Definition: Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 3:12. It's a really important message about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God wants to restore something that has been lost or neglected. It’s talking about a time of great effort and rebuilding – a kind of “reset” for the whole world. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Joel 3:12…” : This is the verse itself, written by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament. “…Let the heathen be wakened…” : "Heathen" means people who are not part of the Jewish community or tradition. The word "heathen" here refers to all people – every nation and culture – who have strayed from God’s path. Joel is saying that we need to wake up and realize how far we've fallen short of His will. “…and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat…” : “Jehoshaphat” was a powerful kingdom in ancient Judah (a region near modern-day Israel). The "valley" represents a time of great rebuilding – like constructing something huge and beautiful again. It's a place of renewal and purpose. “…for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.” : This is the really important part. Joel is saying that God himself will be watching and judging everyone who has ever strayed from Him. He’ll be looking at them, assessing their actions, and determining whether they're worthy of salvation (being saved by God). What does this all mean in a big picture sense? It speaks about a time when the world will be facing serious challenges – maybe war, injustice, or spiritual darkness. God wants to show us that He cares deeply for everyone and that He is actively working to restore His people and ultimately, the whole of humanity, back to the right path. Important Note: The Old Testament prophecy of Jehoshaphat didn't actually happen as described in the verse. It was a time of intense effort and planning – a massive rebuilding project – that ultimately ended with a devastating event. However, this verse is still incredibly significant because it represents God’s ongoing purpose to restore His people and bring about a new era of righteousness. In short, Joel 3:12 is a call for repentance, a promise of judgment, and an invitation to join in a grand rebuilding effort led by God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with more examples? Discuss the significance of Jehoshaphat’s story? Talk about what it means for believers today?