Joel 3:18

KJV

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that the mountains {H2022} shall drop down {H5197} new wine {H6071}, and the hills {H1389} shall flow {H3212} with milk {H2461}, and all the rivers {H650} of Judah {H3063} shall flow {H3212} with waters {H4325}, and a fountain {H4599} shall come forth {H3318} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and shall water {H8248} the valley {H5158} of Shittim {H7851}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when that time comes, the mountains will drip with sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the streambeds of Y'hudah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of ADONAI to water the Sheetim Valley.

Berean Standard Bible

And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk. All the streams of Judah will run with water, and a spring will flow from the house of the LORD to water the Valley of Acacias.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 3:18 presents a vivid prophetic vision of unparalleled abundance and spiritual vitality that will characterize the "Day of the Lord," specifically after divine judgment on the nations and the restoration of God's people. This verse paints a picture of a transformed creation, where nature itself yields overflowing blessings of new wine, milk, and water, culminating in a life-giving fountain flowing from the very presence of God to bring fruitfulness even to historically desolate places. It is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate plan for restoration, provision, and intimate communion with His redeemed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 3:18 stands as a climactic promise within the broader prophetic book of Joel. The preceding chapters meticulously detail a devastating locust plague and severe drought, interpreted as a foretaste of the "Day of the Lord" – a period of divine judgment and purification. This judgment is not only upon Judah, calling for repentance, but also extends to the nations who have oppressed God's people. Immediately prior to this verse, Joel describes God's judgment on the nations in the [Valley of Jehoshaphat](/joel/3-12 "Joel 3:12 - The Valley of Jehoshaphat"), followed by promises of God dwelling in Zion and Jerusalem becoming holy. Thus, Joel 3:18 serves as the glorious counterpoint to the earlier scenes of desolation and judgment, ushering in a vision of future, permanent blessing and restoration for God's faithful remnant, emphasizing the complete reversal of fortune.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Joel 3:18 is deeply rooted in the agricultural society of ancient Israel. "New wine" and "milk" were staple products and symbols of prosperity, representing a bountiful harvest and thriving livestock. A land flowing with milk and honey was the quintessential promise of the Promised Land, signifying divine blessing and provision. Conversely, drought and famine, as depicted earlier in Joel, were understood as signs of divine displeasure or judgment. The "valley of Shittim" (Hebrew: *Shittim*), located east of the Jordan River, was historically significant as the last encampment of Israel before crossing into Canaan ([Numbers 25:1](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1 - Israel at Shittim")). It was also a place associated with Israel's moral failures, particularly their idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabites and Midianites. The transformation of this specific, often dry and desolate, valley into a watered, fertile place by a divine fountain would have carried profound symbolic weight for Joel's audience, signifying God's power to redeem and transform even places of past sin and barrenness.
* **Key Themes:** Joel 3:18 contributes significantly to several major themes in the book of Joel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Abundance and Provision**, contrasting sharply with the famine and desolation of earlier chapters. The imagery of mountains dripping with new wine and hills flowing with milk, along with rivers of Judah flowing with water, portrays an unprecedented agricultural and material prosperity, a hallmark of God's blessing on His restored people, echoing similar promises found in [Amos 9:13](/amos/9-13 "Amos 9:13 - Future Abundance"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Spiritual Renewal and Life**, particularly through the image of "a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD." This represents the life-giving presence and power of God flowing out from His dwelling place, bringing spiritual vitality, cleansing, and healing to the land and its people. This theme resonates with the vision of the [river flowing from the Temple in Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple") and anticipates the ultimate [river of the water of life in Revelation 22:1-2](/revelation/22-1-2 "Revelation 22:1-2 - The River of Life"). Lastly, the transformation of the "valley of Shittim" speaks to the theme of **Redemption and Transformation of Desolation**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to bring life and fruitfulness to the most barren and historically tarnished places. This verse, therefore, offers a powerful vision of eschatological hope, pointing to a future era of complete restoration, peace, and intimate communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** Refers to H3117. While literally meaning a 24-hour period, in prophetic contexts like "in that day," it signifies a specific, decisive, and climactic period appointed by God. Here, it points to the eschatological era of divine intervention, judgment, and ultimate salvation, often associated with the Messianic age or the final establishment of God's kingdom. It emphasizes a unique and singular time in redemptive history.
* **New wine (Hebrew, _ʻâçîyç'_):** Refers to H6071. This term specifically denotes fresh grape-juice or "must," indicating the first, most potent, and abundant yield of the harvest. Its presence signifies extreme agricultural fertility and overflowing prosperity, a stark contrast to the drought and scarcity depicted earlier in Joel. It is a symbol of God's lavish provision and the richness of His blessings.
* **Fountain (Hebrew, _maʻyân'_):** Refers to H4599. This word describes a natural spring or well, a source of fresh, flowing water. In a land prone to drought, a fountain was a precious commodity, symbolizing life, refreshment, and sustenance. When it comes "forth of the house of the LORD" (H1004, H3068), it profoundly symbolizes the spiritual life, cleansing, and blessing that originates directly from God's presence and flows out to transform the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day,"**: This opening phrase serves as a crucial prophetic marker, signaling a future, divinely appointed time. It introduces the eschatological context of the prophecy, indicating a significant turning point in God's redemptive plan, a day of ultimate fulfillment and blessing.
* **"that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk,"**: This clause employs hyperbole to depict an extraordinary, supernatural abundance. Mountains, typically rocky and less fertile, will spontaneously yield the richest grape juice, and hills will literally flow with milk. This imagery conveys a complete reversal of the previous desolation, promising an overflowing, effortless, and unprecedented material prosperity as a sign of God's favor.
* **"and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters,"**: This reinforces the theme of abundant water, a vital necessity in the arid ancient Near East. While Judah's rivers (or wadis) were often seasonal, this prophecy declares that they will perpetually flow with ample water, ensuring agricultural flourishing and sustaining life throughout the land, symbolizing a complete and enduring restoration.
* **"and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD,"**: This is the theological and spiritual heart of the verse. The "house of the LORD" (referring to the Temple or God's dwelling place in Jerusalem) is identified as the source of a life-giving fountain. This signifies that the ultimate source of all blessing—spiritual, physical, and ecological—is God Himself, whose presence brings forth an inexhaustible supply of life and vitality.
* **"and shall water the valley of Shittim."**: This final clause highlights the transformative power of God's blessing. The valley of Shittim, historically associated with barrenness and Israel's past failures, will be irrigated and made fertile by the divine fountain. This symbolizes God's capacity to redeem and revitalize even the most desolate or tainted places, bringing life and fruitfulness where there was once only barrenness and remembrance of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 3:18 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a transformed creation. The **Hyperbole** used in "mountains shall drop down new wine" and "hills shall flow with milk" emphasizes the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the promised abundance, far beyond natural fertility. The flowing "new wine," "milk," and "waters" are powerful **Symbols** of prosperity, life, and divine blessing. The "fountain from the house of the LORD" is a potent **Metaphor** for the spiritual life and cleansing that originates from God's presence, reminiscent of earlier prophetic visions. The **Contrast** between the earlier desolation in Joel and this vision of overflowing abundance, as well as the transformation of the barren "valley of Shittim," underscores God's redemptive power to reverse curses and bring forth new life. This verse also employs **Eschatological Language** with the phrase "in that day," pointing to a future, climactic fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 3:18 is a profound theological statement on God's ultimate intention for His creation and His people: one of lavish blessing, complete restoration, and intimate communion. It reveals that true and lasting abundance, both material and spiritual, flows directly from the presence and power of God. The imagery of a fountain originating from the "house of the LORD" underscores the truth that divine life, cleansing, and provision are centered in God Himself, emanating from His holy dwelling place to transform the world. This vision of a renewed earth, characterized by effortless fertility and divine sustenance, points to an eschatological reality where the effects of the Fall are reversed, and God's original design for creation is fully realized. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His power not only to judge but also to redeem and restore beyond human imagination.

* [Isaiah 35:6-7](/isaiah/35-6-7 "Isaiah 35:6-7 - Water in the Wilderness")
* [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple")
* [Zechariah 14:8](/zechariah/14-8 "Zechariah 14:8 - Living Waters from Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 3:18 offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement for believers navigating the challenges and barrenness of this present age. It reminds us that even in seasons of spiritual drought, personal struggle, or societal decay, God's ultimate plan is one of abundant life, restoration, and overflowing blessing. This prophecy calls us to anchor our hope not in fleeting worldly provisions or temporary circumstances, but in the eternal and inexhaustible source of life that is God Himself. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties and embrace a future-oriented faith, trusting that God can transform even our "valleys of Shittim"—our places of past failure, desolation, or deep-seated pain—into springs of life and fruitfulness. This vision inspires perseverance, knowing that the God who promises such abundance is faithful to bring about His perfect will, ultimately culminating in a renewed creation where His presence is the wellspring of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "mountains dropping new wine" and "hills flowing with milk" challenge your understanding of God's provision in your life?**
* **In what "valley of Shittim" in your life, community, or the world do you long to see God's life-giving fountain bring transformation?**
* **How does the promise of a fountain coming "forth of the house of the LORD" shape your prayer life and your expectation of God's work today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in the hope of God's ultimate restoration, even amidst present challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "valley of Shittim" being watered in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "valley of Shittim" (Hebrew: *Shittim*) holds significant symbolic weight. Historically, it was the last encampment of the Israelites before entering the Promised Land ([Numbers 25:1](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1 - Israel at Shittim")), but it was also a place where Israel committed severe idolatry and sexual immorality, incurring God's judgment. For this specific valley, often dry and desolate, to be watered by a divine fountain signifies God's profound power to transform barrenness into fruitfulness, desolation into life, and even to redeem places associated with past sin or failure. It illustrates that no place or situation is beyond God's redemptive reach, and His blessings can reverse even the deepest curses, bringing forth life where there was once only death and shame.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joel 3:18, with its vision of overflowing abundance and a life-giving fountain from the house of the Lord, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "fountain" and source of all spiritual life, as He declared, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")" The spiritual "new wine" and "milk" of Joel's prophecy are realized in the spiritual nourishment and abundant life that Christ offers to those who believe in Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). The "house of the LORD" from which the fountain flows is ultimately fulfilled not in a physical temple, but in Christ Himself, who is the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and the head of His spiritual body, the Church, which is the new temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus transforms the "valleys of Shittim"—the barrenness of human sin and the desolation of a fallen world—into places of spiritual fruitfulness and redemption. His Spirit, poured out on believers, becomes the wellspring of eternal life, making the desert places of our hearts and lives blossom with righteousness and peace ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Ultimately, this prophecy anticipates the new heavens and new earth, where the "river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" ([Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life")) will eternally water the redeemed creation, fulfilling Joel's vision of an Edenic abundance centered on God's glorious presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 14:8

¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Revelation 22:1

¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Ezekiel 47:1

¶ Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house [stood toward] the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south [side] of the altar.

Ezekiel 47:12

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

Isaiah 35:6

Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

Numbers 25:1

¶ And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.