What historical events might Joel 3:19 be referencing regarding Egypt and Edom? “Egypt will become a desolation and Edom a desert wasteland, because of the violence done to the children of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood.” Why These Two Nations Stand Out • Egypt and Edom were Judah’s perennial antagonists on opposite borders—Egypt to the southwest, Edom to the southeast. • Both had long memories of Israel’s God—Egypt from the Exodus (Exodus 7–12), Edom from Jacob and Esau’s family feud (Genesis 25:29–34; 27:41). • Their aggression broke covenantal ethics God expected toward His people (Genesis 12:3). Historical Flashpoints with Egypt • Shishak’s invasion (ca. 925 BC) – 1 Kings 14:25-26; 2 Chronicles 12:2-9 – Marched up from Egypt in Rehoboam’s fifth year, plundered Jerusalem and the temple treasures. • Pharaoh Necho II’s campaign (609-605 BC) – 2 Kings 23:29-35 – Killed King Josiah at Megiddo; levied heavy tribute on Judah. • Ongoing border raids through the centuries (Isaiah 31:1) – Egypt’s constant interference in Judah’s politics fostered bloodshed and exile. Historical Flashpoints with Edom • Revolt under Jehoram (ca. 845 BC) – 2 Kings 8:20-22; 2 Chronicles 21:8-10 – Edom won a brief freedom and lashed back against Judah’s control. • Philistine-Arab-Edomite raid (ca. 835 BC) – 2 Chronicles 21:16-17 – Pillaged Jerusalem, carried off the royal family and treasures. • Betrayal during Babylon’s siege (586 BC) – Psalm 137:7; Obadiah 10-14; Ezekiel 35:5-6 – Cheered Babylon, blocked refugees, and looted the city after its fall. Which Episodes Joel May Have in View • If Joel ministered around 835 BC (a common dating), recent memories of Shishak’s plunder and the Edomite-Arab raid would still sting. • If Joel prophesied nearer the exile, Pharaoh Necho’s onslaught and Edom’s treachery in 586 BC fit perfectly. • Either way, the verse points to tangible acts of violence already on the national conscience, not vague hostility. How the Original Audience Heard It • Every listener could picture smashed gates, stolen temple gold, and relatives slain or enslaved. • Joel’s sentence of “desolation” mirrored what Judah had tasted—God would balance the scales (Jeremiah 46:19; Malachi 1:3-4). Prophetic Reach Beyond the Past • Like many prophecies, the words carry forward to ultimate judgment when the Lord “roars from Zion” (Joel 3:16). • Egypt and Edom thus become symbols of all nations hostile to God’s covenant people, destined for final ruin (Revelation 19:15). Takeaway Joel anchors his warning in real blood-spattered history—Shishak’s invasion, Necho’s arrows, Edom’s betrayal—assuring Judah that the same God who watched those crimes will also write the last chapter of justice. |
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