For I will avenge their bloodThis phrase indicates God's promise of justice for His people. The concept of avenging blood is rooted in the Old Testament law, where God established Himself as the ultimate avenger of innocent blood (
Deuteronomy 32:43). The shedding of innocent blood was a serious offense, and God promised to hold accountable those who committed such acts. This reflects God's holiness and His commitment to justice. The avenging of blood can also be seen as a precursor to the final judgment, where God will right all wrongs.
which I have not yet avenged.”
This suggests that there is a delay in the execution of justice, which is a common theme in the Bible. God's timing is often different from human expectations, and His patience is sometimes mistaken for inaction (2 Peter 3:9). The delay serves a purpose, often allowing time for repentance and redemption. This phrase reassures the faithful that God has not forgotten His promises and that justice will ultimately be served.
For the LORD dwells in Zion.
Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem, is significant as the spiritual and political center of Israel. It represents God's chosen dwelling place among His people (Psalm 132:13-14). The presence of the LORD in Zion signifies His protection, favor, and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. This phrase also points to the eschatological hope of God's eternal reign from Zion, as seen in prophetic literature (Isaiah 2:2-4,Micah 4:1-2). The dwelling of the LORD in Zion is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people, as He is Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is just and righteous, promising to avenge the blood of His people.
2.
ZionA term often used to refer to Jerusalem, the city of God, symbolizing His presence and the center of His divine rule.
3.
The People of IsraelThe recipients of God's promise, who have suffered injustice and await divine retribution.
4.
The NationsThose who have oppressed Israel and are subject to God's judgment.
5.
The Day of the LORDA prophetic event characterized by God's intervention in history to judge the nations and vindicate His people.
Teaching Points
God's Justice is CertainGod's promise to avenge the blood of His people assures us that He is a God of justice. We can trust that He will right every wrong in His perfect timing.
The Presence of God in ZionThe LORD dwelling in Zion signifies His ongoing presence with His people. This encourages believers to seek His presence in their lives and communities.
The Importance of Righteous LivingKnowing that God will judge the nations should motivate us to live righteously and align our lives with His will.
Hope in God's DeliveranceThe promise of divine retribution provides hope for those who suffer injustice, reminding us that God sees and will act on behalf of His people.
The Call to Intercede for JusticeAs believers, we are called to pray for justice and intercede for those who are oppressed, trusting in God's ultimate plan for redemption.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Joel 3:21?
2.How does Joel 3:21 emphasize God's commitment to justice and righteousness?
3.What does "I will avenge their blood" reveal about God's character?
4.How can Joel 3:21 inspire believers to trust in God's ultimate justice?
5.Connect Joel 3:21 with other scriptures about God's judgment and forgiveness.
6.How should Joel 3:21 influence our response to injustice in today's world?
7.What does Joel 3:21 mean by "I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged"?
8.How does Joel 3:21 fit into the overall theme of divine justice in the Bible?
9.What historical context is necessary to understand Joel 3:21?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Joel 3?
11.How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about the end times?
13.Does Peter's citation of Joel (Acts 2:16-21) truly match the original prophecy, or is it taken out of context?
14.Psalm 30:11-12: If mourning is truly turned to dancing, why do faithful believers throughout history often remain in prolonged suffering?What Does Joel 3:21 Mean
For I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged“ For I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged.” (Joel 3:21a)
•The phrase “their blood” points to the physical lives of God’s covenant people whose martyrs and casualties have piled up through centuries of persecution (Genesis 4:10;Psalm 79:10).
•“Will avenge” affirms that God personally assumes the role of righteous Judge. He never ignores injustice; He stores it up for the proper moment (Deuteronomy 32:43;Romans 12:19).
•“Which I have not yet avenged” signals a purposeful delay, not oversight. God’s timetable allows space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9) while guaranteeing final reckoning (Revelation 6:10–11; 19:2).
•This promise completes earlier prophetic threads in Joel: the nations that “scattered My people” and “shed innocent blood” in the land (Joel 3:2–3, 19) will meet divine retribution.
•Believers draw assurance that every hidden wrong—whether against Israel or against individual followers of Christ—will face the same holy justice (Isaiah 63:4;Luke 18:7–8).
For the LORD dwells in Zion“ For the LORD dwells in Zion.” (Joel 3:21b)
•Zion (Jerusalem) is more than geography; it represents the center of God’s kingdom purposes (Psalm 132:13–14). His presence there cements the certainty of the prior promise.
•God dwelling among His people fulfills earlier Joel pronouncements: “You will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, My holy mountain” (Joel 3:17).
•His residence assures covenant blessings—security, holiness, and restoration—while repelling evil (Psalm 48:1–3;Zechariah 8:3).
•The statement anticipates the climactic reality ofRevelation 21:3, where God permanently dwells with His redeemed, linking the earthly Zion to the New Jerusalem.
•Because the Lord is “in the midst” (Zephaniah 3:15–17), His people can trust that vengeance, protection, and ultimate peace emanate from His unchanging character.
summaryJoel 3:21 promises that God Himself will settle every account of spilled covenant blood—delayed but never forgotten—because He lives among His people in Zion. His presence guarantees justice, vindication, and lasting peace, anchoring believers’ hope in the sure triumph of the Lord’s righteous rule.
(21)
I will cleanse . . .--The LXX. translate this sentence, "I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unavenged"--
i.e., the "innocent blood" mentioned in
Joel 3:19; but the promise seems rather to indicate, as in the English Version, the extension of God's pardon to those hitherto unpardoned.
The Lord dwelleth in Zion--i.e., over a raging and swelling world, probably unconscious of Him, the Lord nevertheless reigns in the heavenly Jerusalem, and all His redeemed shall dwell securely under His eternal rule. "And the name of the city from that day shall be Jehovah Shammah, the LORD IS THERE (Ezekiel 48:35).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For I will acquit
וְנִקֵּ֖יתִי(wə·niq·qê·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated
their bloodguilt
דָּמָ֣ם(dā·mām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1818:Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed
which I have not yet
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
acquitted.”
נִקֵּ֑יתִי(niq·qê·ṯî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5352:To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated
For the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
dwells
שֹׁכֵ֥ן(šō·ḵên)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7931:To settle down, abide, dwell
in Zion.
בְּצִיּֽוֹן׃(bə·ṣî·yō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726:Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem
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OT Prophets: Joel 3:21 I will cleanse their blood that (Jl Joe.)