Joel 3:18
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.
Joel 3:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Joel in the Old Testament speaks of a future time when the land of Judah will experience great abundance and prosperity. The imagery of the mountains dropping down new wine, the hills flowing with milk, and the rivers of Judah flowing with waters, symbolizes the overflowing blessings that God will bring upon His people. The mention of a fountain coming forth from the house of the Lord to water the valley of Shittim further emphasizes the spiritual nourishment and blessings that will be poured out on the land. This verse is a powerful declaration of God's promise to provide for and bless His people abundantly. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate source of all provision and that He will always provide for His people in ways that exceed their expectations.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the imagery of mountains dropping new wine, hills flowing with milk, and rivers flowing with water symbolizes abundance and blessings. The mention of Judah specifically ties this abundance to the land promised to the Israelites and the prosperity that comes from following God's commandments. The reference to a fountain coming forth from the house of the Lord and watering the valley of Shittim speaks to the spiritual nourishment and life-giving nature of God's presence. This verse can be interpreted as a promise of God's provision and blessing for His people, both physically and spiritually. The theological implication is that when we remain faithful and obedient to God, He will pour out blessings upon us in abundance, sustaining and nourishing us in every aspect of our lives.
Joel 3:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall water the valley of Shittim.
World English Bible
It will happen in that day, that the mountains will drop down sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters, and a fountain will flow out from Yahweh’s house, and will water the valley of Shittim.
Douay-Rheims
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down sweetness, and the hills shall flow with milk: and waters shall flow through all the rivers of Juda: and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the torrent of thorns.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in that day shall the mountaines drop downe newe wine, and the hilles shall flowe with milke, and al the riuers of Iudah shall runne with waters, and a fountaine shall come forth of the House of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.