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).
2 A farther description of the desolation of the land, Gioele 2:1-11.
An earnest call to repentance, Gioele 2:12-17.
A promise of all good things to the penitent, Gioele 2:18-27.
A prophecy of the Messiah's kingdom, Gioele 3:1-5.
3:1 Afterward - After the return out of Babylon, after the various troubles and salvations by which these may know that I am the Lord.I will pour - In extraordinary gifts on the first preachers of the gospel, and in various graces to all believers. Upon all flesh - Before these gifts were confined to one particular nation; but now they shall be enlarged to all nations, and all that believe.Shall prophesy - This was in part fulfilled according to the letter in the first days of the gospel; but the promise means farther, by pouring out of the spirit on your sons and your daughters, they shall have as full a knowledge of the mysteries of God's law, as prophets before time had. Shalt dream dreams - This also was literally fulfilled in the apostles days. But it may mean farther, the knowledge of God and his will, shall abound among all ranks, sexes and ages in the Messiah's days, and not only equal, but surpass all that formerly was by prophesy, dreams, or visions.