Read & explore together
Blessings for God’s People
Joel closes this passage with promises about Yahweh’s presence, holiness, abundance, justice and lasting security for his people. These verses speak as prophecy and teaching, showing what Yahweh says he will do and what his people will know.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In these verses, Yahweh speaks about Zion, Jerusalem, Judah, Egypt and Edom. The passage moves from knowing Yahweh in Zion, to vivid pictures of provision, to judgement on nations because of violence, and finally to Judah’s continuing future because Yahweh dwells there.
Joel 3:17–21Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Yahweh promises his presence in Zion, blessing for his people, judgement for violence, and an enduring future for Judah and Jerusalem.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Yahweh known in ZionThe passage begins with recognition: “you will know that I am Yahweh, your God”. He is described as dwelling in Zion, his holy mountain.
Explanation
The passage begins with recognition: “you will know that I am Yahweh, your God”. He is described as dwelling in Zion, his holy mountain. Because of his presence, Jerusalem will be holy, and “strangers” will no longer pass through her any more. The focus stays on Yahweh’s identity, dwelling place and the city’s holiness.
02A picture of overflowing provisionJoel 3:18 uses rich, poetic images. Mountains drop sweet wine, hills flow with milk, and the brooks of Judah flow with waters.
Explanation
Joel 3:18 uses rich, poetic images. Mountains drop sweet wine, hills flow with milk, and the brooks of Judah flow with waters. A fountain comes from Yahweh’s house and waters the valley of Shittim. The verse presents abundance and life-giving water as part of what will happen “in that day”.
03Judgement for violenceEgypt and Edom are described as becoming desolate. The verse itself gives the reason: violence done to the children of Judah and the shedding of innocent blood in their land.
Explanation
Egypt and Edom are described as becoming desolate. The verse itself gives the reason: violence done to the children of Judah and the shedding of innocent blood in their land. In this passage, the judgement is tied to wrongdoing that Yahweh names plainly.
04Judah’s lasting future and cleansingThe contrast is strong. While Egypt and Edom are desolate, Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
Explanation
The contrast is strong. While Egypt and Edom are desolate, Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. Yahweh also says, “I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed”. The passage ends with the same anchor as its opening promise: “Yahweh dwells in Zion.”
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Yahweh say his people will know about him?
Look for the words about who Yahweh is and where he dwells, because Joel 3:17 joins God’s identity with Zion and Jerusalem’s holiness.
02Which images show abundance and life in this prophecy?
List the pictures in Joel 3:18, including what comes from the mountains, hills, brooks and Yahweh’s house.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Joel 3:17–21
17“So you will know that I am Yahweh, your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. Then Jerusalem will be holy, and no strangers will pass through her any more.
18It will happen in that day, that the mountains will drop down sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters; and a fountain will flow out from Yahweh’s house, and will water the valley of Shittim.
19Egypt will be a desolation and Edom will be a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
20But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
21I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed, for Yahweh dwells in Zion.”