‏ Joel 3

* God's judgments in the latter days. (1-8) The extent of these

judgments. (9-17) The blessings the church shall enjoy. (18-21)

1-8 The restoration of the Jews, and the final victory of true

religion over all opposers, appear to be here foretold. The

contempt and scorn with which the Jews have often been treated

as a people, and the little value set upon them, are noticed.

None ever hardened his heart against God or his church, and

prospered long. 9-17 Here is a challenge to all the enemies of God's people.

There is no escaping God's judgments; hardened sinners, in that

day of wrath, shall be cut off from all comfort and joy. Most of

the prophets foretell the same final victory of the church of

God over all that oppose it. To the wicked it will be a terrible

day, but to the righteous it will be a joyful day. What cause

have those who possess an interest in Christ, to glory in their

Strength and their Redeemer! The acceptable year of the Lord, a

day of such great favour to some, will be a day of remarkable

vengeance to others: let every one that is out of Christ awake,

and flee from the wrath to come. 18-21 There shall be abundant Divine influences, and the gospel

will spread speedily into the remotest corners of the earth.

These events are predicted under significant emblems; there is a

day coming, when every thing amiss shall be amended. The

fountain of this plenty is in the house of God, whence the

streams take rise. Christ is this Fountain; his sufferings,

merit, and grace, cleanse, refresh, and make fruitful. Gospel

grace, flowing from Christ, shall reach to the Gentile world, to

the most remote regions, and make them abound in fruits of

righteousness; and from the house of the Lord above, from his

heavenly temple, flows all the good we daily taste, and hope to

enjoy eternally.