What is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)?

Answer

Joel 3:14 states, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” Many evangelists have used this verse to encourage audiences to “make a decision” for Christ. Others interpret this valley of decision as a period of judgment when the Lord determines the fate of the nations. Is it an invitation or a prophecy of doom?

The context of Joel 3 clarifies that this is a time of God’s judgment upon the earth. Verse 2 mentions, “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel.” The Valley of Jehoshaphat is synonymous with the “valley of decision.” Jehoshaphat means “Yahweh judges”; the “decision” made in the valley is God’s, not the multitudes’. The actual geographical location of this valley is likely the Kidron Valley on the east side of Jerusalem.

The focus of Joel 3 is on the future Day of the Lord. This period will involve a gathering of the nations (verse 2), a judgment on wickedness (verse 13), and celestial signs (verse 15). Joel’s prophecy of the valley of decision is mirrored in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse and the judgment of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46).

Immediately after the prophecy of judgment, Joel transitions to a depiction of the Lord’s millennial reign, a literal 1,000-year era following the tribulation. During the millennium, Christ reigns as king from Jerusalem. Some interpreters suggest the millennium is symbolic, yet numerous passages, including Joel 3:18-21, provide detailed descriptions of this time. Additionally, Revelation 20:1-7 mentions “1,000 years” six times. It appears that God intends for us to understand that the millennial kingdom is a literal period of time.

Ultimately, the “valley of decThe “decision” in Joel 3:14 is not about individuals choosing whether or not to follow Christ; it is God delivering His judgment at the conclusion of the tribulation. Evil will be addressed decisively, promptly, and fairly. Praise the Lord for His pledge to rectify all things one day and to be “a sanctuary for his people” «The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. », (Joel 3:16).