Joel 3:19

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wildernes, for the violence against the children of Iudah, because they haue shed innocent blood in their land. Joel 3:19 (KJV)

Historical Context:

Joel was a prophet in ancient Israel, and his prophetic message was primarily directed to the people of Judah. The book of Joel addresses a period of crisis, possibly during a locust plague, that serves as a metaphor for God’s judgment. In this verse, Joel prophesies about the judgment that will come upon Egypt and Edom for their mistreatment of God’s chosen people.

Egypt and Edom:

Egypt was a powerful nation in the ancient Near East and had a significant impact on Israel’s history. Edom refers to the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). The Edomites were a neighboring nation to Israel and often had conflicts with them. In the Bible, Edom is sometimes used as a symbol of God’s judgment.

Desolation and Wilderness:

The prophetic words describe Egypt as a “desolation” and Edom as a “desolate wilderness.” These terms signify complete devastation and destruction. It implies that both nations would experience severe consequences for their actions against God’s people, resulting in their lands becoming barren and uninhabited.

Violence against the Children of Judah:

The reason given for the desolation of Egypt and Edom is their violence against the children of Judah and the shedding of innocent blood. This refers to their mistreatment, oppression, and harm inflicted upon the people of Judah. Such violence is seen as a great injustice in the eyes of God, and He promises to bring judgment upon these nations.