God's Heart for Egypt Amidst Judgment in Joel 3:19
Exposition of Joel 3:19
Joel 3:19 states, "Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land" [2].
The verse is part of a larger passage (Joel 3:1-21) that describes God's judgment on the nations surrounding Judah. The literary context suggests that the prophet Joel is envisioning a future time when God will restore Judah and punish its enemies. Egypt and Edom are specifically mentioned as objects of God's judgment due to their historical conflicts with Judah.
Historically, Egypt and Judah had a complex relationship, with periods of both conflict and alliance. The biblical account records numerous interactions between the two nations, including the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage [1]. The reference to Egypt's "violence done to the children of Judah" likely alludes to these historical tensions.
The key terms in Joel 3:19 are "desolation" and "violence." The Hebrew word for "desolation" (שׁממה, shamamah) implies a state of utter devastation, while "violence" (חמס, chamas) refers to the unjust or cruel treatment of others. In this context, the violence is specifically directed against the children of Judah, highlighting the severity of Egypt's actions.
The major exegetical decision in interpreting Joel 3:19 involves understanding the nature of God's judgment on Egypt. According to Calvin, God's hardening of a nation's heart can be seen as a preparation for their ruin, as observed in the case of Pharaoh and the Egyptians [3]. This perspective suggests that God's judgment is not arbitrary but rather a response to the nation's actions.
The range of interpretations for Joel 3:19 includes various understandings of God's judgment and its implications. Some commentators, like those from the Reformed tradition, view God's judgment as a demonstration of His power and justice [2, 3]. Patristic interpretations, such as those by Augustine, often focus on the theological implications of God's actions, including the hardening of hearts and the nature of divine justice [4, 6].
In tradition, Joel 3:19 has been used to illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and His commitment to justice. The verse has been cited in various theological discussions, including those related to divine providence and the nature of God's judgment [3, 5].
The historical setting of Joel 3:19 is likely post-exilic, given the reference to the restoration of Judah and the judgment on its enemies. This context highlights God's concern for His people's well-being and His willingness to act on their behalf against those who have wronged them.
Sources
- Exodus “I know that the king of Egypt won’t give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand. -- Exodus 3:19”
- Joel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Joel 3:19: 3:19 Even as Judah is restored, her ancient enemies Egypt and Edom would experience God’s judgment for their crimes against his people.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 40: Lord 268 “had hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate,” he immediately adds the purpose which God had in view—viz. that he might deliver him into their hand ( Deut. 2:30 ). As God had resolved to destroy him, the hardening of his heart was the divine preparation for his ruin. 4. In accordance with the former methods it seems to be said, 174 174 Ezek. 7:26 ; Psalm 107:40 ; Job 12:20 , 24 ; Isiah 63:17; Exod. 4:21 ; 7:3; 10:1; 3:19. “The law shall perish from the priests and counsel from the ancients.” “He poureth contempt ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 8: Augustine — Exposition on Psalms — PSALM CV. (3) (part 9): exist? 15. Next is related what happened in Egypt. "And He increased," he saith, "His people exceedingly, and made them stronger than their enemies" (ver. 24). Even the whole of this is briefly set forth, in order that the manner in which it took place may be afterwards related. For the people of God was not made stronger than their enemies the Egyptians, at the time when their male offspring were slain, or when they were worn out with making bricks; but when by His powerful hand, by the signs and portents of the Lord thei”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: ( Judges 9:20 ); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervor also seized Samson, when he prayed, “Strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes,” ( Judges 16:28 ). For although there was some mixture of good zeal, yet his ruling feeling was a fervid, and therefore vicious longing for vengeance. God assents, and hence apparently it might be inferred that prayers are effectual, though not framed in confor”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 45 [XXI]--GOD DOES WHATSOEVER HE WILLS IN THE HEARTS OF EVEN WICKED MEN. (part 3): royal presence with- 463 out the king's command, and contrary to her own custom. Now observe what the Scripture says: "He looked at her like a bull in the vehemence of his indignation; and the queen was afraid, and her colour changed as she fainted; and she bowed herself upon the head of her delicate maiden which went before her. But God turned the king, and transformed his indignation into gentleness."[1] The Scripture says in the Proverbs of Solomon, "Even as the ”