Definition: Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 3:4. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about judgment and consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is going to punish a city called Tyre and Zidon – two coastal cities located in the Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon) – for their sins. He's not just angry; he’s demanding a repayment for what they’ve done wrong. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Joel 3:4” : This is the name of the verse itself, which comes from the book of Joel in the Old Testament. “Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon…” : This is a formal greeting – like saying “Hello, and I’m addressing you.” It's acknowledging that God is speaking to these specific cities. "Tyre" and "Zidon" are named specifically because they were important trade centers in the region at the time. “and all the coasts of Palestine?” : This emphasizes the wide-ranging consequences – it’s not just affecting these two cities; it's affecting everywhere in the region. It implies a significant and widespread punishment for their actions. “will ye render me a recompense?” : This is the core of the verse. “Render” means to give something back, to pay back a debt or an obligation. God is asking them to give him something – a repayment – for their sins. “and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;” : This is the most shocking part! "Swiftly" and "swiftly" emphasize that this punishment is coming immediately . The phrase “upon your own head” – it’s a very powerful image. It means God will take responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and he will punish them directly. What does it mean in terms of sin? Historically, this verse was interpreted as referring to the widespread corruption and wickedness that plagued the region during the time of the judges. It speaks to a period when many people were living in sin, neglecting God, and causing chaos. It’s essentially a call for repentance and restoration. Important Context: The book of Joel is part of a larger story about judgment and the coming of God's kingdom. This verse is often seen as a foreshadowing of future events – including the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon. In short, this verse paints a picture of divine judgment and a demand for restitution for wrongdoing. It’s a serious warning and a call to repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader theological context? Give you some examples of how this verse is interpreted today?