For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.
Read it in contextBlessings for God’s People
Start reading at Joel 3:17 (Joel 3:17 to Joel 3:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter announces judgment on the nations and the security associated with the LORD's presence in Zion.
3:17So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
3:18And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
3:19Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.
3:20But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
3:21For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Joel son of Pethuel is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Joel 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Joel 3:1–3:21): Judah and Jerusalem are the people whose cause is addressed; the nations are summoned to judgment in the prophetic scene. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem: elders, inhabitants, farmers, priests, and the gathered people are called to hear and respond. Biblical references: Joel 1:2; Joel 1:13; Joel 2:15; Joel 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Blessings for God’s People. Read Joel 3:17 through Joel 3:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter announces judgment on the nations and the security associated with the LORD's presence in Zion. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening does not name a reigning king or give a precise year. The book moves through devastation, a call to return, promised restoration, and the day of the LORD. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Judah, Jerusalem, Zion, the affected land, and the nations appear in the prophetic scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Blessings for God’s People (Joel 3:17 to Joel 3:21).
Start reading at Joel 3:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Peter explicitly cites Joel's promise of the outpoured Spirit at Pentecost. Read the promise with Acts' description of the event and the response Peter calls for. See Joel 2:28, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:16, Acts 2:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to calls for wholehearted return and communal prayer. When connecting the promise of the Spirit with the church, retain the actual words of Joel and Acts. interpretation
Cited: Joel 3:17, Joel 3:21, Joel 2:28, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:16, Acts 2:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
JoelNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Joel. Joel 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Joel.
What is debatedThe date is uncertain because the book gives no king's name.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Joel 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Joel names the prophet but does not provide a royal date in its opening. Its descriptions of devastation, calls to return, and promises concerning the Spirit must be read in sequence. Acts 2 explicitly cites the promise of the Spirit. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final chapter announces judgment on the nations and the security associated with the LORD's presence in Zion.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The final chapter announces judgment on the nations and the security associated with the LORD's presence in Zion.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Joel
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Joel names the prophet but does not provide a royal date in its opening. Its descriptions of devastation, calls to return, and promises concerning the Spirit must be read in sequence. Acts 2 explicitly cites the promise of the Spirit.