by Dorcas Kulwa | 6 December 2019 08:46 am12
The Valley of decision.
What is the Valley of Decision?
In Joel 3:14-16 (ESV), the prophet declares:
“Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars withdraw their shining. The LORD roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel.”
This passage prophetically describes a climactic moment in God’s redemptive plan when all nations will be gathered for judgment. The “Valley of Decision” (also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, meaning “The LORD Judges”) symbolizes the place where God’s righteous judgment will be executed upon the nations for their treatment of His people and their rebellion against Him.
The phrase “valley of cutting words” or “valley of decision” reflects the biblical principle that God will decisively end disputes and unrighteousness. In human terms, this is like a court or decisive battle where arguments are settled once and for all. It is not a place of endless debate but a moment of irrevocable judgment and decision.
As leaders must sometimes take urgent action to “cut words” and resolve disputes in governance—investing resources or enforcing laws to prevent continued unrest—so too God will intervene in history’s ultimate dispute between good and evil.
Today, two primary groups cry out to God, embodying the spiritual divide humanity faces:
The Faithful Cry for Justice
They implore God to bring justice and vindication:
Revelation 6:10, ESV).“How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
These believers endure suffering, holding fast to their faith, and await God’s righteous intervention.
The Mockers and Unbelievers
Others scoff at God’s promises:
2 Peter 3:4, ESV).Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” .
They blaspheme and deny God’s existence or delay His judgment.
God’s judgment day is portrayed in apocalyptic imagery in Scripture. Suddenly, cosmic disturbances occur: the sun darkens, the moon loses its light, stars fall (Joel 3:15; Amos 8:9). This signals the onset of divine judgment, a time of fear and reckoning for the earth.
Christ returns as the conquering King, described in
Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV):
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war… On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
He defeats the enemies of God decisively, fulfilling Psalm 2:9—“You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
After the defeat of the wicked armies, Christ will judge the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31-46). The separation of sheep and goats illustrates the final divine verdict based on one’s response to God’s grace.
Those found righteous enter the Millennium—Christ’s 1000-year reign on earth, a period of peace and restoration (Revelation 20:4-6). Scripture notes this will be a time of significantly reduced population (Isaiah 13:12) and genuine righteousness.
The Valley of Decision is not only a geographical location but a spiritual reality. It symbolizes the ultimate accountability before God. It underscores the sovereignty of God as Judge and Redeemer, emphasizing that:
God’s justice is sure—evil will not go unpunished (Romans 12:19).
God’s mercy invites repentance—but judgment follows rejection (2 Peter 3:9).
Christ is the righteous Judge—and only through Him can salvation be secured (John 14:6).
The nations will be held accountable for their actions toward God’s people and their response to His revelation (Matthew 25:31-46).
The nations and individuals of the world are moving towards this decisive moment. Political tensions, moral decay, and conflicts involving Israel fulfill prophetic warnings that these events are near.
You don’t have to be caught unprepared in the Valley of Decision. God invites you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, to be made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and to receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
The Valley of Decision is a call to urgent repentance and faith in Christ. It is a sobering reminder of God’s coming judgment but also a hopeful promise for those who trust Him.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” —1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
May the Lord Jesus bless you and keep you.
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