Book of Joel - Chapter 3 - Verse 8

This verse from the book of Joel in the Bible, specifically chapter 3, verse 8, speaks of a prophecy of God's judgment upon the people of Judah. The verse foretells a time when their sons and daughters will be sold into the hands of the people of Judah, who will in turn sell them to a far-off nation known as the Sabeans. This harsh consequence is said to be a result of the disobedience and sinfulness of the people of Judah. The selling of their own children into slavery symbolizes the severity of their punishment for turning away from God and His commandments. It serves as a grave warning of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's will. The verse emphasizes the certainty of God's word, as it states that this judgment is spoken by the Lord himself.

In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is delivering a message from the Lord to the people of Israel. The mention of selling their sons and daughters into the hand of the children of Judah is a grim foreshadowing of the punishment that will come upon Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. The word "sell" in this context can be understood as a form of judgment and punishment rather than a literal transaction. The Sabeans, mentioned in the verse, were a distant people known for their wealth and trading, adding to the imagery of Israel's dispersion to far-off lands. This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His commandments. The certainty of these events occurring is emphasized by the declaration that "the LORD hath spoken it," underscoring the divine authority behind the prophecy.