Joel 3:9-21
“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... Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”
King James Version
Joel's oracle of the nations gathered to the valley of Jehoshaphat for judgment on the Day of the LORD, followed by blessing for God's people.
Fulfillment References
Revelation 14:14-20 Zechariah 14:2-3 Matthew 25:31-32 Revelation 16:16
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe LORD who judges in the valley and dwells in Zion is Jesus; the same Joel prophesied the Spirit's outpouring (Joel 2:28; Acts 2).
JewishThe judgment of the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat for their treatment of Israel — a vivid Day-of-the-LORD oracle awaited at the end.
CatholicThe final judgment of the nations, harmonized with Christ's judgment of all peoples (Matt. 25).
ProtestantA picture of the final Day of the LORD and the judgment of the nations gathered against God's people.
OrthodoxThe eschatological judgment and vindication of God's people, the LORD dwelling in Zion.
DispensationalA literal future gathering of nations for judgment (often linked to Armageddon) before the millennial blessing of v.18.
AcademicScholars note Joel's reuse of holy-war traditions, reversing Isaiah/Micah's 'swords into plowshares.'
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.