Joel 3:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He commands them to summon the nations to battle and incite them even if they might prefer peace and a life of non-violence. This is the work of the One who inspires courage in the hearts of men, who instills faith that, under His protection, they will prevail against their adversaries. "Therefore," He says, "proclaim these truths among the nations and consecrate the army." The term "sanctify" implies dedicating something to Me; for I will be your warrior, and all that is accomplished shall bring Me glory. Those who have attributed My glory to idols shall perish. Therefore, anything referred to as "sanctification" is always dedicated to the glory of God. Thus, He urges, "consecrate the army, assemble the hosts," and He commands, "bring together all warriors." Let the farmer abandon his most cherished tasks: let him transform his plow into a sword and his sickle into a spear, for now is not the time for agriculture, but for avenging the disgrace brought upon God. If anyone feels powerless, let him not allow that to deter him from taking a stand; if it is his desire, let him proclaim, even falsely, that he is strong, but let him not forsake his weapons. Therefore, He says, “Gather together all you who dwell near Judea: let the meek be warriors; in other words, those who are mild of spirit should also engage in battle.” Since no one lacks support, let everyone speak the same sentiment, regardless of whether they are farmers or timid (for this is what the term "weak" signifies), or gentle and non-combative; let every individual rally to arms: for I will not turn away from anyone; I will judge all in the valley of Jehoshaphat. The phrase "I will judge" implies that I will serve as a powerful judge, meting out punishment to those who have ravaged My land, divided Israel among themselves, offered young men to immoral purposes, and exploited women. The Lord will declare the same to the enemies of the Church who rise against the saints, equipping themselves with a multitude and overwhelming force. All will fall, for He protects His people, upholding them with faith, hope, love, and the gifts of His grace.

This passage can be interpreted in multiple ways: some believe it is a call to the holy peoples to prepare for battle and defend the people of God, transforming all household tools into weapons, with the weak declaring their strength, as they gather for the Lord's conflict. This is emphasized further in the LXX, stating that the meek and gentle should become warriors, as noted in the Chronicles: from the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, there arose a hundred and twenty thousand armed for war. All these foreign conflicts are led with a peaceful spirit (1 Chronicles 12:37-Z⁸). They claim to emulate the true David, of whom it is written: Remember, O Lord, David and all his humility (Psalm 131:1). He himself instructs in the Gospel, Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29). They also speak of those who, having moved beyond the fundamentals of faith like infants, have matured in their spiritual strength and directed their fervor from personal battles to the necessary struggle. Yet, this understanding seems to diverge from the views of those who align with the Jews. Nations opposed to Israel prepare for warfare, turning their agricultural tools into swords and spears, the weak asserting their strength, as neighboring peoples gather against the army of the Lord, so that the Lord may bring down their strong. They will recognize their defeat, confronted by God Himself. This is the literal expectation of Israel. However, continuing in the allegorical sense, we may also interpret this as a reference to the wicked nations and the demons that constantly oppose the Church, as well as those who, under the reign of the Antichrist, will wage war against the saints of God—all of whom will ultimately be gathered only for judgment.