New International Version“Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side.
New Living Translation“Let the nations be called to arms. Let them march to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I, the LORD, will sit to pronounce judgment on them all.
English Standard VersionLet the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
Berean Standard BibleLet the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side.
King James BibleLet the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.
New King James Version“Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
New American Standard BibleLet the nations be awakened And come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations.
NASB 1995Let the nations be aroused And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations.
NASB 1977Let the nations be aroused And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations.
Legacy Standard BibleLet the nations be roused up And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations.
Amplified BibleLet the nations be stirred [to action] And come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge and punish All the surrounding nations.
Christian Standard BibleLet the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
Holman Christian Standard BibleLet the nations be roused and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the surrounding nations.
American Standard VersionLet the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the nations round about.
Contemporary English VersionYou must come now to Judgment Valley, where the LORD will judge the surrounding nations.
English Revised VersionLet the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the nations round about.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWake up, you nations. Come to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
Good News Translation"The nations must get ready and come to the Valley of Judgment. There I, the LORD, will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
International Standard Version"Let the nations be awakened and come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; because I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
NET BibleLet the nations be roused and let them go up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit in judgment on all the surrounding nations.
New Heart English Bible"Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations.
Webster's Bible TranslationLet the heathen be awakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen on every side. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet the nations be roused and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit down to judge all the nations on every side.
World English Bible“Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Let the nations wake and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, "" For there I sit to judge all the nations around.
Young's Literal Translation Wake and come up let the nations unto the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I sit to judge all the nations around.
Smith's Literal TranslationThe nations shall be roused and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there I will sit to judge all the nations from round about. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet them arise, and let the nations come up into the valley of Josaphat: for there I will sit to judge all nations round about.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLet them arise and ascend to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there I will sit, so as to judge all the nations of the world.
New American BibleLet the nations rouse themselves and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; For there I will sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations.
New Revised Standard VersionLet the nations rouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the neighboring nations. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet the nations be awakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the nations round about.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThey shall be awakened and the nations shall come up to the valley of Yoshaphat, because there I shall sit to judge all the nations that are around OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let the nations be stirred up, and come up To the valley of Jehoshaphat; For there will I sit to judge All the nations round about.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationLet them be aroused, let all the nations go up to the valley of Josaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the Gentiles round about.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The LORD Judges the Nations… 11Come quickly, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves. Bring down Your mighty ones, O LORD. 12Let the nationsbe rousedand advancetothe Valleyof Jehoshaphat,forthereI will sit downto judgeallthe nationson every side.13Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great.…
Cross References Revelation 16:14-16These are demonic spirits that perform signs and go out to all the kings of the earth, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. / “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” / And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
Isaiah 2:4Then He will judge between the nations and arbitrate for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.
Zechariah 14:2-4For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city. / Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. / On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south.
Revelation 14:14-20And I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. / Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest, for the crop of the earth is ripe.” / So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. ...
Isaiah 66:16For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.
Micah 4:3Then He will judge between many peoples and arbitrate for strong nations far and wide. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war.
Revelation 19:11-15Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...
Isaiah 34:1-8Come near, O nations, to listen; pay attention, O peoples. Let the earth hear, and all that fills it, the world and all that springs from it. / The LORD is angry with all the nations and furious with all their armies. He will devote them to destruction; He will give them over to slaughter. / Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood. ...
Jeremiah 25:31The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth because the LORD brings a charge against the nations. He brings judgment on all mankind and puts the wicked to the sword,’” declares the LORD.
Zephaniah 3:8Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy.
Matthew 25:31-32When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Isaiah 3:13The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people.
Ezekiel 38:22I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.
Daniel 7:9-10As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
Psalm 96:13before the LORD, for He is coming—He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.
Treasury of Scripture 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. valley. Joel 3:2,14 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 andfor my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land… 2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day. Ezekiel 39:11 And it shall come to pass in that day,that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop thenoses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall callit The valley of Hamongog. for Psalm 2:8,9 Ask of me, and I shall givethee the heathenfor thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earthfor thy possession… Psalm 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for meto the judgmentthat thou hast commanded. Psalm 76:8,9 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, … Jump to Previous AdvanceArouseArousedAwakeAwakenedBestirHeathenJehoshaphatJehosh'aphatJudgeNationsRoundRouseRousedSeatedSideSitStirredSurroundingThemselvesValleyWakeWakenedJump to Next AdvanceArouseArousedAwakeAwakenedBestirHeathenJehoshaphatJehosh'aphatJudgeNationsRoundRouseRousedSeatedSideSitStirredSurroundingThemselvesValleyWakeWakenedJoel 3 1.God's judgments against the enemies of his people.9.God will be known in his judgment.18.His blessing upon the church.Let the nations be rousedThis phrase calls for the awakening and mobilization of the nations, indicating a divine summons to action. In the biblical context, this is a prophetic call to the Gentile nations, often seen as those outside the covenant with Israel. The imagery suggests a gathering for a significant event, reminiscent of other biblical calls to assembly, such as in Isaiah 13:4 and Zephaniah 3:8. The rousing of nations can be seen as a prelude to divine judgment, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all peoples. and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat
The Valley of Jehoshaphat is traditionally understood as a symbolic location for divine judgment. The name "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh judges," reinforcing the theme of judgment. While the exact geographical location is debated, it is often associated with the Kidron Valley near Jerusalem. Historically, valleys were places of decision and battle, as seen in2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat witnessed God's deliverance of Judah. This setting underscores the seriousness and finality of God's judgment. for there I will sit down to judge
This phrase highlights God's role as the ultimate judge, sitting in authority to render judgment. The imagery of God sitting signifies a position of power and deliberation, akin to a king or judge presiding over a court. This is consistent with other scriptural depictions of God as judge, such as inPsalm 9:7-8 andRevelation 20:11-12. The act of sitting to judge conveys the certainty and righteousness of God's decisions. all the nations on every side
The inclusion of "all the nations" emphasizes the universal scope of God's judgment. It is not limited to Israel but extends to every nation, reflecting the biblical theme of God's concern for all humanity. This phrase connects to the prophetic vision of a future time when God will judge the world, as seen in passages likeMatthew 25:31-32 andActs 17:31. The phrase "on every side" suggests a comprehensive and inescapable judgment, reinforcing the idea that no nation is exempt from divine accountability. Persons / Places / Events 1. NationsRefers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, symbolizing all peoples who oppose God's people. 2. Valley of JehoshaphatA symbolic location meaning "Yahweh judges," representing God's judgment on the nations. 3. God as JudgeGod is depicted as the ultimate judge who will render justice to the nations. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is the ultimate authority who will judge all nations. This reminds us of His control over world events and the certainty of His justice. The Call to RepentanceThe impending judgment serves as a call for individuals and nations to repent and turn to God, emphasizing the urgency of aligning with His will. The Assurance of JusticeBelievers can find comfort in knowing that God will right all wrongs and bring justice to those who have suffered injustice. The Importance of ReadinessJust as the nations are called to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, we must be prepared for the day of the Lord, living lives that reflect His righteousness. The Role of Believers in Proclaiming TruthAs witnesses to God's truth, believers are called to share the message of salvation and the reality of God's coming judgment with others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Joel 3:12?
2.How does Joel 3:12 emphasize God's role as the ultimate judge of nations?
3.What actions can we take to prepare for God's judgment as described here?
4.How does Joel 3:12 connect with Revelation's depiction of God's final judgment?
5.Why is it important to understand God's sovereignty in Joel 3:12?
6.How can we apply the call to justice in Joel 3:12 today?
7.What is the significance of the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" in Joel 3:12?
8.How does Joel 3:12 relate to the concept of divine judgment?
9.What historical events might Joel 3:12 be referencing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joel 3?
11.What is the main message of the Book of Joel?
12.What is the meaning of Joel 3:10?
13.What is the meaning of Joel 3:10?
14.How can Joel 3:2's forecast of gathering all nations in the Valley of Jehoshaphat be reconciled with a lack of concrete historical or archaeological evidence for such an event?What Does Joel 3:12 Mean Let the nations be roused“Let the nations be roused…” (Joel 3:12) • God is summoning every gentile power, not in weakness but with sovereign authority. • This is not a polite invitation; it is a divine command similar toPsalm 2:1-2, where “the nations rage” yet remain under God’s rule. •Isaiah 34:2 pictures the LORD’s anger against “all the nations,” emphasizing that their stirring is ultimately under His control. •Revelation 16:14 shows evil spirits gathering kings for “the battle of the great day of God the Almighty,” illustrating how even demonic schemes serve His timetable.
and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat“…and advance to the Valley of Jehoshaphat…” (Joel 3:12) • “Jehoshaphat” means “Yahweh judges,” reminding us that the location itself preaches the outcome. •Joel 3:2 has already named this valley as the place where God will “enter into judgment” for Israel’s sake. •2 Chronicles 20 recounts Jehoshaphat’s victory when the LORD fought for Judah, foreshadowing a future deliverance. •Zechariah 14:2-4 andRevelation 16:16 (Armageddon) depict a final gathering in a specific region near Jerusalem, reinforcing the prophecy’s literal setting.
for there I will sit down“…for there I will sit down…” (Joel 3:12) • “Sit down” conveys the settled posture of a king on His throne;Psalm 9:7-8 declares that the LORD “has established His throne for judgment.” •Isaiah 3:13 pictures the LORD “taking His place to judge the peoples,” matching the same courtroom scene. •Daniel 7:9-10 shows thrones set in place and “the Ancient of Days” taking His seat; Jesus echoes this inMatthew 25:31 when He “sits on His glorious throne.”
to judge all the nations on every side“…to judge all the nations on every side.” (Joel 3:12) • No nation escapes;Jeremiah 25:31 says, “The LORD brings a charge against the nations.” •Matthew 25:32 states that “all the nations will be gathered before Him.” •Acts 17:31 affirms that God “has set a day when He will judge the world in righteousness.” •Revelation 20:11-12 shows the final judgment, underscoring the universal scope hinted at in Joel.
summaryJoel 3:12 paints a vivid, literal picture of the final gathering of the world’s powers before the Lord. He calls them awake, directs them to the very place named “Yahweh judges,” takes His rightful seat, and renders a just verdict on every nation. The verse assures believers that history is moving toward God’s courtroom, where His righteousness will prevail and His people will be vindicated. Verse 12. - This verse points out the place where the great assemblage of the heathen is to hold, and the final decision in answer to the prophet's prayer is to take place. Let the heathen he wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat. All the nations that have opposed the kingdom of God, as well as those hostile nations from round about Israel and Judah, in their more immediate neighbourhood; though these, no doubt, are primarily meant. The expression, "be wakened," of this verse corresponds to "waken up" of ver. 9. The force of coming up is explained by some (1) as implying the ascent to Palestine in order to reach the valley of Jehoshaphat. It is rather (2) to be understood in the general sense ofadvancing ormarching on; otherwise "to come into the presence of the Most High God" may well be called "a coming up." The decision takes the form of a judicial process conducted by Jehovah, who as Judge takes his seat on a throne of judgment.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Let the nationsהַגּוֹיִ֔ם(hag·gō·w·yim)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locustsbe rousedיֵע֙וֹרוּ֙(yê·‘ō·w·rū)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5782:To rouse oneself, awakeand advanceוְיַעֲל֣וּ(wə·ya·‘ă·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyintoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe Valleyעֵ֖מֶק(‘ê·meq)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6010:A valeof Jehoshaphat,יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֑ט(yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092:Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelitesforכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthereשָׁ֗ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherI will sit downאֵשֵׁ֛ב(’ê·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryto judgeלִשְׁפֹּ֥ט(liš·pōṭ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8199:To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigateallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe nationsהַגּוֹיִ֖ם(hag·gō·w·yim)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471:A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locustson every side.מִסָּבִֽיב׃(mis·sā·ḇîḇ)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, around
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OT Prophets: Joel 3:12 Let the nations arouse themselves and come (Jl Joe.) |
