Joel 3:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus, it is affirmed that their victories indicate the presence of God among them, residing in Zion as a sacred city. He promises to protect His people and grant them great strength, enabling them to recognize His abiding presence. He declares that 'Jerusalem will be holy' and will utterly forsake previous ungodliness, as false prophecies and sorcery will be absent. Instead, a life in alignment with divine law will thrive, promoting righteous endeavors. When Zion exists in such a condition and leads such a life, it is proclaimed that no enemy shall infiltrate it; it will remain unassailable, impervious to looters passing through, unlike in the past. Rather, it will be secure and firmly fortified by My strength and assistance (Eph. 3:17). The Apostle John affirms, 'Of these things we understand, ... that he is in us, .... that he is in us, ... of the Spirit, which he gave us' (1 John 4:13). The spiritual Jerusalem, synonymous with the Church and the community of saints, is truly sacred; it does not allow entry to outsiders, as 'those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh' (Galatians 5:24). I am also reminded of the wise man's words: 'If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest' (Ecclesiastes 10:4). They possess a steadfast heart, impervious to assaults from unclean spirits, whether on foot or horseback; instead, they stand securely protected by the tenets of truth.

While being stringent with those destined for punishment, He will show mercy to His people and provide strength to those known as the children of Israel. This refers to those who seek God, embodying the righteousness of God, meaning those who have walked in the path of Christ and acted justly. Both the condemned and the glorified will realize that the Lord inhabits His stronghold, Zion, and Christ, His holy mountain, or those who have proven themselves worthy of God's presence.

Thus, Jerusalem, defined as the vision of the world, will be sanctified, and no longer will strangers traverse it. Here, "strangers" refers to either demons, which are alien to God, or any wicked thoughts and sins, as the psalmist expressed when he sought refuge from foreign influences (Ps. 18:14), which will no longer have access to us if we inhabit the peace of God, closing our hearts to adversaries.

The Jewish interpreters and some of our contemporaries connect this to their anticipation of a millennium when they believe Christ will reside in Zion, a Jerusalem adorned with gold and jewels, gathering the righteous saints, where those oppressed in this life by various nations will reign over all.

From the heights of glory, enveloped by the clouds of holy angels as noted in Jude 1:14-15, the Lord of judgment will make His presence known, descending to earth in His magnificence as He did upon Mount Sinai, to fulfill His role as the world’s Judge. This pronouncement will be unyielding toward the adversaries of the Church and the wicked, but it will extend grace to those who genuinely revere the Lord. The Lord will safeguard His people, empowering the descendants of Israel—not merely in a physical sense, but spiritually. He will serve as their stronghold; under His divine protection, they will find refuge from the adversaries who have wronged them throughout their earthly existence.