Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic passage from the Book of Joel, and it speaks to a significant time in biblical history – think of it as a prophecy about the future. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive outpouring of blessings and renewal that will occur when God’s people are truly faithful and repent of their sins. It's like a massive, joyous flood – not just water, but also nourishment and peace. Let's break it down into its parts: “And it shall come to pass in that day…” - This sets the scene – it’s about to happen at a specific point in time , which is described as “that day.” It’s not just a general event; it’s something dramatic. “[That] the mountains shall drop down new wine…” - This is metaphorical! Mountains aren't actually dropping wine – it's an image of overflowing abundance and a joyful outpouring. "New wine" represents a fresh start, a renewal of something precious. “and the hills shall flow with milk…” - Similar to the previous point, this symbolizes a release of nourishment and sweetness. It’s not just water; it's a flowing, gentle abundance. “and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters…” - This is key! "Judah" refers to Israel (the nation that God chose to be blessed). The rivers are literally flowing with water – signifying a return to prosperity and a revitalized land. “and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD…” - This is where it gets really powerful. "The house of the Lord" refers to God himself, and the “fountain” symbolizes a source of divine blessing and power – a place of holiness and peace. “and shall water the valley of Shittim.” - "Shittim" was an old name for the desert region east of Jerusalem. This means the fountain will literally bring life back to that area, restoring it to its original beauty and abundance. It's a symbol of healing and restoration. Overall Meaning & Significance: Joel is urging God’s people to repent (turn away from their sins) and to be faithful. This verse paints a picture of a time when God will bring about a complete renewal – a return to the blessings he promised them, restoring what was lost and bringing peace and abundance back to the land. It's a message of hope, restoration, and divine judgment. Important Note: This is a prophecy, meaning it’s believed to be true in biblical terms. It’s not necessarily predicting exactly what will happen, but rather describing a future event that points towards a time of repentance and restoration. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery used?