Joel 3:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Instead, He instructs them to be courageous and to issue a call to battle, motivating the nations to take up arms, even when they might prefer peace and a non-combative life. This reflects the work of the One who emboldens souls and inspires confidence in Him, reminding them that, under His protection, they will triumph over their foes. “Therefore,” He instructs, “proclaim these words among the nations and consecrate the troops.” The term "sanctify" signifies setting them apart for My purpose: for I will act as a warrior, and what unfolds will bring honor to My name. Those who have given My glory to created things will perish. All matters associated with “sanctification” are ultimately dedicated to the glory of God. Therefore, He declares, “sanctify the troops, establish the hosts,” and He invites all warriors to gather. Let the farmer abandon his cherished tasks: let him reshape his plow into a sword and his sickle into a spear; for now is not the season for agriculture, but for avenging the dishonor done to God. And if anyone feels powerless, He says, he should not be discouraged by his own perceived inadequacy; if he so desires, he may even proclaim false strength, but let no one abandon their weapons. Thus, He calls together all who dwell in the vicinity of Judea: let the meek prepare for battle; that is, even those who are typically gentle should arm themselves. Since no one is without protection, let everyone rally, whether farmer or timid, faint-hearted or humble—they are intended to rise up for battle: for I will not turn away from anyone; I will render judgment upon all in the valley of Jehoshaphat. The phrase "I will judge" denotes My role as a powerful judge, punishing those who have ravaged My land, divided Israel by casting lots, and exploited the vulnerable. The Lord shall declare similar truths to the adversaries of the church who confront the faithful, gathering against them with all their numbers and strength. They shall surely fall, for He protects His own, supporting them with faith, hope, love, and the riches of His goodness.

This place is interpreted in twofold ways: some believe it signals to the holy peoples that they should prepare for battle and fight for God's people, transforming all household tools into weapons, with the weak declaring their strength, calling all to gather for the Lord's military endeavor, especially as the LXX further states: The meek shall be warriors, as referenced in the book of Chronicles, where we see that men from Jordan, from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh brought forth a hundred and twenty thousand armed men for battle. All these foreign conflicts are taken to heart with a spirit of peace (1 Chronicles 12:37-Z⁸). They declare that they follow the true David, of whom it is written: Remember, O Lord, David and all his humility (Psalm 131:1). He in turn teaches in the Gospel, "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matt. 11:29). They also refer to those who, having moved beyond the elementary teachings of infancy, have matured in their faith and redirected their zeal from personal struggles to the essential spiritual warfare. However, this interpretation seems contrary to that of those who align with the Jewish view. For this reason, the nations hostile to Israel prepare for confrontation, transforming their agricultural tools into instruments of battle, as the weak proclaim their strength and the neighboring nations gather against the host of the Lord, so that they may witness their downfall, realizing their defeat is due to God's opposition. This is the grim fate that wretched Israel expects literally. In contrast, we, maintaining an allegorical interpretation, may consider this concerning the demonic nations and those who continually wage war against the Church, culminating in those who under the Antichrist will ultimately strive against God's saints, yet will be gathered only to face destruction.