What is the meaning of Joel 3:21? For I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged “ For I will avenge their blood, which I have not yet avenged.” (Joel 3:21a) •The phrase “their blood” points to the physical lives of God’s covenant people whose martyrs and casualties have piled up through centuries of persecution (Genesis 4:10; Psalm 79:10). •“Will avenge” affirms that God personally assumes the role of righteous Judge. He never ignores injustice; He stores it up for the proper moment (Deuteronomy 32:43; Romans 12:19). •“Which I have not yet avenged” signals a purposeful delay, not oversight. God’s timetable allows space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9) while guaranteeing final reckoning (Revelation 6:10–11; 19:2). •This promise completes earlier prophetic threads in Joel: the nations that “scattered My people” and “shed innocent blood” in the land (Joel 3:2–3, 19) will meet divine retribution. •Believers draw assurance that every hidden wrong—whether against Israel or against individual followers of Christ—will face the same holy justice (Isaiah 63:4; Luke 18:7–8). For the LORD dwells in Zion “ For the LORD dwells in Zion.” (Joel 3:21b) •Zion (Jerusalem) is more than geography; it represents the center of God’s kingdom purposes (Psalm 132:13–14). His presence there cements the certainty of the prior promise. •God dwelling among His people fulfills earlier Joel pronouncements: “You will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, My holy mountain” (Joel 3:17). •His residence assures covenant blessings—security, holiness, and restoration—while repelling evil (Psalm 48:1–3; Zechariah 8:3). •The statement anticipates the climactic reality of Revelation 21:3, where God permanently dwells with His redeemed, linking the earthly Zion to the New Jerusalem. •Because the Lord is “in the midst” (Zephaniah 3:15–17), His people can trust that vengeance, protection, and ultimate peace emanate from His unchanging character. summary Joel 3:21 promises that God Himself will settle every account of spilled covenant blood—delayed but never forgotten—because He lives among His people in Zion. His presence guarantees justice, vindication, and lasting peace, anchoring believers’ hope in the sure triumph of the Lord’s righteous rule. |
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