Joel 3:12

“Let the Heathen be awakened, and come to the valley of Jehoshaphat, etc.] That is, let the enemies of Christ and his church be aroused from that state of security in which they are, and prepare for their own defence; for in such a state the antichristian powers will be before their destruction; (see <661807>Revelation 18:7); let them bestir themselves, and exert all the rigour and strength they have; let them come in high spirits against the people of God; let them invade the holy land, and come even to the valley of Jehoshaphat; and, when come thither, let them, descend into the place appointed for their ruin: the land of Judea being said to be higher than other countries, going to it is…”

“See Joe 3:2. judge all the heathen round about--that is, all the nations from all parts of the earth which have maltreated Israel; not merely, as HENDERSON supposes, the nations round about Jerusalem (compare Psa 110:6; Isa 2:4; Mic 4:3, Mic 4:11-13; Zep 3:15-19; Zac 12:9; Zac 14:3-11; Mal 4:1-3).”

“Let the pagan be awakened - This emphatic repetition of the word, “awaken,” seems intended to hint at the great awakening, to Judgment , when they “who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, being awakened” from the sleep of death. Another word is used of “awakening” . On the destruction of antichrist it is thought that the general Judgment will follow, and “all who are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and shall come forth” John 5:27-29 : They are bidden to “come up” into the valley of Jehoshaphat , “for to come into the presence of the most High God, may well be called “a coming up.” For there will I sit to judge all the pagan round about,” (again literally “from…”

“The heathen - The several nations in their appointed time, perhaps the Assyrians first under Salmaneser, next under Sennacherib, both of whom came up to the valley of Jehoshaphat. For there - In the midst of my people to plead with, condemn and punish the heathen round about Judea. Joel 3:13”

“3:12 The battle would take place in the valley of Jehoshaphat (see study note on 3:2-3), where the Lord would pronounce judgment on them all.”

“valley: Joe 3:2, Joe 3:14; Ch2 20:26; Eze 39:11; Zac 14:4 for: Psa 2:8, Psa 2:9, Psa 7:6, Psa 76:8, Psa 76:9, Psa 96:13, Psa 98:9, Psa 110:5, Psa 110:6; Isa 2:4, Isa 3:13; Eze 30:3; Mic 4:3; Rev 19:11 Joel 3:13”