So, Joel prophesied how God would deliver His own and judge the
enemies on that great and terrible day. God will bring them to the
valley, where he will judge them. The LORD will, as the great judge,
perform a legal process against his enemies. We continue to read in
Joel 3:2b, "and will plead with them there for my people and for my
heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and
parted my land."
What an indictment this is! God shows Himself to be here a faithful
covenant God. Despite the sin of His people, He delivers them. There
is forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and abundant heavenly blessing
in Christ. But God's lovingkindness is even more marvelous. He
indicts the oppressors and enemies of His people. Their cause is His
cause because they are the people of His choice. He elected them.
What is the indictment? "My people have you scattered, My land
divided, and My people sold and abused." Watch this precious "My."
We read, "My people, My heritage, My land." Israel is God's
possession. Here is the covenant God speaking. His people are
restored to a relationship with Him, therefore 'My'.
We live in the time of the New Testament; God's people are those the
Father gives to His Son, and that are bought by the Son. "What is thy
only comfort in life and death? That I with body and soul, both in life
and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus
Christ; who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins,
and delivered me from all the power of the devil;6 and so preserves
me…"
But what was the deepest motive of the Gentiles? Verse 3, "And they
have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and
sold a girl for wine, that they might drink." They indulged in their
lusts and took what was the LORD’s. It reminds us of the youngest
son, the prodigal in the parable. He repented. So here, God's people
heard God's word and repented. The enemies did not, and they
continued to live a godless life in hostility against God and His
people.
One more thing. We read in verse 3 about "a boy and a girl." How
endearing this is. How full of compassion. God has a particular eye
on the children. And that God is still the same, and he is jealous of
the children and youth in our midst!

Rev. J. Th. Pronk