v. 3. Here is described the callous treatment of Jews by Romans, Romanists, and others who despised Israel and Israel’s God. They all will be judged on that final day.

Judgment of Tyre, Sidon, Philistines, and why. 3:4-8

Once again there is a change of scenery, and Joel sees things that are right at hand or at least in the near future. In God’s eyes, judgment is judgment, and those who need to be judged shall be, regardless of the time involved.

v. 4. The nations are asked, “Are you trying to get even with Me.” And then they are reminded that it is God who shall have the final response.

v. 5. We read of Babylon and others, even in the Scriptures, who took away the treasures of the Temple, and used them in their own worship. God does not take any of this lightly, although He did use these pagan nations to punish His people.

v. 6. Atrocities committed against Jews: sold as slaves, even as God had foretold via Moses hundreds of years before. Intricate is the wisdom of the Lord. Here are nations that already are displeasing to God, whose hearts have been hardened against the God of Israel, as Pharaoh’s heart. He allows them to go their evil direction even in regards to His people, then catches them in the trap of His judgment later. Who has known the mind of the Lord?

vs. 7-8. Not only will Jewish slaves be freed, but the tables will be turned on those who did the damage. Israel will have been appropriately judged and restored, and now the track record of those who have done the punishing must be addressed.

General Judgment again, and the valley of Jehoshaphat. 3:9-17

Those who have hurt His people are now called out for their sin and told to gather for their ultimate judgment. But here we are catapulted back to a far distant future, beyond even where we are today, when the Judge of all the Earth will bring things to a bloody end. It is Jesus Christ Who has been chosen to do this awful work, and He will do it with precise measure.

v. 9 All nations called to war.

v. 10. Not Isaiah’s “swords into plowshares” but the opposite for now.

v. 11. What a spectacle is being announced. Warriors from above, from below, from East and West, gather together. This is the final match between good and evil.

v. 12. The valley of Jehoshaphat is once again named as the location. This is not heavenly warfare. The battle has come to Earth. In time and in a place. You wanted to challenge the God of Heaven? This is your chance to prove what you have.