Joel 3:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sacred Scripture often compares the unyielding idolaters, marked by their deep affinity for idolatry, to legions of demons, eternally at odds with the faithful. Thus, perish all adversaries like the Egyptians and Idumeans, for Christ has assured that 'the gates of hell will not prevail against her' (Matthew 16:18). The malevolent forces will receive retribution for their transgressions against humanity, and all who dare to perpetrate such actions, whether by leading others astray through Hellenic deceptions or by corrupting 'a depraved mind' (Romans 1:28) with teachings that promote every form of wickedness, are clearly indicated as those who will face demise. They will be judged for having shed innocent blood, inflicting grievous wrongs on the sons of Judah, or the saints, who represent a community of faith, for Judah signifies confession. The divinely inspired David never states in reference to the unrighteous slain, 'for he who seeks their blood I will remember' (Psalms 9:13). To Satan, depicted as Assur, he declares, 'As a garment soaked in blood cannot be made clean, neither shall you be clean; for you have destroyed my land and afflicted my people; you will not endure forever' (Isaiah 14:20). Thus, the foes of Zion shall face ruin; but 'Judea shall be inhabited forever,' and Jerusalem will thrive for generations to come—not the physical city that was laid waste and burned, for the Lord and God, defined by truth, cannot utter falsehood—but the spiritual, heavenly, divine Jerusalem, the glorious city designed and constructed by God, where access will be granted to us through Christ.

In this land of confession and glory, and within this city where the peace of the Lord is evident, there will be an everlasting community not comprised of singular tribes, but rather kin with two groups: the faithful from both Jews and Gentiles. At that time, the Lord will cleanse the blood of all transgressions that He had left unpurged, enabling the gospel to redeem those sinners whom the law did not cleanse. For this reason, God confined all under sin so that He might show mercy to all (Rom. 11:21) or to avenge the blood of His servants who were martyred in proclaiming His name. The Lord shall dwell in Zion, concerning which it is written, The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains: the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalm 86:1).

This teaching is recited on a day close to the period of fasting to fortify those preparing for the spiritual discipline of abstaining from food and worldly pleasures, filled with the anticipation of the rich heavenly delights, depicted in the teaching as honey, milk, and refreshing water. Additionally, it serves as a safeguard against despair through the fear of the final judgment that looms over the wicked, as foretold in the teaching.