Book of Joel Chapter 3 Vs. 3

 The Lord Judges the Nations

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. Joel 3:3

they have cast... Seven reasons for judgments on Gentiles:

1. They have cast lots for My people (Joel 3:3).

2. They have given boys to be harlots.

3. They have sold daughters for wine.

4. They have lived in drunkenness.

5. They have taken My silver and gold (Joel 3:5).

6. They have taken My pleasant things into idol temples.

7. They have sold My people as slaves (Joel 3:6).

Not only parted their land, but cast lots for their persons, Or played at dice for them, how many captives each soldier should have, and which should be their share and property.

Ninety seven thousand Jews, Josephus says, were carried captive by the Romans, who very probably, cast lots for them, as was usual in such cases (see Nahum 3:10).

and have given... Either they gave a boy to be prostituted to natural lusts, in lieu of a whore; and a girl to be debauched for a bottle of wine: or they gave a boy for the price of a whore, as the Targum and Kimchi interpret it.

That is, they gave a boy, instead of money, to a whore, to lie with her, as the eunuch was given to Thais. And they gave a girl to the wine merchant for as much wine as they could drink at one sitting.

These phrases both express their uncleanness and intemperance, and also the low price and value they set upon their captives; and is applicable enough to the Papists, notorious for the same abominable lusts.

The people of Israel have been treated with very little respect, since the time of the prophets. They went into slavery, and were sold for a very small amount. The worst thing that happened to them, was possibly in Adolph Hitler’s time, when he killed so many Jews, and even made soap out of some of them.

The reason for God’s judgment is the nations’ treatment of His covenant people (My inheritance; cf. see Joel 2:17), My people. The nations had scattered the Lord’s people, sold them as slaves to distant lands, and divided up His land. “Scattered” (from pāzar, “to disperse”) seems to refer to the Babylonian Exile (cf. Jer. 50:17). Even though the Lord Himself assigned the land to Israel’s enemies (cf. Lam. 5:2; Mic. 2:4), He still held these nations guilty for their failure to recognize His sovereignty and for their cruel treatment of His people.

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3 Vs. 14

The Baptism of Jesus

 

Matthew 3:14 “But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?”

John forbad him... John’s baptism symbolized repentance, and John saw this as inappropriate for the One he knew was the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29).

John felt so humble by this. He knew Jesus was Messiah. John felt his need for the salvation Jesus had to offer.

I have need... Question 3. Next, Mat. 5:13. John desired the Spirit baptism Christ came to give (John 1:31-34). John was filled (Luke 1:15), but never baptized with the Spirit, which was not given until Christ was glorified (John 7:37-39; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33-34; 11:16).

Only Matthew recorded John’s opposition to this act: I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? John recognized Jesus did not fit the requirements for his baptism, since his baptism was for repentance from sin. Of what did Jesus have to repent? He had never sinned (2Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1Jhn. 3:5), so He could not be officially entering into John’s baptism even though He was seeking to be baptized by John. Some feel Jesus was confessing the sins of the nation as Moses, Ezra, and Daniel had done on previous occasions. However, another possibility is suggested in Mat. 3:15.

Book of Joel Chapter 3 Vs. 2

 The Lord Judges the Nations

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. Joel 3:2

I will also... At the same time God will gather the nations for judgment.

Bring them down... The site of the judgment will be the Valley of Jehoshaphat, mentioned only in Joel 3:2, 3:12. Whether such a geographical site was known by this name in ancient Israel is not certain. Some scholars suggest it is a yet-future valley, to be formed by the splitting of the Mount of Olives at the Messiah’s return (Zec. 14:4). At any rate, the importance of the name is not in its geographical location, but in its meaning, “the Lord judges.”

valley of Jehoshaphat... The name means “Yahweh judges” (3:12, 14), and although the exact location is unknown, other prophets spoke of this judgment as occurring near Jerusalem (Ezek. 38, 39; Dan. 11:45; Zech. 9:14; 12:1). This judgment of the nations includes the event of (Matt. 25:31-46).

I believe this is speaking of the great battle of Armageddon. There has never been a time in history before, when all nations were gathered in battle here in Israel. This is the same as the battle we dealt with (in the 39th chapter of Ezekiel). God fights the battle for Israel in this valley of Jehoshaphat.

Israel was promised this land back in Abraham's time. It was also promised that there would be a King that would rule on the throne in Jerusalem, who would be like unto David. The physical house of Israel is, even now, returning to the land of Israel. They have been scattered in all the countries of the world. God's plan all along was to restore Israel.

and will plead... The reason for God’s judgment is the nations’ treatment of His covenant people (My inheritance; see Joel 2:17), My people. The nations had scattered the Lord’s people, sold them as slaves to distant lands, and divided up His land.

The site of the judgment will be the Valley of Jehoshaphat, mentioned only in Joel 3:2, 3:12. Whether such a geographical site was known by this name in ancient Israel is not certain. Some scholars suggest it is a yet-future valley, to be formed by the splitting of the Mount of Olives at the Messiah’s return (Zec. 14:4). At any rate, the importance of the name is not in its geographical location, but in its meaning, “the Lord judges.”

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3 Vs. 13

 The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.”

In this Scripture above, it seems important to know that Jesus had been living in Galilee, of which the little town of Nazareth was a part. He sought John out specifically to baptize Him, probably to show His association with John.

They were cousins in the flesh, and also John would recognize Him. John would be able to see with his own eyes the One he had been proclaiming.

Presentation through approval

By Baptism (Mat. 3:13-17)
(Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)

After years of silence in Nazareth, Jesus appeared among those listening to John’s preaching and presented Himself as a candidate for baptism.

In contrast with “all the people” from Judea and Jerusalem (Mark 1:5), He came to John in the desert region from Nazareth in Galilee. Nazareth was an obscure village never mentioned in the Old Testament, the Talmud, or the writings of Josephus, the well-known first-century Jewish historian. Galilee, about 30 miles wide and 60 miles long, was the populous northernmost region of the three divisions of Palestine: Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.

Book of Joel Chapter 3 Vs. 1

 

The Lord Judges the Nations

For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, Joel 3:1

For, behold, in... The 4th section of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 3:1-16, unfulfilled; will be fulfilled at the battle of Armageddon and the day of the Lord). Next, Joel 3:17.

Fourteen Predictions—Unfulfilled:

1. In those days and at that time, when I bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem. I will also gather all nations (Joel 3:1-2).

2. I will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:2).

3. I will plead with them there for My people and for My heritage whom I scattered among the nations, parting My land among the Gentiles.

4. I will raise them out of the place where you have sold them (Joel 3:7).

5. I will recompense upon your own head.

6. I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of Judah (Joel 3:8).

7. They will sell them to the Sabeans and to a people far off.

8. Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near and let them come up (Joel 3:9-12; cp. Jer. 6:4).

9. I will judge them in the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:12-14).

10. The sun and moon will be darkened.

11. The stars will withdraw their shining (Joel 3:15).

12. The Lord will roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem (Joel 3:16).

13. The heavens and earth will shake.

14. The Lord will be the hope of His people and the strength of the children of Israel.

And at that time, Which Kimchi refers to the times of the Messiah; and is true of the latter times of the Messiah, of his spiritual reign yet to come.

in those days,... "In those days, and in that time"—when I bring the Jews back from all lands and they have a new nation in Israel with Jerusalem as the capital, I will gather all nations against them (Joel 3:1-2; Zec. 14:1-5; Rev. 16:13-16; 19:11-21).

again the captivity... "Again" indicates that it was done before this, which was true when they returned from Babylon under Ezra and Nehemiah. The next time will be the second time, fulfilling Isa. 11:10-12. The second time is now in process of fulfillment and it will be completed at the second coming of the Messiah (Mat. 24:31).

Judah and Jerusalem... References to Judah, Jerusalem, and Zion in the prophecy indicate that Joel prophesied to Judah. In fact, the ten tribes had been taken into captivity and the northern kingdom completely destroyed before Joel prophesied, as we gather from internal evidence in the prophecy. There is not the slightest mention of the ten tribes so it must be that they were not in existence as a kingdom at that time. So not from the Edomites, Tyrians, and Philistines, that had carried them captive in the times of Ahaz. Nor from Babylon, where they had been carried captive by Nebuchadnezzar. For nothing of what is after foretold followed upon the return of these captivities.

But this designs the present captivity of the Jews, and the restoration of them to their own land (of which see Isaiah 52:8).

The days that are spoken of, here, are the same as the Day of the Lord in the last lesson, when God would pour out of His Spirit on all flesh. I believe the time when Jerusalem and Judah were brought again to their land, is in our times. In 1948, Israel became a nation, and Jerusalem is the spiritual city again.

Judgment Is Announced

Joel. 3:1-8 are a judgment speech against the nations. They contain accusatory elements (Joel 3:2-3, 3:5-6), as well as an announcement of judgment (Joel 3:1-2, 3:4, 3:7-8).

In the future day of the Lord Judah and her enemies will be carefully distinguished. The Lord will restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, in fulfillment of Moses’ promise (cf. Deut. 30:3). At the same time God will gather the nations for judgment.

Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3 Vs. 12

 John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Matthew 3:12 “Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

fan is in... Grain was threshed in the open air, being trampled under the feet of oxen (Deut. 25:4), or by means of instruments (Isa. 28:27). To separate the grain from the hulls and straw a fan or wooden pitchfork was used. As straw was thrown toward the wind, the chaff blew away and the grain fell to the ground. The grain was sometimes sifted after the winnowing (Luke 22:31). The chaff then was burned and the grain stored. This is used to picture judgment several times (Job 21:17-20; Psm. 1:4; Isa. 29:5; 41:16; Dan. 2:35).

Fan is a winnowing fork, a tool for tossing grain into the wind so that the chaff is blown away.

This Scripture was saying He (Jesus) will stir up the people. He will separate the good (wheat) from the evil. This floor, probably, spiritually meant the whole world. He shall gather all believers together unto Him, and they shall become united in Him (the Bride of Christ).

he will burn... Just meant the wicked shall burn eternally.

with unquenchable fire... Another description of eternal hell, not the grave (Mat. 13:42, 13:50; Rev. 9:2). Wailing, here and in Mat. 13:50; weeping in Mat. 8:12; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28; and gnashing of teeth in all these passages picture bitter remorse and pain.

This symbolism was carried through by John who spoke of the separation that occurs when a winnowing fork tosses up grain, wheat is then gathered into the barn, and chaff is burned up. John was saying that the Messiah, when He came, would prepare a remnant (wheat) for the kingdom by empowering and cleansing the people. Those who reject Him (chaff) would be judged and cast into eternal unquenchable fire (cf. Mal. 4:1).

Book of Joel Chapter 2 Vs. 32

 The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Joel 2:32

whosoever shall call... This has always been the case and always will be. When men call upon the Lord for mercy He always gives it; there is no such thing as the door of mercy being closed either to the Jews or Gentiles during any period of this age or any other (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-14; 1Jhn. 1:9).

in mount Zion... The Jews will be saved as a nation during this time (Isa. 66:7-8; Zec. 12:10-13:1; Rom. 11:25-29). It is spoken of separately from Jerusalem, which represents the physical house of Israel. The remnant here are the natural Jews that turn to the LORD. The Christians are the large number beyond counting. Those believing in Christ during the tribulation.

Rev. 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him a hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." The Jews will be saved as a nation during this time.

in the remnant... In spite of the nation’s sin, God promised to fulfill His unconditional covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, Davidic, and New). A future remnant of Jews will inherit God’s promised blessings (Isa. 10:20-22; 11:11, 16; Jer. 31:7; Mica 2:12; Zeph. 3:13; Rom. 9:27).

What a wonderful promise, that God will save everyone who calls upon His name.

Notice, the Father's name is written in the foreheads of natural Israel, who have turned to the Lamb.

Rev. 7:9 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;"

These are the tribulation Christians spoken of above. They are dressed in white robes washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Rev. 7:14 "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

At this time of universal judgment, everyone who calls on (i.e., invokes) the name of the Lord will be saved (i.e., delivered from physical danger; cf. see Rom. 11:26). “Everyone” does not refer to all people, but the Spirit-empowered people of God mentioned in Joel 2:28-29. In Rom. 10:13 Paul related this passage to Gentile (as well as Jewish) salvation, but he was suggesting a mere analogy, not a strict fulfillment of Joel 2:32, which pertains to Israel.

In the day of the Lord Jerusalem will be a place of refuge for the survivors whom the Lord calls. This remnant with whom the Lord initiates a special relationship (for the sense of “call” here, see Isa. 51:2) should probably be equated with the group described in Joel 2:28-29, 2:32 (cf. Wolff, Joel and Amos, pp. 68-9), though some (e.g., Driver, The Books of Joel and Amos, pp. 68-9) see this as referring to returning exiles.

On the day of Pentecost the Apostle Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 in conjunction with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:17-21). His introductory words (cf. Acts 2:16, “this is what was spoken by the Prophet Joel”) may seem to indicate that he considered Joel’s prophecy as being completely fulfilled on that occasion. However, it is apparent that the events of that day, though extraordinary, did not fully correspond to those predicted by Joel.

In attempting to solve this problem one must recognize that in the early chapters of Acts the kingdom was being offered to Israel once more. Peter admonished the people to repent so that they might receive the promised Spirit (cf. Acts 2:38-39 where he alludes to Joel 2:32). Shortly thereafter Peter anticipated “times of refreshing” and the return of Christ in response to national repentance (cf. Acts 10:19-21). Not until later did Peter come to understand more fully God’s program for the Gentiles in the present age (cf. Acts 10:44-48). When he observed the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost he rightly viewed it as the first stage in the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. Apparently he believed that the kingdom was then being offered to Israel and that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit signaled the coming of the Millennium. However, the complete fulfillment of the prophecy (with respect to both the extent of the Spirit’s work and the other details) was delayed because of Jewish unbelief (for further discussion see Acts 2:16-21; 3:19-21).

Praise God! There is hope.