The "Valley of Decision" is a term found in the prophetic book of Joel, specifically in Joel 3:14, which states, "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the Day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." This phrase is rich in eschatological significance and is often associated with the final judgment and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations.

Context and Interpretation

The Book of Joel is a prophetic text that addresses the people of Judah and Jerusalem. It speaks of a locust plague as a precursor to the coming "Day of the LORD," a time of divine judgment and restoration. In Joel 3, the prophet shifts focus to the nations surrounding Israel, prophesying a time when God will gather all nations in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" (Joel 3:2), which is synonymous with the "Valley of Decision."

The "Valley of Decision" is not a geographical location but a symbolic representation of God's judgment. The term "decision" in this context refers to God's verdict or decree. It is a place where God will execute His righteous judgment upon the nations for their treatment of His people, Israel. The imagery suggests a courtroom setting where God, as the ultimate judge, will render His final decision.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the "Valley of Decision" underscores the themes of divine justice and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that God is in control of history and that He will hold the nations accountable for their actions. The passage emphasizes the imminence of the "Day of the LORD," a recurring theme in prophetic literature that signifies both judgment and salvation.

The "Valley of Decision" also highlights the concept of divine retribution. The nations are judged for their sins against Israel, including scattering God's people and dividing their land (Joel 3:2). This judgment is portrayed as inevitable and just, reflecting God's holiness and His commitment to His covenant people.

Application for Believers

For believers, the "Valley of Decision" serves as a call to repentance and faithfulness. It is a sobering reminder of the reality of God's judgment and the importance of aligning oneself with His will. The passage encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and to live in anticipation of His coming kingdom.

The imagery of the "Valley of Decision" also invites reflection on personal and communal accountability before God. It challenges individuals and nations to consider their actions and their relationship with God, urging them to seek His mercy and grace.

Conclusion

While the "Valley of Decision" primarily addresses the nations' judgment, it also offers hope for God's people. The prophecy concludes with promises of restoration and blessing for Israel, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ultimate plan for redemption.Valley of Decision

VALLEY OF DECISION

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See JEHOSHAPHAT, VALLEY OF.

Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... vi. Advance to the Valley of Decision. THE LORD. ... Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley
of Decision! for the Day of the LORD is near in the Valley of Decision. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/joels rhapsody of the locust.htm

The Battle of Armageddon.
... Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon shall
be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the battle of armageddon.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... THE GREAT COMMISSION - THE GREAT INSTRUCTION - THE GREAT TEMPTATION - THE GREAT
DECISION. ... we have a receding view of the whole Lake and the Jordan-valley beyond ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of
the Lord is near in the valley of decision" (Joel 3:9-14). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... It begins with impending judgments, and closes with the conflict and triumph of
the last times: "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Closing Hours.
... mandate was to be carried to the four winds of heaven, "Put ye in the sickle, for
the harvest is ripe;"Multitudes"multitudes in the Valley of Decision.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xx closing hours.htm

The Timeliness of Prayer
... The deeper we go down into the valley of decision the higher we must rise (if we
are to possess and command our souls) into the mount of prayer, and we must ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter iv the timeliness of.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... 4. And in determining his case this court might certify it for decision to the ... the
name of a place in the neighborhood of Jerusalem, called the valley of Hinnom ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Others of whom Dionysius Gives an Account.
... Or, shall we declare their decision unrighteous, and set ourselves as judges of
their ... Arabia lying west of the Arabian Gulf from the Nile valley (see Smith's ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xlii others of whom dionysius.htm

In the Hands of Giant Accuser
... the country. I entered that valley. The sun ... holy weapons. "Not long after
this decision was made, the Giant came again. He came ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter seven in the hands.htm

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