Joel 3:1-2

Joel 3:1-2 (ESV): “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land.”

There is coming a day when all the nations will gather against the nation of Israel. It will not be a battle—it will be a slaughter of the unredeemed by Jesus Himself.

Joel speaks of a future event when the Lord will bring judgment upon the nations for their mistreatment of the Jewish people. They will gather in the Valley of Jezreel, also known as Armageddon (Rev. 16:16), but the slaughter will stretch from Bozrah (Isa. 34:6; 63:1–2)—often identified with Petra—all the way to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, also called the Kidron Valley. The Kidron separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives and runs down toward the southern tip of the Dead Sea near Bozrah. With a single word, Jesus will strike down the unredeemed (Rev. 19:15). This will be God’s judgment on all who stood against Israel and refused to bow the knee to Jesus.

Are you ready for the return of King Jesus? The coming judgment will be unprecedented—but it is nothing compared to eternal separation from God. This reality should sober the unbeliever and motivate believers to share the Gospel boldly. Ask yourself today, “What am I doing with Jesus?” Then respond accordingly. Amen?

Father, thank You for warning us about the judgment to come. Use this truth to move our hearts today, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.