Definition: Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 3:11. It's a pretty significant message about the future of our world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is urging people to prepare for a dramatic and transformative change . It’s saying, “We need to get together, and we need to be ready for something big.” Let's look at each part: “Joel 3:11” : This refers to a prophecy written by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament. It’s a prediction about a time of great upheaval. “Assemble yourselves…” : This is a command – it's telling everyone to gather together . Think of it like a meeting or gathering. “and come, all ye heathen…” : “Heathen” in this context means "non-Jews" – people who aren’t part of the Jewish community. It’s important to understand that Joel is speaking about all people, not just Jews. The word “heathen” can also refer to those who are unfamiliar with God's message or way of life. “and gather yourselves together round about:” : This emphasizes the importance of coming together. It’s a call for closeness and unity. "O LORD." : The Lord is speaking directly to God, acknowledging his presence and power. Putting it all together – what's the message? Joel 3:11 is essentially saying that God is sending a powerful signal – a judgment – to be delivered to those who are not following him. It’s a call for repentance and a time of intense change, driven by God’s judgment. It speaks about a cleansing and purification of the world, and a time when people will be called to repent (turn away from sin) and return to God. Why is it significant? This verse has been interpreted as a foreshadowing of a major period of religious upheaval in Jewish history – often linked to the Babylonian exile. It’s seen as a preparation for God's judgment on those who have rejected him. In short, Joel 3:11 is a warning and an invitation to prepare for a time of intense change and judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Talk about the historical context (like the Babylonian exile)? Offer some related Bible verses?