Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Joel 3:13
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.
13. The execution of the sentence is represented under two figures, the reaping of a harvest, and the treading of grapes in the wine-press. Comp. the same figures in Rev 14:15 f. and 19 f.
Put ye in ] The command is addressed to the ‘mighty ones’ of Joe 3:11.
the sickle ] Heb. maggl, only besides Jer 50:16. The same word (in the fem., magalt) is common in Syriac, and the Arab. manjal is current in Palestine at the present day ( P.E.F.Q. St [51] 1891, p. 112). The other Heb. word for sickle is ermsh (only Deu 16:9, 23:26).
[51] .E.F.Q. St. Palestine Exploration Fund, Quarterly Statements.
get you down ] viz. into the wine-press ( gth), for the purpose of treading the grapes (on Joe 2:24), here figuratively of the destruction of foes, exactly as Isa 63:3 [52] .
[52] The rendering tread (from ) is questionable.
the vats overflow ] The same words (in a literal sense) Joe 2:24. Here they are meant as a significant indication of the numbers to be judged, as also of their ripeness for judgement: the grapes in the wine-press represent the nations; and the vats overflow with the expressed juice, not in consequence of the grapes being trodden, but before they have been trodden, simply through the weight of the superincumbent mass of grapes themselves.
for their wickedness is great ] A second reason, expressed without metaphor, why the judgement is to be put into execution.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe – So Jesus saith, let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them; and this He explains, The harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the Angels Mat 13:30, Mat 13:39. He then who saith, put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe, is the Son of Man, who, before He became the Son of Man, was, as He is now, the Son of God, and spake this and the other things by the Prohets; they to whom He speaketh are His reapers, the Angels; and the ripeness of the harvest is the maturity of all things here, good and evil, to be brought to their last end.
In itself, the harvest, as well as the vintage, might describe the end of this world, as to both the good and the bad, in that the wheat is severed from the chaff and the tares, and the treading of the winepress separates the wine which is stored up from the husks which are cast away. Yet nothing is said, here of storing up aught, either the wheat or the wine, but only of the ripeness of the harvest, and that the fats overflow, because their wickedness is great. The harvest is sometimes, although more rarely, used of destruction Isa 17:5; Jer 51:33; the treading of the winepress is always used as an image of Gods anger Lam 1:15; Isa 63:3; Rev 19:15; the vintage of destruction Isa 17:6; Jdg 8:2; Mic 7:1; the plucking off the grapes, of the rending away of single lives or souls Psa 80:12. It seems probable then, that the ripeness of the harvests and the fullness of the vats are alike used of the ripeness for destruction, that they were ripe in their sins, fit for a harvest, and as full of wickedness as ripe grapes, which fill and overflow the vats, through the abundance of the juice with which they swell. Their ripeness in iniquity calls, as it were, for the sickle of the reaper, the trampling of the presser.
For great is their wickedness – The whole world is flooded and overflowed by it, so that it can no longer contain it, but, as it were, cries to God to end it. The long suffering of God no longer availed, but would rather increase their wickedness and their damnation. So also, in that first Judgment of the whole world by water, when all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth, God said, the end of all flesh is before Me Gen 6:12-13; and when the hundred and twenty years of the preaching of Noah were ended without fruit, the flood came. So Sodom was then destroyed, when not ten righteous could be found in it; and the seven nations of Canaan were spared above four hundred years, because the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full Gen 15:16; and our Lord says, fill ye up the measure of your fathers – that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth Mat 23:32, Mat 23:35. So , God condemneth each of the damned, when he hath filled up the measure of his iniquity.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Joe 3:13
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
The end of the world represented by the harvest
All things are evidently tending to decay and dissolution. As there was an hour fixed from all eternity for the creation of the world, so there is an hour fixed for its dissolution. Many scriptural figures represent the brevity of human life, the frailty of mans existence. The text contains a prophetic description of the destruction of all Gods enemies, who are represented as a field of corn.
I. The ripeness for the great harvest. There is a ripeness to which every one must attain. Even the wicked fill up the measure of their sin. The righteous are acquiring ripeness; and for this due preparation and daily cultivation are needed. True., thorns and briars spring up among the flowers; but they are only allowed to grow together for good and useful purposes.
II. The holy scriptures alone can furnish the true test of the ripeness referred to in the text. Compare the condition of a sinner meet for destruction with the happy state of a soul ripe for the blessedness of eternal glory. Such a review must induce every one to pray that the life he lives in the flesh may be a life of faith on the Son of God; of conformity to the will of God; and of preparation for the judgment of God.
III. When the corn is fully ripe, the sickle is to be put in. When our measure of sin and holiness is complete, we shall be reaped down: the saints will depart and be immediately with God. Address the undecided. (Nat. Meeres, B. D.)
Harvest
This emblem of the harvest is used elsewhere in the Bible. The text probably refers to the harvest of the wicked. Two things for consideration.
I. The process of ripening. In the natural world we think of the later period of growth, after the ear is formed, as the ripening time. Consider the process of ripening as regards the wicked.. (Gen 15:16.) The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. It was ripening, but not ripe. Sin has dominion over a man. Sin is the spring and root of eternal ruin. The signs that sin is ripening are two.
1. The habit of sinning wilfully, and living wilfully under the dominion of known sin.
2. Growing insensibility to the truths which have a tendency to awaken the mind. The ripening process as regards the righteous is the converse of that which takes place with the wicked. There is a ripening process going on in every child of God. That which is the cause of this ripening in the Christian is holiness. Increasing holiness alienates him more and more from sin, and from the follies and vanities of the world. Signs of the ripening process are–
1. A deepening sense of our own personal unworthiness, and helplessness, and guiltiness in the sight of God.
2. Growing simplicity of trust in the person and work of Christ. It is the work of the Spirit to reveal Christ to the soul.
II. The harvest itself. For the individual the time of death. For the world the judgment day. The children of God are ripening for a blessed harvest. The wicked are ripening for a harvest of wrath, of fiery indignation. (Emilius Bayley, M. A.)
Character
These words suggest three remarks concerning mans moral character.
I. It is a growth. The harvest begins with the germinating seed. Moral character, both good and bad, is a growing thing; thoughts grow, affections grow, principles grow, habits grow. Character is not like a rock, which remains the same from year to year; but rather like the tree, ever growing. Men get worse or better every day.
II. It has a maturity. Every character ripens, reaches its harvest. Hemlock as well as wheat ripens; character, both evil and good, comes to maturation.
III. It has retribution. Put ye in the sickle. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, he that soweth to the spirit shall reap everlasting life. The time for the sickle hastens to all. (Homilist.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 13. Put ye in the sickle] The destruction of his enemies is represented here under the metaphor of reaping down the harvest; and of gathering the grapes, and treading them in the wine-presses.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Put ye in the sickle; ye mighty ones, ye men of war, executioners of Divine vengeance, begin to reap, cut down sinners ripe for judgment. Let Tiglath-pileser and his soldiers cut down Syria and its king Rezin, 2 Kings 16., for their violence against my people; let Cyaxares and his armies begin to cut down Assyria, with Nineveh and its king, for their sins are ripe to judgment; let Nebuchadnezzar put in the sickle and cut down Moab, Aremen, Mount Seir, Egypt, Tyre, Zidon, and the Philistines; after this let Cyrus reap down the ripened Babylonians, and Alexander with his mighty ones reap down Medes and Persians, and let divided Grecian captains cut down one another, till the Romans cut them down. And when this is done, God will have mighty ones still to cut down his enemies, persecutors of his church, when the harvest is fully ripe, and till the final and universal judgment, wherein all Gods enemies shall for ever be destroyed.
For the harvest is ripe; the sins of those several nations are fully ripe.
In another metaphor the prophet declares the cutting off the churchs enemies. The press is full: as the grapegatherer cuts off the bunches and brings them into the press till it be full, and then they are trod; so here the enemies of Gods people, ripe in sin and brought together to be punished, are to be trodden in the wine-press of Gods displeasure. The fats overflow; a mighty execution is made, and the blood of slaughtered men runs as wine pressed out in greater abundance than the fats can hold from the press; verified in the slaughter made at the overthrow of the kingdoms here intended. For their wickedness is great; the violence and all manner of sins of these kingdoms is grown exceeding great.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. Direction to the ministersof vengeance to execute God’s wrath, as the enemy’s wickedness iscome to its full maturity. God does not cut off the wicked at once,but waits till their guilt is at its full (so as to theAmorites’ iniquity, Ge 15:16),to show forth His own long-suffering, and the justice of their doomwho have so long abused it (Mat 13:27-30;Mat 13:38; Mat 13:40;Rev 14:15-19). For theimage of a harvest to be threshed, compare Jer51:33; and a wine-press, Isa 63:3;Lam 1:15.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe,…. This is said to the mighty ones sent, the Christian princes, the executioners of God’s vengeance on antichrist; the angels that will pour out the vials of his wrath on the antichristian states, compared to reapers, with a sharp sickle in their hands, to cut them down, as grain is cut when reaped; as the same states are compared to a harvest ripe, the measure of their sins being filled up, and the time of their destruction appointed for them come; see Re 14:15;
come, get ye down; to the valley: or “go tread ye” o; for another simile is made use of: the reference here is to the treading of clusters of grapes in the winepress, as appears by what follows: and so the Targum renders it,
“descend, tread their mighty men;”
in like manner Jarchi interprets it; and so the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it: and Dr. Pocock observes, that the word
in the Arabic language signifies to tread, as men tread grapes in a press: the reasons follow,
for the press is full; of clusters of the vine; or the valley is full of wicked men, compared unto them, destined to destruction:
the fats overflow; with the juice of grapes squeezed out, denoting the great effusion of blood that will be made; see
Re 14:18;
for their wickedness [is] great; is come to its height, reaches even to heaven, and calls aloud for vengeance; an end is come to it, and to the authors of it, Re 18:5. The Targum of the whole is,
“draw out the sword against them, for the time of their end is come; descend, tread their mighty men slain, as anything is trodden in a winepress; pour out their blood, for their wickedness is multiplied.”
o , “calcate”, Sept. so Syr. Ar.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As God defers his judgments when miserable men groan under their burdens, the Prophet uses a form of speech, which represents God as not delaying, but, on the contrary, as hastening to judgment, though this be not perceived by carnal minds; for these two things well agree together — God waiting his opportunity as to the ungodly and suspending the punishment they deserve — and yet quickly accelerating their destruction; for he is said to defer with respect to men, because one day with us is like a hundred years; and he is said to hasten, because he knows the exact points of time. So he says in this place, Put forth the sickle, for the harvest has ripened. He uses metaphorical words, but he afterwards expresses without a figure what he means and says, that their wickedness had multiplied
But there are here two metaphors, the one taken from the harvest, and the other from the vintage. The Prophet calls those reapers who have been destined to execute his judgment; for God makes use as it were of the hired work of men, and employs their hands here and there as he wills. He afterwards adds another metaphor, taken from the vintage, Full, he says, are the presses and the vats overflow; and at last he expresses what they mean, — that their wickedness had multiplied, that is, that it was overflowing. God said to Abraham, that the wickedness of the Canaanites was not then completed; and long was the space which he mentioned for he said that after four hundred years he would take vengeance on the enemies of his people: that was a long time; and Abraham might have objected and said “Why should God rest for so long a time?” The answer was this, — that their wickedness was not as yet completed. But the Prophet says here, that their wickedness had multiplied; he therefore gives to God’s servants the hope of near vengeance, as when the harvest approaches and the vintage is nigh at hand; for then all have their minds refreshed with joy. Such is the Prophet’s design; to encourage the faithful in their hope and expectation of a near deliverance, he declares that the iniquities of their enemies had now reached their full measure, so that God was now ready to execute on them his vengeance. This is the purport of the whole. It follows —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.
Joe. 3:13.] The judgment compared to a double figure.
Joe. 3:14.] A description of the streaming of nations into the valley of judgment. Multitudes, multitudes] Heb. immense multitudes; akin to our hum, noisy crowds (2Ki. 3:16).
Joe. 3:15-17.] Dreadful commotions will happen before that day. Out of Zion Jehovah will destroy his enemies, protect his people, and purify his sanctuary.
THE TERRIBLE OVERTHROW.Joe. 3:13-16
The prophet earnestly besought God to call his mighty ones in the final scene. God responds, brings his messengers, and bids them put in the sickle, for all things, good and evil, are ready for judgment. Three things are to be noted in the description of this judgment.
I. It is a moral result. As ripe corn is ready for harvest, and full vats and winepresses for treading out, so men prepare for judgment.
1. Sin ripens men for destruction. It unfits the soul for the enjoyment of God, creates many horrors and foretastes of hell, and renders men ready for destruction.
2. Holiness ripens men for glory. It fits the soul for the society of the blessed, makes meet for the heavenly inheritance, and will be consummated in Gods presence. Thus judgment is only a harvest for which men are ripening in the present life. The wicked are filling up the measure of their iniquity (Gen. 15:16); the righteous are reserved for degrees of holiness which will perfect their character (Eph. 4:7-13). Both will reap as they sow. For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
II. It is universal. The prophet seems amazed at the great throng assembling together. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision. It is one living, surging mass, an innumerable army, rushing blindly on to their own destruction. Or, to take the figure of the text, vast numbers are ripe for judgment. Angels and wicked spirits, good men and bad, will be present. None will be forgotten, none can escape. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ.
III. It is awful. It is attended and followed by convulsions, in which the framework of society shall be shaken, and by symbolic signs in heaven and earth. Countless multitudes assemble in the valley, the heavens above darken with the frown, and the earth beneath trembles at the thunder of God. The wickedness of men is great, and ripe for harvest. The day of judgment, the day of decision and separation, has come. The grain must be gathered into the garner, and the wine into the vats; the worthless chaff consumed, and the wheat preserved. Thrust in thy sickle and reap; for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe (Rev. 14:15).
HOMILETIC HINTS AND OUTLINES
Joe. 3:13. May be taken literally as a harvest sermon, in proving
(1) the power,
(2) the providence, and
(3) the goodness of God. We think nothing of Gods mercy, because the effects of it are common. How faithful to the promise, While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, &c. Every harvest should remind us of the truth of God. The harvest a type of final judgment, I. The ripening process The righteous and the wicked, growing together like tares and wheat for their proper end. II. The state of maturity.
1. Wilful ignorance, sin against conviction, and total insensibility, in some.
2. Growing likeness to Christ, and sincere desire to be with him, in others. III. The reaping. Not before the corn is ripe, is the sickle put in. There are stages of growth in sin and grace. In gradual law and due season judgment comes. Every act and every day promotes maturity. The harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels.
Consider the text as addressedFirst, to ministers of the Word. We are allowed such an application. The harvest truly is plenteous, &c. Means of usefulness and opportunities are intended by harvest; by labourers, those whose office it is to make use of them. When the grain is ripe, if not gathered in, it is liable to perish. The season for saving it is short and uncertain. Men therefore forego ease, and endure fatigue, to secure it. What is the safety of grain to the salvation of souls! How many destroyed for lack of knowledge! We have religious freedom, means and opportunities for doing good. There are loud calls to preachers, parents, and Christians generally. But the time for work will not continue. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, &c. Secondly, as addressed to public judgments. The people spoken of were ripe for ruin. So with the Canaanites, when their iniquity was full, and Joshua and his army were the reapers. So with the Jews, when Nebuchadnezzar was called to punish and the Romans to destroy them. So with many nations and communities since. We have reason for apprehension if we estimate our condition by our guilt, and our guilt by our privileges. God is never at a loss for instruments. Hearts, events, elements, are all his; but threatenings are mercifully conditional. If that nation against whom I have pronounced turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil I thought to do them. Thirdly, as addressed to the messengers of deathaccidents, diseases, whatever can bring us to the grave. This regards individuals. We know our own destiny, whatever be that of nations. It is appointed unto each once to die. But when men are ripe it is not easy to decide. It is certain that sin ripens for hell, but the most grossly and openly vicious are not always the most guilty before God. It is wise to keep from every approximation to such a dreadful state. Surely when a man is insensible under the word; incorrigible under the rebukes of providence; when conscience ceases to reprove, and he can turn Divine things into ridicule, he must be nigh unto cursing. Holiness ripens for glory, but when matured and meet for it we cannot ascertain. We should think favourably of one dissatisfied with himself, and who esteemed the Lord Jesus; who was anxious to resemble him and trusted to him in all things. But God knows them that are his; chooses the proper time for removing them; the wheat for the barn, and the chaff for the burning. But the end of all things is at hand. Fourthly, God thus addresses his angels at the last day. We are sure of the event if ignorant of the period. Then cometh the end; his purposes will be accomplished, his promises and threatenings verified, and all will be ripe. Time will be no longer. The earth will be cleared of all the produce, and the fields in which it grew will be destroyed. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless [Jay].
Joe. 3:14. The day of the Lord.
1. Near; comes suddenly, and may find many unprepared.
2. Decisive; cannot be repeated. Every ones doom will be fixed, and the struggle between Satan and God end. The valley of decision.
Joe. 3:16. The different aspects of the day to men. I. A terror to Gods enemies. The Lord shall roar. Now he speaks in mercy, then his terrible voice will be like a roaring lion (Isa. 42:13-14; Jer. 25:30; Amo. 1:2). II. A hope to Gods people. The material universe may be destroyed, but God will be the refuge of his people. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God (Psa. 146:5; Jer. 14:8; Jer. 17:7).
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 3
Joe. 3:12-14. Judgment day. Spencer says that two soldiers entered the valley of Jehoshaphat, when one of them said, In this place shall be the general judgment, and I will now take my place where I shall then sit. He then sat down upon a stone, and looked up to heaven as if to receive his sentence; when such dismay overwhelmed him, that he fell to the earth trembling, and ever after remembered the day of judgment with horror.
Joe. 3:15-16. How sublime is this description! How should we adore the God before whom the unconscious earth and sky do reverence, and act as if they knew their Maker! Though the solid world is convulsed at Gods presence, saints do not fear. God is their refuge and strength (Psa. 46:1). The enemy will be destroyed, but the Church shall be saved. She shall not be removed; God shall help her.
The heavens and earth shall pass away,
And be to dissolution brought,
But Zions strength shall neer decay,
For her Redeemer changeth not.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(13) Put ye in the sickle.In the enthusiasm of his vision the prophet crowds together metaphors to intensify the description of the coming encounter between Jehovah and the enemies of His people. It is represented by the judgment seat, the harvest, and the vintage. The hour of judgment has arrivedJehovah Himself is judge. The harvest-time, which is the end of the world, has comelet the angel-reapers put in their sickle. In the wine-press the grapes are gathered inlet the labourers hasten to press the juice out with their feet.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Joe 3:13. Put ye in the sickle God here either calls on his people the Jews to prepare themselves to execute his vengeance, for that the time of it was drawing near; or comforts them by an assurance that he would provide proper instruments to effect it; and this under a metaphorical representation, Put in the sickle. He compares the nations to ripened fruits, and the time of their destruction to the time of harvest: The harvest is ripe; that is to say, “They are fit for destruction, as the ripened corn for reaping.” Come, get ye down; namely, into the appointed valley, as if they were going into a vineyard to gather grapes. But Houbigant, more agreeably as he thinks to what follows, would read, Come, tread ye, namely, the wine-press; for the press is full, the fats overflow: that is, as it is immediately explained, their wickedness is great; it is come to its full measure. See Rev 14:15; Rev 14:20.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
DISCOURSE: 1183
THE FINAL JUDGMENT REPRESENTED BY THE HARVEST
Joe 3:13. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
THIS is a remarkable prophecy of the destruction of Gods enemies. The prophet summons the executioners of vengeance to come up against them [Note: The valley of Jehoshaphat, or of decision, to which they are summoned, ver. 12, 14. seems to be not any particular place: It may rather be considered as an allusion to the utter destruction which his enemies (the Syrians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Grecians, and Romans) should successively bring on each other. And it may have a further reference to the destruction of Antichrist, and of the wicked at the last day.]. They are represented as a field of corn; the command is given to cut them down; and the prophet instantly sees them fall; multitudes, &c. Our Lord delivers a parable resembling this in reference to the whole world. In a similar manner we shall improve the passage before us, by inquiring,
I.
What it is that ripens men for the great harvest
There is a ripeness to which every one must attain. The wicked have a measure of sin which they must fill up [Note: Gen 15:16.]; the righteous have degrees of holiness for which they are reserved [Note: Eph 4:7; Eph 4:13. Not that there is any general standard either of sin or holiness to which all persons must attain: There is no degree of sin to which any shall be impelled against their will; nor of holiness, which any shall be prevented from surpassing. But some are kept from more sin, and others are excited to more holiness, by the preventing of assisting grace of God; for sinners would commit more sin unless prevented, and saints attain less holiness unless excited.]: there are growing in the great field of the world both tares and wheat; and both are ripening for their proper end.
Sin is ripening some for vengeance
[It unfits the soul for the enjoyment of God. It renders a person meet for destruction [Note: As dry wood for the fire. See Luk 23:31.]. It creates many horrors, which are foretastes of hell itself.]
Holiness, on the other hand, is ripening others for glory
[It unfits the soul for the society of the wicked. It induces a meetness for the heavenly inheritance. It is a source of joys which shall be consummated in glory.]
The Holy Scriptures enable us to discern,
II.
What are the marks of our being ripe
Nothing can be more awful than the thought that a sinner is ripe for everlasting misery. Yet it may be justly apprehended that he is so,
1.
When he is given over to a total insensibility
[Custom in sinning will harden the heart and sear the conscience. When a person is arrived at such a state, he is fitted for destruction. This is both figuratively [Note: Heb 6:8] and plainly [Note: Pro 29:1] declared in the Scriptures.]
2.
When he continues wilfully in sin against conviction
[There are some who determine to hold fast their sins. These have reason to think that Gods Spirit will be taken from them [Note: Gen 6:3]. They may expect to be utterly given up to their own lusts [Note: Rom 1:28 Eze 24:13-14].]
Saints, on the other hand, may be judged ripe for glory,
1.
When they simply rely on the Lord Jesus
[We fix upon the lowest marks of true grace. Faith in Christ is exercised by the weakest saint. yet to that is eternal happiness annexed [Note: Joh 3:36]. Of consequence, he who possesses it must be fit for glory.]
2.
When they unfeignedly desire to be conformed to his image
[There is a great difference in the attainments of different Christians, and much allowance must be made for a difference in their respective advantages; but all desire to be holy as God is holy. Vessels thus sanctified are meet for their Masters use [Note: 2Ti 2:21].]
While space is yet allowed us, it becomes us to consider,
III.
What shall be done when we are ripe
When the corn has attained maturity, the sickle is put to it; thus, when our measure of sin or holiness is complete, we shall be reaped down
[Our existence in the world is entirely dependent upon God [Note: Psa 31:15.]. None can shorten or protract it beyond its appointed bounds [Note: Job 14:5.].]
The saints will be gathered into the garner of their Lord
[Saints, at their departure, ascend immediately to God [Note: Luk 23:43.]; but in the day of judgment their bodies also will rise. They shall then be carried to their eternal home.]
The wicked will be bound in bundles, and cast into the fire
[They, who die in sin, immediately sustain their just punishment [Note: Luk 16:23.]; but at the last day their bodies also shall be restored to life. Then shall they too be collected by the ministry of angels, and receive their final doom in fire unquenchable.]
Address
1.
Those who are ripening for destruction
[You may easily discern your real state, but who can express the misery of it? You ripen, however involuntarily, every day. Notwithstanding your security, you will quickly fall. The great husbandman will easily distinguish you from the saints; and he will most assuredly, yea, eternally, separate you from them. But, through the mercy of God, you may yet be changed. Though you be tares at present, God can make you wheat [Note: 2Co 5:17.]. Seek then this divine change ere it be too late.]
2.
Those who are ripening for glory
[What thanks do you owe to God for his distinguishing grace! And how well may you be reconciled to the afflictions of life! There is no event which does not promote your maturity. Look forward then for the blessed period of the harvest. Reflect on the happiness of the state for which you are preparing [Note: No Wintry blasts, no scorching suns, no worm at the root, &c.]. Still seek the showers of the Spirit, and the influences of the Sun of Righteousness. Thus shall you, in due season, be transmitted to the mansions of eternal bliss.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Joe 3:13 Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.
Ver. 13. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. ] It even hangs for mowing, as we say: the enemies are ready ripe for ruin; down with them, therefore, that they may not shed in the field and seed again; let this valley of decision be unto them a valley of excision; let it be as a winepress to those bunches and branches of the grapes lopped off the vine. Lacus iste locus caedis, see Rev 14:18-19 Mat 13:39 . There is a stint set to men’s sins, Gen 15:16 Zec 5:8 ; Zec 5:11 Mat 23:32 . See Trapp on “ Mat 23:22 “ What more beautiful to behold than a field for harvest, than a vineyard before the vintage? and yet how sudden an alteration, when workmen once take in hand!
For the wickedness is great
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Put ye in the sickle. Compare Mat 13:39. Rev 14:15, Rev 14:18.
sickle = vintage-knife. Heb. maggal. Occurs only here and Jer 50:16.
the harvest = the vintage. Compare Jer 51:33. Hos 6:11.
get you down = go in: i.e. into the winepress = tread ye.
press. Hebrew. gath.
fats. Hebrew. yekeb. See note en Joe 2:74.
their. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads “the”.
wickedness. Hebrew raa. App-44.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
the sickle: Deu 16:9, Mar 4:29, Rev 14:15, Rev 14:16
the harvest: Jer 51:33, Hos 6:11, Mat 13:39
for the press: Isa 63:3, Lam 1:15, Rev 14:17-20
for their: Gen 13:13, Gen 15:16, Gen 18:20
Reciprocal: Isa 17:5 – as when Joe 2:24 – General Mic 4:12 – for he shall Rev 14:14 – a sharp Rev 14:18 – Thrust
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Verse 13. A sickle and wine press are instruments used to gather and make use of the products of the land. When used figuratively it denotes that an important ingathering is going to take place, and in the present case it means the harvest of souls gathered by the reapers for the Gospel system. These souls were to be rescued from a life of wickedness which was great, and that can be reversed only by divine truth.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Joe 3:13. Put ye in the sickle Ye executioners of divine vengeance: begin to reap; cut down sinners ripe for judgment; let the king of Assyria and his soldiers cut down Syria and its king, for their violence against my people. Let Cyaxares and his armies cut down Assyria. Let Nebuchadnezzar cut down Moab, Ammon, mount Seir, Egypt, Tyre, Zidon, and the Philistines. After this, let Cyrus destroy the Babylonians, and Alexander the Medes and Persians. And let the divided Grecian captains cut down one another, till the Romans cut them down. And when this is done, God will have mighty ones still to cut down his enemies till the final judgment, wherein they all shall for ever be destroyed. For the harvest is ripe That is, they are fit for destruction, as the ripened corn for reaping. Come, get you down Namely, into the appointed valley; as though they were going into a vineyard to gather grapes. Here the prophet uses another metaphor to express the cutting off the churchs enemies; for the press is full; the fats overflow That is, as it is immediately explained, their wickedness is great It is come to its full measure. And as the grapes in the press are trodden, so the enemies of Gods people are to be trodden in the wine-press of his displeasure.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
3:13 Put ye in the {h} sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness [is] great.
(h) In this way he will encourage the enemies when their wickedness is completely ripe to destroy one another, which he calls the valley of God’s judgment.