Joel 3:7

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

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}:

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

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

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

Context

Joel 3:7 is part of a larger prophecy in the book of Joel, specifically within a section (Joel 3:1-8, or Joel 4:1-8 in some translations) that details God's future judgment on the nations who have oppressed His people, Judah and Jerusalem. The prophet Joel describes the "Day of the Lord" as a time of divine reckoning, not only for Israel but also for Gentile nations. Verses 4-6 specifically condemn coastal regions like Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia for plundering God's treasures, selling His people into slavery (specifically to the Grecians), and profiting from their suffering. This verse serves as God's direct response to their injustice, promising a swift and just reversal of their actions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution and Justice: The core message is God's unwavering commitment to justice. He explicitly states, "I will return your recompence upon your own head," signifying a perfect repayment where the punishment fits the crime. Those who enslaved others will face a similar fate. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's ultimate fairness (Psalm 7:16).
  • Restoration of God's People: Parallel to the judgment of oppressors is the promise of deliverance for the oppressed. "Behold, I will raise them out of the place whither ye have sold them" speaks to God's commitment to bring His people back from captivity and exile. This provides hope and assurance that God will not abandon His covenant people, even when they suffer great injustice.
  • God's Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's absolute control over nations and human history. Despite the wicked acts of men, God remains sovereign, capable of overturning human schemes and executing His righteous will. He sees every act of oppression and promises to intervene on behalf of the vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The term "recompence" in Hebrew is shillumah (שְׁמֻלָּה), which carries the strong connotation of "repayment," "retribution," or "requital." It’s not merely punishment but a precise return of what is due, often in kind. This emphasizes the principle of divine justice where the consequence directly mirrors the offense. The phrase "upon your own head" further reinforces the idea that the perpetrators will personally bear the full weight of their wicked deeds.

Reflection and Application

Joel 3:7 offers powerful lessons for all generations. For those who suffer injustice, it provides immense comfort and hope: God sees your plight and promises ultimate deliverance and vindication. He is a God of justice who will not let evil go unpunished indefinitely. For those who might be tempted to exploit or oppress others, this verse serves as a solemn warning: there are divine consequences for every action. God will hold individuals and nations accountable for their treatment of others, especially the vulnerable. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing for justice and to participate in efforts to bring about righteousness in the world, knowing that God is ultimately in control of all recompense.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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