9 Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.
9 Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare
9 Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war;
9 Announce this to the godless nations: Prepare for battle! Soldiers at attention! Present arms! Advance!
9 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all the men of war draw near, Let them come up.
9 Say to the nations far and wide: "Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your fighting men advance for the attack.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.
20 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel
20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!
20 So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says.
20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.
20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands.
(Read Psalm 103:19-22)
He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can we be perfectly happy till we can take unwearied pleasure in perfect obedience to the will of our God. And let the feeling of each redeemed heart be, Bless the Lord, O my soul.
3 I have commanded those I prepared for battle; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath- those who rejoice in my triumph.
3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.
3 I myself have commanded my consecrated ones, and have summoned my mighty men to execute my anger, my proudly exulting ones.
3 I've taken charge of my special forces, called up my crack troops. They're bursting with pride and passion to carry out my angry judgment."
3 I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger-- Those who rejoice in My exaltation."
3 I, the Lord, have dedicated these soldiers for this task. Yes, I have called mighty warriors to express my anger, and they will rejoice when I am exalted."
(Read Isaiah 13:1-5)
The threatenings of God's word press heavily upon the wicked, and are a sore burden, too heavy for them to bear. The persons brought together to lay Babylon waste, are called God's sanctified or appointed ones; designed for this service, and made able to do it. They are called God's mighty ones, because they had their might from God, and were now to use it for him. They come from afar. God can make those a scourge and ruin to his enemies, who are farthest off, and therefore least dreaded.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joel 3:9
Commentary on Joel 3:9-17
(Read Joel 3:9-17)
Here is a challenge to all the enemies of God's people. There is no escaping God's judgments; hardened sinners, in that day of wrath, shall be cut off from all comfort and joy. Most of the prophets foretell the same final victory of the church of God over all that oppose it. To the wicked it will be a terrible day, but to the righteous it will be a joyful day. What cause have those who possess an interest in Christ, to glory in their Strength and their Redeemer! The acceptable year of the Lord, a day of such great favour to some, will be a day of remarkable vengeance to others: let every one that is out of Christ awake, and flee from the wrath to come.