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"The valley of decision"

Text: Joel 3:14

THE STAGGERING NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED

This final war would involve a staggering number of people. A multitude of people would have to decide how they would respond!

“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon will grow dark,
And the stars will diminish their brightness.”
Joel 3:14-15

1. “Multitudes, multitudes”

a) The repeating of the same word here is to suggest “a huge number of people”.

b) Countries would take sides.

c) Armies would be committed.

d) This would be a global conflict.

2. “The valley of decision”

a) This is the Valley of Jehoshaphat where God would be the supreme Judge.

b) Decisions would have to be made by countries representing multitudes.

c) Thus, it was aptly called “the valley of decision”.

d) No one would be “non-aligned”.

3. “For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision”

a) The day of the LORD was now at hand.

b) He would bring judgment to the warring enemies.

4. There would be cosmic signs

a) The sun, moon and stars represent the celestial powers of God.

b) They would hide their faces from the conflicts that would take place on earth.

c) These celestial lights would no longer function in their normal capacities.

d) They would not give off their lights brightly.

e) They would become dimmer.

f) These should have been interpreted correctly:

i) As indication of God’s wrath.

ii) As omens of God’s judgment.

iii) There should have been the decision to turn away from wickedness.

iv) It was too late now!