King James Version
What Does Joel 3:9 Mean?
“Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Prepare: Heb. Sanctify”
Context
7
Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head:
8
And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken it.
9
Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Prepare: Heb. Sanctify
10
Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. pruninghooks: or, scythes
11
Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD. cause: or, the LORD shall bring down
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **Prepare war** . . .—Literally, *sanctify war.* It was to be taken up deliberately, and after due religious rites, according to the customs of the nations. They are thus challenged, or rather summoned, to a trial of strength with Jehovah at a typical “Armageddon.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joel 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joel 3:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge