Wednesday, March 12 – Joel 3, Daniel 1

1. What characteristics did Nebuchadnezzar seek in the young captives? (Daniel 1:3,4)

2. What was the reason for the good outcome of Daniel and his companions’ test? (Daniel 1:19,20)

The book of the prophet Joel was initially written for Judah, but its message reaches us as well because it speaks about the final plans of the Lord for His people and the nations of the earth.

When chapter 3 speaks of “those days,” it refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. This is a special time of refreshing and conversion in the last days. It is also a time of deliverance for God’s people. The message of hope was originally for the Israelites in exile. Still, it is also a message of liberation for God’s people in the final deliverance from the captivity of death and sin.

Joel 3 speaks of the final judgment in the “Valley of Jehoshaphat.” No known place bears this name, but the meaning of Jehoshaphat is “The Lord judges,” suggesting that this location symbolizes the place and time of judgment.

The prophet foretells the great final battle between good and evil. John in Revelation calls this battle “Armageddon.” The enemy and prince of this world gathers the nations for the last great confrontation against God’s people.

Joel says: “Proclaim this among the nations: ‘Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” (Joel 3:9-10)

John writes: “For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. ‘Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.’ And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:14-16)

The day of the Lord’s judgment is when He finally brings justice for all the abuses and crimes committed against the innocent and against His people.

Joel speaks of the signs in the sun and the moon: “The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness.” (Joel 3:15)
John also describes this moment: “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.” (Revelation 6:12)

Then Joel refers to the Second Coming of Jesus as a harvest: “Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow—for their wickedness is great.” (Joel 3:13)

John in Revelation writes: “And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, ‘Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’ So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.” (Revelation 14:14-16)

It is fascinating to see how God’s prophecies and promises to His people are repeated in the writings of different prophets. This serves as confirmation and gives us confidence in His promises. God’s plan has not changed but remains firm.

Regarding the historical context of the book of Daniel, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary states: “King Jehoiakim, during whose reign Daniel had gone into captivity, remained loyal to Babylon for a few years. Eventually, however, he acceded to the policy of the pro-Egyptian party in Judah, and rebelled. As a result the country suffered military invasions, its citizens lost their liberty and were taken into captivity, and the king lost his life.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Introduction to Daniel, Historical Setting)

Daniel and his companions’ decision not to defile themselves with the food and wine from the king’s table is exemplary and inspiring. As stewards of God, we must care for the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), avoiding defilement through food or drink. Because of their faithfulness, Daniel and his companions were greatly blessed.

They also obeyed God’s instructions through Jeremiah by cooperating with Nebuchadnezzar and settling in Babylon. Despite God’s warning, they did not partake in the spirit of rebellion against Babylon, which other leaders in Judah harbored. They believed Jeremiah’s prophecy that the captivity would last 70 years and served as instruments of God in positions of prominence to bless their captive people.

May God fulfill His purpose in you even in times of trial. May He guide and bless you abundantly today.