The phrase “valley of decision” comes from Joel 3:14 in the Bible. In this verse, Joel is prophesying about the day of the Lord, a time of judgment for the nations who have oppressed God’s people. The verse reads:
“Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14 ESV)
So what does this mysterious “valley of decision” refer to?
There are a few key things to understand:
1. It’s an actual geographical valley
The “valley of decision” refers to an actual valley located near Jerusalem. The Hebrew word translated “decision” can also mean “judging” or “verdict.” So this valley is where God will assemble the nations and judge them for their sins against His people.
The exact location of this valley is uncertain. Some believe it refers to the Valley of Jehoshaphat mentioned in Joel 3:2. This valley lies between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. It’s possible this valley will be the scene of God’s end times judgment of the nations.
2. It’s symbolic of a time of judgment
Beyond the literal geography, the “valley of decision” has a symbolic meaning. Valleys can represent times of judgment in the Bible (e.g. the Valley of Jezreel in Hosea 1:5). So the “valley of decision” points to the coming day of the Lord when God will judge the wicked.
Joel describes multitudes assembled in this valley. They have been summoned by God to receive their verdict and punishment for sin. The timing is significant too. This judgment takes place when the day of the Lord is “near.”
3. It underlines the certainty of coming judgment
Valleys are areas of no escape. The imagery of being hemmed in a valley emphasizes the inescapable judgment coming on the wicked. Just as surely as armies assemble in a valley, God will gather the nations for judgment.
The multitudes in the “valley of decision” also stress the vast scope of this judgment. People from all nations will be assembled before God’s throne and unable to avoid being judged for their deeds.
4. It highlights the need to decide about God now
The name “valley of decision” implies the need to make a choice. God’s judgment is coming soon. There is still time left to repent and take refuge in Him before the final verdict is handed down.
But this window of time will not last forever. Joel urges his hearers to take decisive action before it’s too late. The day of the Lord is at hand, and the valley of decision looms near.
In a sense, we all stand in the valley of decision today. God calls us to choose between obedience and rebellion, repentance and sin. Tomorrow may be too late. Today is the day to decide whose side we are on.
5. It points to Christ as the ultimate judge
Though God is the one assembling the nations for judgment here, the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the divine judge (John 5:22, Acts 10:42). One day Christ will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31).
Only those who have been washed in Christ’s blood will escape condemnation on that day. God’s people can stand confidently in the valley of decision if they have decided to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.
6. It will culminate in victory for God’s people
The valley of decision sounds ominous. But judgment day will ultimately bring triumph for God’s people over the enemies who oppressed them.
Earlier in Joel 3, God promised to bring the nations down to the valley of judgment and “enter into judgment with them there” on behalf of His people Israel (Joel 3:2). After the verdict, God will avenge the injustice done to His people (Joel 3:19-21).
Believers today can also rest assured that God will be victorious over His enemies. The day of judgment will set all wrongs right. Justice will finally prevail.
7. It affirms God’s sovereignty over the nations
The valley of decision demonstrates God’s supreme authority over all peoples and nations. No one can resist His summons or avoid appearing before His judgment seat. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!”
Worldly powers that defy God and persecute His people will learn the hard way that the LORD is ruler over all. His judgment on the day of the Lord will reveal the might of His sovereign reign.
8. It should produce sobriety and righteous living
Knowing these truths about the coming day of judgment should inspire reverent fear of God in our hearts. We will each stand in the valley of decision and face God’s righteous verdict over our lives.
This reality should compel us to live holy lives, renouncing wickedness and clinging to what is good and right. We must make every effort to be found blameless on that great day (2 Peter 3:14).
The valley of decision awaits. Let the anticipation of judgment motivate us to obedient living today.
9. It inspires hope for deliverance in God
For those who trust in the Lord, the valley of decision is not only a warning but also a hope. God will shelter His people and protect them from condemnation on judgment day.
Joel promised that “Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it” (Joel 3:17). God will be a refuge to His faithful people when judgment comes.
All who take refuge in Christ can stand fearless on the day of decision. Our hope rests in God’s promise of salvation from the coming wrath (Romans 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
The valley of decision reminds us to place all our hope in the One with power to deliver us from judgment – our Savior Jesus Christ.
10. It calls for readiness and watchfulness
Since the timing of God’s judgment is uncertain, the prophecy of the valley of decision encourages readiness at all times. Jesus said He will come at an hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:44).
We must be spiritually awake, vigilant against sin, and diligently pursuing holiness every day. Then we will be prepared to stand blameless whenever the day of decision arrives.
The valley of decision could lie just over history’s horizon. Let us live each day with eternity in view, faithful to welcome Christ when He comes.