“For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,”
My Notes
What Does Joel 3:1 Mean?
"For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem." Joel introduces the eschatological section with a specific temporal marker: 'in those days and in that time' — the days when God reverses the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem. The restoration of the captives is the CONTEXT for everything that follows (the judgment of the nations in the valley of Jehoshaphat). The reversal of captivity sets the stage for the judgment of the nations.
The phrase "in those days, and in that time" (bayyamim hahem uba'et hahi — in those days and at that time) creates a specific eschatological window: not 'someday' but 'in THOSE days' — a definite, planned, predetermined period. The vagueness is intentional (we don't know exactly when) but the definiteness is also intentional (God DOES know exactly when). The time is appointed.
The "bring again the captivity" (ashuv et shevut — I will restore the fortunes/return the captivity of) is the REVERSAL formula: God will reverse what exile did. The captivity that scattered Judah and Jerusalem will be un-captivated. The dispersal will be un-dispersed. The exile will be un-exiled. The verb 'bring again' (shuv — return) is God putting history into reverse.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What captivity is God planning to reverse — even if you can't see the date yet?
- 2.What does 'in those days and in that time' teach about divine appointments being definite but unspecified?
- 3.How does the reversal of captivity being the FOUNDATION event make everything else possible?
- 4.What 'Judah and Jerusalem' — what specific places — will the restoration return you to?
Devotional
In THOSE days. At THAT time. When I reverse the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem. Joel names the moment: a specific, planned, divine appointment when the exile ends and the restoration begins. The 'those days' is definite even if unspecified. God has the date. We have the promise.
The 'in those days and in that time' is eschatological precision without calendar precision: Joel doesn't give a year. He gives a CERTAINTY — there IS a time, there ARE days, when this will happen. The 'those' points to something definite. The 'that' points to something specific. God has an appointment. The date is in His calendar. The time is set. We just can't read the calendar yet.
The 'bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem' is the REVERSAL that defines the era: everything that follows in Joel 3 (the valley of Jehoshaphat, the judgment of nations, the restoration of Zion) flows FROM this reversal. The captivity reversed is the foundation event. The returning of the exiles is what makes everything else possible. The restoration produces the conditions for both judgment and blessing.
The 'Judah and Jerusalem' are named specifically: not just 'Israel' in general. JUDAH (the southern kingdom) and JERUSALEM (the capital city). The restoration is geographically specific. The captivity reversal happens to specific people returning to a specific place. The promise has coordinates.
What captivity in your life is God planning to reverse — 'in those days, at that time' — even if you can't read the calendar?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
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Cross References
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