There is no escaping God’s judgement.  Sinners will suffer wrath and be cut off from all comfort and joy.  God’s people are victorious in Christ.  It will be a time of joy for the righteous and a time of terror and sorrow for the wicked.

Joel 3:9 – The prophet picks up the action where he left off in vs. 3 summoning the “nations” to gather together in the valley of Jehoshaphat and prepare for war.  He uses military terms to call them to a time of preparation for battle.

Joel 3:10 – The peacetime tools of farming are to be turned into weapons of war.

Joel 3:11 – This is not going to be a long time, drag out war, but rather a speedy conflict.  “Surrounding nations” indicates this will extend to all the Gentile nations and not just the immediate neighbors.

Joel 3:12,13 – God will take care of His people and sit to judge and pronounce sentence.  They are so sinful they are ready (ripe) for judgement.  They are so full that the juice is overflowing (extreme evil and wickedness). 

Joel 3:14 – Multitudes said twice for emphasis – They are gathered specifically for judgement – for the sentencing decision of the Lord.  Jews (multitudes) and Gentiles (multitudes) must decide what to do about Christ and then be judged.

Joel 3:15 – Darkness as a symbol of judgement – terror of the wrath of God.  Darkness gives the remaining unbelievers a chance to see and decide about Christ from this supernatural event.

Joel 3:16 – The Lord roars and thunders – like a victory cry after defeating the enemy.  He will be a refuge (hope) to His people and a stronghold (strength).  See. Is. 25:4

Joel 3:17 – The destruction of the “nations” and the deliverance of Israel.  This will show to all  in Israel that the Lord is God.  He is supreme!  Permanent deliverance – Nahum 1:15.  They must remain sanctified and set apart to the Lord, God.  A full knowledge of Christ during the Millenium will be realized.  God will dwell in Zion, His Holy Hill.  Is. 8:18.  God will dwell in His full glory as the Person, God.