Judgment was coming to the nations. Why?
“…they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land” (v. 2).
This is not a small deal. The LORD God gave the land of Israel to the Jewish people as an eternal inheritance. And even today people are still working to divide up the land and scatter the Jewish people. It’s why the conflict with their neighbors will persist despite endless peace treaties.
There have been many nations that have tried to divide up the land and scatter the people. Both then and now. But the LORD says these nations will be judged. They not only divided up the land but mistreated his people, selling them to the nations for profit.
It’s not safe to touch the apple of God’s eye.
He called them to the Valley of Jehoshaphat for judgment. We don’t know that a valley ever existed but it may mean more the meaning which is “the LORD will judge.”.
The LORD invites them to the valley of judgment and even tells them to take up arms. Prepare for war. Because God was going to bring judgment against them. It will be the “day of decision” and a cataclysmic day.
“The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel” (v. 16).
This is talking of a past reality we think. But it could also be a future reality such as the Gog and Magog prophecies.
“Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations. Their blood guilt which I have not pardoned I will pardon. The LORD dwells in Zion!” (v. 21).
It isn’t that Israel is guiltless. Quite the contrary. They have been guilty of much blood shed. But the LORD will hear his covenant people and forgive.
Yes, this was probably about the events of old. But the truths are the same. As nations we would be wise not to divide up the land of Israel or scatter the people. The LORD does not take lightly harm against His people.
