The Christ in Prophecy Journal

Judgment in Jehoshaphat (Part 1 of 8)

Judgment in Jehoshaphat

The Valley of Jehoshaphat is mentioned twice in the Scriptures, both times in the book of Joel, chapter 3. Let’s begin by reading those Scriptures from the New Living Translation:

1) “At the time of those events,” says the LORD, “when I restore the prosperity of Judah and Jerusalem,

2) “I will gather the armies of the world into the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will judge them for harming my people, my special possession, for scattering my people among the nations, and for dividing up my land…

9) “Say to the nations far and wide: ‘Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your fighting men advance for the attack.

10) ‘Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors.

11) ‘Come quickly, all you nations everywhere. Gather together in the valley.'” And now, O LORD, call out your warriors!

12) “Let the nations be called to arms. Let them march to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I, the LORD, will sit to pronounce judgment on them all.

13) “Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread the grapes, for the winepress is full. The storage vats are overflowing with the wickedness of these people.”

14) Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the LORD will soon arrive.

15) The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine.

16) The LORD’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.

Location of the Valley

Let’s get into this topic by first of all identifying the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

Since the 4th Century, it has been identified with the Kidron Valley in Jerusalem, and continues to be until this day. The Kidron Valley runs north and south and separates the Temple Mount on the west side from the Mount of Olives on the east side.

But, the Kidron Valley is not a valley. It is what would be properly classified as a gorge or a ravine.

The Kidron Valley

The Kidron Valley

I was recently at a true valley when I went to California to preach at a church located in the magnificent Imperial Valley. That’s a true valley! It reminded me of the Valley of Jezreel in Israel, or the Valley of Armageddon, as Christians call it.

The Imperial Valley of California

The Imperial Valley of California

In addition to the Kidron Ravine, many have tried to identify the Valley of Jehoshaphat with one of the sites where King Jehoshaphat fought one of his battles. But I don’t believe the name has anything to do with King Jehoshaphat.

The word, Jehoshaphat, means “Yahweh Judges,” and in the context in which it is used, I think it is an obvious symbolic term for the judgment of God that is going to be poured out in the end times during the Great Tribulation — a judgment that will culminate in the Valley of Armageddon, which Joel also refers to as “the valley of decision.”

The Valley of Jezreel

The Valley of Jezreel

So, the Valley of Jehoshaphat is a symbolic term for the end time wrath of God during the Great Tribulation that will culminate in the Valley of Armageddon.

In the second part of our study of Armageddon, we will explore if God, besides being a God of love, is also a God capable of wrath.

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Dr. David Reagan

Dr. David Reagan is the Founder and Evangelist Emeritus of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He is a life-long Bible student, teacher, and preacher and he led over 45 pilgrimages to Israel. Dr. Reagan was the host of the radio then television program Christ in Prophecy for nearly 40 years.

3 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • I stood looking over the valley of Jezreel two years ago and listened as my friend and former pastor played “The King is Coming” by the Speer Family on his phone! The feeling was beyond description!! I was latterly trembling, imagining the Lion of Judah and King of Kings sweeping down the valley with all of his saints and the armies of Heaven to reclaim the throne of David and begin His rightful reign.

  • Hello Dr. Reagan. I have been a Born Again Christian for almost 38 years. My wife was born into a Christian home & has Been privileged enough to serve the Lord all of her life.

    We have become very despondent over the last years due to the lack of in-depth teaching we receive. However, we listen diligently to teachers like yourself, Nathan Jones, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, Ps Billy Crone, Jan Markel, Dr. Andy Woods, Bill Salus to name but a few. Wherever and whenever possible we tell friends, acquaintances and General people we meet about the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    First off, are you aware of or know any ministries here in South Africa that teach the Word and the soon returning Christ as you do?
    I would ask that you include both my wife, Pat and myself in your prayer time as we both want to move in His will without exceptions. At our age (both over 65 years of age), we find that it is pointless beating about the bush so to speak, regarding the soon return of the Messiah and His redemptive plan.

    However, we want to learn daily and understand more regarding the soon coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Hence our request to you about learning.

    Unfortunately, finances are really low due to various circumstances here in South Africa as well a small personally, but God. Please advise if you are able to assist us in any way what-so-ever. Thank you for your teachings, insights into the Word of God that we have gleaned to date. Our prayers for you and family, Nathan and family and all those connected with your ministry are ongoing.

    Thank you and God’s Richest Blessings to one and all.
    Kenneth & Pat Goodacre

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