I will gather all the nations: The Hebrew word for nations is used especially of the non-Israelite, pagan nations (see 2.17). In this context it refers especially to all those nations that were enemies of Judah. An expression for nations should be used that includes such peoples as the people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia; for example, “enemy nations [of Judah].”
And bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat: It is not certain that there ever was a valley of Jehoshaphat in Palestine, although in later times people associated it with the Kidron Valley between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Actually, the Hebrew word for valley refers to a broad plain between mountains, so the Kidron Valley is probably not in view here since it is narrow. The prophet seems to have invented the whole expression for its value as a symbol of judgment, since the Hebrew name Jehoshaphat means “the LORD has judged.” Such symbolic language is typical of apocalyptic writing, of which the book of Joel is an early example. Judgment is what happens in the valley, and the next line, as well as verse 12, uses the Hebrew verb for “judge.” Good News Translation does not retain the Hebrew name, but translates its meaning, saying “Valley of Judgment.” New English Bible has “Valley of the LORD’s Judgment,” while Traduction œcuménique de la Bible uses “the valley named ‘The LORD judges’ ” (similarly Bible en français courant, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch). If a translation transliterates the name Jehoshaphat, it may be necessary to explain in a footnote what the name means.
And I will enter into judgment with them there: I will enter into judgment with them renders a Hebrew verb form implying that Yahweh is bringing a complaint against the nations for submission to a court of judgment. At this point Yahweh takes up the role of accuser, not of judge. Therefore “I will judge them” in Good News Translation is not quite correct, since it would indicate that God is the judge. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch says “I will call them to account for,” which has the same implied meaning. New Jerusalem Bible has “I shall put them on trial,” which may be the action of either the judge or plaintiff. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh expresses it better with “I will contend with them.” Some African languages say “I will take them to the chief’s house” or “I will call them under the palaver tree.” There may be languages in which it will be difficult to represent God as bringing the case to a court here, but at the same time assuming the role of judge in verse 12. It may be necessary to translate as if God is both the accuser and judge; for example, “I will take them to court and judge them.”
On account of my people and my heritage Israel: This line introduces the subject, or the issue, being discussed at the court of judgment. Good News Translation says “for all they have done to my people.” My people and my heritage Israel are two noun phrases that are almost synonymous, so Good News Translation combines them into the single phrase “my people.” We may also translate “the people of Israel, who belong to me [or, who are mine].” The two expressions serve to emphasize once more the close relationship between God and his people. They have been restored to that relationship in spite of earlier events that made God turn against them. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “My very own people, Israel.” For heritage see the comments at 2.17.
Because they have scattered them among the nations: The Hebrew verb for scattered is used of scattering ashes and also of disturbing a flock of sheep so that it runs off in all directions. Here it indicates that there was no central point or influence holding the Israelites together as they dispersed in all directions, living now among the nations. Good News Translation renders the pronoun them as “the Israelites” for clarity. It transfers this name from the previous line. The Hebrew noun for nations is the same one used in the first line.
And have divided up my land: This line makes it appear that the enemies divided property rights among themselves after they conquered the land of Israel. The Hebrew verb for divided is one of several words in these lines that were used in the ancient stories of Israel settling in the land; Moses and Joshua divided, or “apportioned,” the land among the clans of Israel (as in Josh 18.2), and each person’s portion of land was considered as entrusted to him by Yahweh. It was a heartbreaking experience for them to see the enemy now redividing the land that had been theirs.
The scattering of the Israelites and the dividing of their land seem to reflect the conquest of Judah and the deportation of its people by the Babylonians about 587 B.C. (see Jer 52.28-30).
Quoted with permission from de Blois, Kees & Dorn, Louis. A Handbook on Joel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2020. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .