Joel 3:5

My silver, etc.] not necessarily from the Temple, but the property of the people was reckoned as Jehovah's. Temples] i.e. palaces, the dwellings of the rich.

6. The Phœnicians (Tyre and Zidon) were famous as slave traders (Ezekiel 27:13; Amos 1:9). Grecians] Heb Jevanim, i.e. 'Ionians,' the name by which the Greeks were commonly known amongst the Hebrews: cp. Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Isaiah 66:19; Zechariah 9:13. That ye might, etc.] and thus increase your gain; since the further a slave from home, the greater his value, owing to his less opportunity to escape. Joel 3:5 do not necessarily refer directly to any specific events, but to a long course of conduct whereby these peoples profited by every disaster that befell Judah.

7, 8. The captives are to be returned; the enemies in turn are to be taken captive and sold by the Jews to the far distant Sabeans in Arabia, a people famous for traffic in spices and gold (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20; Ezekiel 27:22; Job 6:19): cp. for story of their queen 1 Kings 10.

9. The theme of the general judgment announced in Joel 3:1 is resumed. Heralds are to summon the nations as though to a trial of arms with the hosts of Jehovah (Joel 3:9). Gentiles] RV 'nations.' Prepare] RM 'sanctify' with sacrifices or other religious ceremonies (1 Samuel 7:8.; Jeremiah 6:4; Micah 3:5).

10. Instruments of peace are to be made those of war, the reverse of the promise of Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3.