Joel 3:18
“And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The promise culminates not just in natural bounty, but in a divine source that transforms the most desolate places. The "fountain from the house of the Lord" watering the "Valley of Shittim" signifies that God's life-giving power will reach even the driest, most barren areas, symbolizing the salvation that will extend to the furthest corners of the earth.
This verse describes a future era of immense blessing and divine favor for Judah following a period of judgment on the nations. It paints a vivid picture of overflowing abundance, not just in natural resources like wine and milk, but also in a life-giving fountain emanating from the Lord's house, capable of revitalizing even the most barren lands. This imagery directly follows the pronouncements of judgment against Judah's enemies and precedes the description of their desolation, highlighting the stark contrast between God's restoration for His people and the ruin awaiting those who opposed them.
Imagine a land where the very landscape bursts with provision – mountains dripping with wine, hills flowing with milk. Joel paints a picture of ultimate abundance.
The imagery in Joel 3:18 isn't just about agricultural bounty; it's a divine promise of God's overwhelming favor.
A Land Transformed
The mountains, usually rocky and supporting vines through effort, will spontaneously 'drop down new wine.' The hills, typically for grazing, will 'flow with milk,' indicating an unprecedented abundance from flocks.
Rivers and Waterways Reimagined
Even the rivers and streambeds of Judah, often prone to drying up in the arid climate, will consistently 'flow with water.' This speaks to a land sustained and revitalized by God's provision.
This speaks to the fullness of God's blessing, not just meeting needs, but exceeding them with generosity and joy.
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What happens when the source of life itself springs forth from God’s dwelling place, reaching the most desolate places?
The verse culminates with a powerful image: 'a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.' This points beyond mere physical blessings to the spiritual sustenance God provides.
A Spiritual Source
The 'fountain' is understood by commentators as representing the life-giving grace and spiritual provision that flows from God's presence. This is not a natural spring, but a divine one.
Transforming the Barren
The Valley of Shittim, known for its dry, arid conditions (literally 'acacia trees,' which thrive in dry soil), symbolizes barrenness, spiritual emptiness, or even the Gentile world.
That this divine fountain waters such a place signifies the expansive and transformative power of God's grace, reaching even the most unlikely and desolate areas to bring life and fruitfulness.
Understand the original words
ma'yan · Hebrew Noun
A figurative or literal source of liquid, often representing life, spiritual vitality, or divine blessing; biblically, it is linked to the life-giving presence of God.
Joel's vivid imagery of overflowing abundance, particularly the life-giving fountain from the Temple watering the arid Valley of Shittim, speaks powerfully to a people familiar with the struggles of drought and the vital importance of water sources, even as it points to a future spiritual abundance.
c. 15th century BC
Israel Enters the Plains of Moab
The Israelites make their final encampment before entering the Promised Land at Shittim, a region near the Jordan River, which was often arid.
c. 10th century BC
Davidic Kingdom at its Height
Under King David and Solomon, Jerusalem and the Temple flourish, becoming the spiritual and political center of Israel, with a known water source beneath the Temple.
8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Northern Kingdom Conquest
The northern kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrians, leading to exile and a sense of impending doom for Judah, a context for Joel's prophecy of judgment and restoration.
c. 400 BC
Ezekiel's Vision of Temple Waters
The prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of water flowing from a restored Temple, bringing life and fertility to the barren lands, mirroring and expanding on Joel's imagery.
c. 400 BC
Zechariah's Vision of Living Waters
Zechariah also prophesies of living waters flowing from Jerusalem, signifying divine blessing and spiritual renewal extending to the farthest reaches.
Late 5th century BC— this verse
Joel's Prophecy of Judgment and Restoration
Joel delivers his prophecy, foretelling a day of the Lord bringing judgment upon the nations but ultimate restoration, fertility, and abundant blessing for Judah, symbolized by life-giving waters from the Temple.
This passage vividly describes waters flowing from the temple, bringing life and fertility to barren areas, mirroring Joel's vision of a fountain from the Lord's house watering the Valley of Shittim.
Zechariah 14:8Zechariah also prophesies of living waters flowing from Jerusalem in the end times, connecting the spiritual abundance from God's dwelling place to physical life and refreshment.
Isaiah 30:25This verse speaks of a future day when the Lord will provide abundant waters and sustenance, echoing the theme of God's provision transforming dry places into lushness.
Psalm 46:4This psalm beautifully portrays a river making glad the city of God, symbolizing divine presence and blessing that brings life and flourishing, similar to the waters described by Joel.
Revelation 22:1-2The Book of Revelation concludes with a vision of the river of the water of life flowing from God's throne, offering perpetual healing and fruitfulness, which is the ultimate fulfillment of Joel's imagery.
ellicottJoel 3:18: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim."
(18) The mountains shall drop down new wine. —The material prosperity depicted in these verses symbolises the glorious reign of Jehovah when the last enemy has been destroyed, and “God is all in all.” A fountain shall…
calvinJoel 3:18-19: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim."
- And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the…
The promise culminates not just in natural bounty, but in a divine source that transforms the most desolate places. The "fountain from the house of the Lord" watering the "Valley of Shittim" signifies that God's life-giving power will reach even the driest, most barren areas, symbolizing the salvation that will extend to the furthest corners of the earth.
This verse describes a future era of immense blessing and divine favor for Judah following a period of judgment on the nations. It paints a vivid picture of overflowing abundance, not just in natural resources like wine and milk, but also in a life-giving fountain emanating from the Lord's house, capable of revitalizing even the most barren lands. This imagery directly follows the pronouncements of judgment against Judah's enemies and precedes the description of their desolation, highlighting the stark contrast between God's restoration for His people and the ruin awaiting those who opposed them.
This verse describes a future era of immense blessing and divine favor for Judah following a period of judgment on the nations. It paints a vivid picture of overflowing abundance, not just in natural resources like wine and milk, but also in a life-giving fountain emanating from the Lord's house, capable of revitalizing even the most barren lands. This imagery directly follows the pronouncements of judgment against Judah's enemies and precedes the description of their desolation, highlighting the stark contrast between God's restoration for His people and the ruin awaiting those who opposed them.
"“And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD…" — The promise culminates not just in natural bounty, but in a divine source that transforms the most desolate places. The "fountain from the house of the Lord" watering the "Valley of Shittim" signifie…
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