Joel 3:2

Valley of Jehoshaphat. The name occurs only here, but in the time of Eusebius (4th century) it was applied to the Kidron Valley, the depression between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, to the east of Jerusalem. However, there is no evidence that anciently the valley was ever thus called. The name seems to have been chosen because of its significance. Jehoshaphat meaning, “Yahweh has judged,” or “Yahweh judges.”

See also GC 32.

Some have attempted to connect this valley with the Valley of Berachah, the scene of Judah’s victory over the united forces of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir (2 Chron. 20:1-30). However, that valley was in the wilderness of Tekoa (2 Chron. 20:20), a town 10 mi. (16 km.) south of Jerusalem, probably the Wadi el-‘Arrub, south of Tekoa. The distance of this site from Jerusalem seems to be against the equating of the Valley of Berachah with the valley of Jehoshaphat.

Will plead. Heb. shaphat, which, in the form here found, means “to enter into a legal controversy.” Shaphat the last part of the name Jehoshaphat.

A spiritually revived people of Israel, cooperating with God’s plan, would have enjoyed the favor and protection of Heaven. The blessings promised at the time of the Exodus (Deut. 28:1-14) would have met belated fulfillment. The Jewish nation would have become a marvel of prosperity and would have converted multitudes to the true God. As the numbers increased, Israel would have enlarged its borders until it embraced the world (see COL 290). Naturally such a program would have excited the anger of the heathen nations. Under the leadership of Satan these nations would have banded together to crush the thriving state, and God would have intervened (see p. 30).

With the failure of the Jews, we look to the fulfillment of these predictions in principle in the Christian church (see on Eze. 38:1). The conflict here described will take on the nature of a desperate attempt by Satan, in earth’s last hour, to destroy the true church of God. “As he [Satan] influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God” (9T 231; cf. 5T 524; GC 656; 6T 18, 19, 395). Again God will intervene in behalf of His people, and at the second coming of Christ will destroy the wicked (Rev. 19:19-21), and 1,000 years later annihilate them (Rev. 20:9-15).