Joe 3:18-21 | KingComments | STEP | From this verse there comes a benevolent rest in the hitherto impetuous prophetic book. The battle is over, the judgment has been carried out, peace and security are guaranteed. The expression “in that day” stands for the time when the realm of peace has arrived. The abundance of drinks – wine, milk and water – contrasts sharply with the drought and its consequences that we see in Joel 1 ( ). The prophet describes these blessings from high to low. First he sees the high mountain slopes with vines, then the lower hills with the milk-producing flocks, and finally the valley of Shittim that will be filled with the descending waters. The abundance of wine is a sign of the overwhelming joy of life in the realm of peace ( ; ; ). Where the LORD dwells is a source of blessing that first springs forth and then brings blessing wherever it flows ( ; ). The LORD Himself is the only spring of every blessing. As we see this scene we are reminded of the state of paradise before the fall in sin took place. The realm of peace is, in a sense, a continuation of paradise. However, maintaining its enjoyment no longer depends on the first man, the first Adam or his offspring, but on the second Man, the last Adam. He controls His realm in a perfect way, so that for a thousand years without interruption there is a situation of peace, rest and blessing. Perhaps we can think of Shittim in the land of Moab ( ). That Shittim is the last camp of Israel before they cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. If it is that place, it may be to represent God’s promise of a new time of blessing. God’s people then stand, as it were, again in Shittim, that is, on the threshold of a new journey across the Jordan and a new entry into the land. This new entry applies literally to the scattered and expelled ( ). The purpose of this new entry, both literally and spiritually, is Zion, where the LORD dwells in the midst of His people.

‏ Joel 3:18-21

Abundance

From this verse there comes a benevolent rest in the hitherto impetuous prophetic book. The battle is over, the judgment has been carried out, peace and security are guaranteed. The expression “in that day” stands for the time when the realm of peace has arrived. The abundance of drinks – wine, milk and water – contrasts sharply with the drought and its consequences that we see in Joel 1 (Joel 1:5 ; 10).

The prophet describes these blessings from high to low. First he sees the high mountain slopes with vines, then the lower hills with the milk-producing flocks, and finally the valley of Shittim that will be filled with the descending waters. The abundance of wine is a sign of the overwhelming joy of life in the realm of peace (Psa 104:15; Jdg 9:13; Ecc 9:7 ; Ecc 10:19). Where the LORD dwells is a source of blessing that first springs forth and then brings blessing wherever it flows (Eze 47:1-12; Psa 65:10). The LORD Himself is the only spring of every blessing.

As we see this scene we are reminded of the state of paradise before the fall in sin took place. The realm of peace is, in a sense, a continuation of paradise. However, maintaining its enjoyment no longer depends on the first man, the first Adam or his offspring, but on the second Man, the last Adam. He controls His realm in a perfect way, so that for a thousand years without interruption there is a situation of peace, rest and blessing.

Perhaps we can think of Shittim in the land of Moab (Num 25:1 ; Num 33:49). That Shittim is the last camp of Israel before they cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. If it is that place, it may be to represent God’s promise of a new time of blessing. God’s people then stand, as it were, again in Shittim, that is, on the threshold of a new journey across the Jordan and a new entry into the land. This new entry applies literally to the scattered and expelled (Joel 3:2 ; 6). The purpose of this new entry, both literally and spiritually, is Zion, where the LORD dwells in the midst of His people.

Egypt and Edom

In addition to an exceptional fertility, there is also political security. The enjoyment of the blessing of Joel 3:18 is only possible if Judah can live without being threatened by enemies. Therefore they must be eliminated. Egypt and Edom represent all hostile nations, but not only that. The second part of the verse indicates concrete actions that show the enmity of these nations. They are acts of violence in which they have shed innocent blood.

Egypt has often crossed Israel in battle with Assyria and has caused terrible sufferings there. Edom has taken every opportunity to add to the suffering Israel has experienced from enemies. In his prophecy, the prophet Obadiah speaks at length about what Edom has done to God’s people.

The Contrast

The destruction of Egypt and Edom is not an end in itself, but paves the way for the purpose that God has with His people. Once the enemies have been eliminated, Judah and Jerusalem will remain forever, to all generations. It is a contrast: Egypt and Edom perish, Judah resurrects and continues to exist in unthreatened security.

The LORD Lives Forever on Zion

Through His radical punishment of the enemies of Judah, who shed much blood of the Judeans, the LORD shows that it is innocent blood. That is why they have deserved the severe punishment with which He has waited until now, but which He will now carry out anyway. By judging the nations involved, the LORD will take away the blood guilt which they have loaded upon themselves, because they have persecuted God’s people.

The second part of the verse is a repetition of the contents of Joel 3:17. This repetition places great emphasis on God's continued dwelling in the midst of His people, because that can only guarantee all promised blessings and the survival of Judah.

The end of the book of Joel is reminiscent of the end of history, the moment when time passes into eternity. We read about that in Revelation 21 (Rev 21:1-8). There it is also written that God will dwell with the people (Rev 21:3).