Judah - As the type of the whole remnant that are saved.And Jerusalem - For beside what refers to the two tribes restored by Cyrus, the bringing back the captivity of the whole Israel of God by Christ is to be considered all along through this chapter.
3:2 All nations - In the type it is all those nations that have oppressed Judah, in the anti - type, all nations that have been enemies to Christ and the church. Into the valley of Jehoshaphat - I will debate my people's cause, and do them right in the midst of my church, signified by the valley of Jehoshaphat. Parted my land - Such is the injustice of the persecutors of the church now, and so God will judge them in due time.
3:3 Cast lots - It was customary with conquerors to divide the captives by lot, and so did these enemies of the Jews.
3:4 Yea - Have I done you any wrong, which you avenge upon my people?Or do you begin to violate the laws of neighbourhood and friendship, and think to escape? Do ye think you have to do with a poor opprest people, my people, and I nothing concerned at it? Palestine - On which were towns of trade, and merchants that bought and sold these captives.A recompence - Have I or my people so dealt with you? And if - If you will deal thus, I will speedily avenge myself and my people of you.
3:5 Taken - Either as part of the spoil, or as part of your pay.My silver - Silver and gold vessels dedicated to my service.
3:6 Remove them - That there might be no hope of their return to their country.
3:7 I will raise them - This was fulfilled when Alexander, and his successors dismissed all the Jews that were slaves in Greece, and gave them leave to return to their own country.
3:8 And I will sell - Give them up into the hands of the Jews.
3:9 This - These things which I will do to the enemies of God's people.The Gentiles - The Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Grecians successively.Prepare war - Make ready for wars against the enemies of my people.
3:10 I am strong - Put on strength and valour; let none be absent from this war.
3:11 Round about - All round about Judah.Thither - Toward Jerusalem; the church and heritage of God.Thy mighty ones - All those mighty warriors whom thou wilt make use of successively to punish the oppressors of thy church.