Joel 3:7

KJV

Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompence upon your own head:

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will raise {H5782} them out of the place {H4725} whither ye have sold {H4376} them, and will return {H7725} your recompence {H1576} upon your own head {H7218}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will rouse them from the place where you sold them and pay you back right on your own head

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will rouse them from the places to which you sold them; I will return your recompense upon your heads.

American Standard Version

behold, I will stir them up out of the place whither ye have sold them, and will return your recompense upon your own head;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joel 3:7 declares God's unwavering commitment to justice and the restoration of His people, promising a divine reversal of fortunes. It serves as a direct oracle from Yahweh, condemning the nations that have exploited and enslaved His chosen people, Judah and Jerusalem. God explicitly states His intention to retrieve those who were sold into bondage and to return the exact recompense for their wicked deeds upon the heads of the perpetrators, demonstrating His sovereignty over human affairs and His ultimate fairness in judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joel 3:7 is situated within a powerful prophetic oracle concerning the "Day of the Lord," specifically detailing God's judgment against the nations (Joel 3:1-8, or Joel 4:1-8 in some translations). The preceding verses (Joel 3:4-6) directly accuse maritime nations like Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistines of plundering the temple's treasures, selling the people of Judah and Jerusalem into slavery, particularly to the Grecians, and profiting from their suffering. This verse, therefore, is not an isolated statement but God's direct, emphatic response to these specific acts of injustice, promising a swift and precise divine retribution that mirrors their offenses. It sets the stage for the broader theme of God's vindication of His people and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Joel's prophecy is debated, but many scholars place it in the post-exilic period, possibly after the return from Babylonian captivity, given the emphasis on the dispersion and sale of Judah's people. The practice of selling conquered peoples or those in debt into slavery was a common, albeit brutal, aspect of ancient Near Eastern society. The mention of "Grecians" (or "Javanites") indicates a sophisticated slave trade network extending to the Aegean world, highlighting the extensive reach of these injustices. Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia were prominent coastal trading powers, notorious for their commercial activities, including the trafficking of human beings. God's declaration in Joel 3:7 directly challenges the perceived impunity of these powerful nations, asserting His moral authority and judicial oversight over all peoples, regardless of their economic or military might.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Joel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Retribution and Justice**, asserting God's commitment to righting wrongs and ensuring that perpetrators face consequences commensurate with their actions. The principle of "recompense upon your own head" is a clear articulation of the *lex talionis* (law of retaliation), emphasizing that the punishment will fit the crime, a theme echoed in passages like [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - As you have done, it shall be done to you"). Second, it highlights the **Restoration of God's People**, promising deliverance for those who have been oppressed and scattered. "I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them" speaks to God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to gather and restore His chosen people, a promise frequently found in prophetic books such as [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Return from Captivity"). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Sovereignty** over all nations and human history. Despite the heinous acts of injustice committed by powerful empires, God remains in ultimate control, capable of intervening directly to overturn human schemes and execute His righteous will, demonstrating that no act of oppression escapes His notice or His ultimate judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **raise (Hebrew, _ʻûwr'_):** H5782, a primitive root meaning "to wake (literally or figuratively); (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self)." In this context, it signifies God's active intervention to awaken or lift His people from their state of bondage and bring them back. It implies a powerful, decisive act of liberation, not merely a passive observation.
* **sold (Hebrew, _mâkar'_):** H4376, a primitive root meaning "to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)." This word highlights the dehumanizing act of treating people as commodities, emphasizing the grave injustice committed by the nations. God's promise to "raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them" directly reverses this act of commodification.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):: H1576, from the root "gāmal," meaning "treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital; [phrase] as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward." This term is crucial, denoting a precise and deserved return for actions, whether good or evil. Here, it refers to the just retribution that will be meted out to the oppressors, a payment in kind for their deeds.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this verse, it emphasizes the reversal of fortune and the active bringing back of the consequences upon the perpetrators. It underscores God's direct agency in ensuring that justice is served.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them":** This opening clause serves as a dramatic divine pronouncement, introduced by "Behold" (הִנֵּה, *hinneh*), which draws attention to the imminent and certain nature of God's action. "I will raise them" signifies God's direct, powerful, and sovereign intervention to liberate His people. The phrase "out of the place whither ye have sold them" directly addresses the specific injustice committed by the nations—the selling of Judah's people into slavery. God promises to reverse this act of oppression, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people and His power to deliver them from any form of captivity, no matter how far they have been dispersed.
* **"and will return your recompence upon your own head":** This second clause declares the precise nature of God's judgment. "Return your recompence" indicates that the very deeds committed by the nations will be brought back upon them as a just reward or retribution. The word "recompence" (H1576, *gᵉmûwl*) implies a deserved repayment, a consequence that perfectly fits the crime. The phrase "upon your own head" intensifies this idea, signifying that the perpetrators themselves, not merely their descendants or proxies, will personally bear the full weight of the consequences for their wicked actions. This underscores the principle of divine justice, where the punishment is directly linked to the offense.

#### Literary Devices
Joel 3:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine justice. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, as the verse presents a direct declaration from God ("I will raise them... I will return"). This immediate, first-person divine speech imbues the prophecy with absolute authority and certainty, emphasizing God's personal involvement in the events. Another key device is **Retribution in Kind**, often referred to as *lex talionis* or the "measure for measure" principle. The nations sold God's people, and God promises to "return your recompence upon your own head," implying that they will experience a reversal of fortune or suffering that mirrors the injustice they inflicted. This is reinforced by the use of **Antithesis**, contrasting the nations' act of selling God's people with God's act of raising them and returning the consequences upon the nations. Finally, the phrase "upon your own head" functions as an **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where "head" stands for the entire person, emphasizing the personal and inescapable nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joel 3:7 is a profound declaration of God's righteous character, revealing Him as a God who actively intervenes to uphold justice and deliver the oppressed. It underscores the biblical principle that all actions, whether good or evil, have consequences, and that ultimately, God is the supreme Judge who will ensure that justice prevails. This verse speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, promising their restoration even in the face of severe oppression. It also serves as a solemn warning to all who exploit or harm others, reminding them that divine retribution is certain and proportional to the offense. The "recompence" is not arbitrary punishment but a just return of what is due, highlighting God's moral order in the universe. This divine commitment to justice provides hope for the downtrodden and a clear standard for ethical conduct among nations and individuals.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompence")
* [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - His mischief shall return upon his own head")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - As you have done, it shall be done to you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joel 3:7 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning. For those who have experienced injustice, oppression, or betrayal, this verse is a powerful reminder that God sees, God knows, and God will act. It assures us that our suffering is not unnoticed and that ultimately, a righteous God will bring about justice and restoration. This should cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His perfect timing, even when justice seems delayed. For those in positions of power or influence, or even in our daily interactions, the verse serves as a stark warning against exploitation, greed, and any form of injustice. It reminds us that every action has a consequence in God's economy, and that we will be held accountable for how we treat others, especially the vulnerable. It calls us to live justly, to advocate for the oppressed, and to participate in God's work of righteousness in the world, knowing that our God is a God of perfect recompense.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joel 3:7 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and faithfulness?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to exploit or disregard the well-being of others, and how does this verse challenge such tendencies?**
* **If you are experiencing injustice, how does the promise of God's recompense bring you comfort and hope?**
* **What practical steps can you take to advocate for justice and stand with the oppressed in your sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Who are "them" that God promises to "raise" and "return"?**

Answer: "Them" refers to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, God's chosen covenant people, who had been sold into slavery and dispersed by the nations, specifically mentioned in the preceding verses (Joel 3:4-6) as Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia, who sold them to the Grecians. God's promise is to liberate these specific individuals and bring them back from their captivity, reversing the injustice they suffered. This is a promise of restoration for His covenant people, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to them, even when they face severe oppression.

**What does "recompence upon your own head" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "recompence upon your own head" signifies a precise and personal divine retribution. "Recompence" (Hebrew *gᵉmûwl*) means a deserved return or repayment, indicating that the punishment will be proportional to the offense. "Upon your own head" emphasizes that the perpetrators themselves will directly experience the consequences of their actions, rather than the punishment falling on others or being avoided. It underscores the principle of divine justice where the wicked deeds committed by the nations against God's people will be returned to them in kind, a direct reversal of their fortunes and a just consequence for their exploitation. This concept is found throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - His mischief shall return upon his own head") and [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - As you have done, it shall be done to you").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joel 3:7 speaks of a historical judgment and restoration for Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological significance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate "raiser" and redeemer, not merely from physical captivity but from the bondage of sin and death. He is the one who liberates His people from the "place whither ye have sold them" – the spiritual slavery to sin and the dominion of darkness that humanity willingly entered ([Romans 7:14](/romans/7-14 "Romans 7:14 - Sold under sin")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the "recompence" for humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the just wrath of God that was due "upon our own head" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Furthermore, Christ is the righteous Judge who will, at the end of the age, return to execute perfect justice, bringing recompense upon all who have oppressed His people and rejected His rule ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations"); [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). Thus, Joel 3:7 foreshadows not only God's immediate justice but also the final, comprehensive justice and restoration ushered in by the Lamb of God, who will ultimately wipe away every tear and establish a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")).

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

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 43:6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Jeremiah 23:8

But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

2 Thessalonians 1:6

Seeing [it is] a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Zechariah 10:6

And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I [am] the LORD their God, and will hear them.

Zechariah 10:10

I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and [place] shall not be found for them.

Jeremiah 30:16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.