Joel 3:9

Gentiles. Heb. goyim, “nations.” Verses 9-17 return to the topic of v. 2. The subject is expanded and graphically portrayed. As noted in the comments on v. 2 the description of a literal conflict is in terms of how events would have evolved if the nation of Israel had fulfilled her God-given mission. Application to the last days must be made in terms of the information provided by later inspired writers who have shown how events that might have had a fulfillment in literal Israel will be fulfilled with respect to spiritual Israel (see on v. 2; see pp. 35, 36).

Prepare. Heb. qadash, literally, “to sanctify.” Qadash is thus translated in ch. 1:14 (see comments there).

Wake up. Heb. ‘ur, “to rouse,” “to stir up.” For an application in principle to the stirring up of the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God see on v. 2. There will be another rousing of the wicked at the end of the millennium, when Satan “makes the weak strong, and inspires all with his own spirit and energy” to attack the New Jerusalem (GC 663; see on Isa. 24:22).

Adventist expositors have generally seen in this prophecy a forecast, not only of climactic events associated with the great day of the Lord, but also of international military activities in the final days of earth’s history. The gradual withdrawal of God’s Spirit in these last days leaves the way open for a corresponding increase in satanic activity designed to lead men on to destroy one another. This process will reach its climax just before the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven.