What is the fountain that comes forth from the house of the Lord and waters the valley of Shittim?

The fountain coming from the house of the Lord pictures life and blessing flowing out from God’s presence. It is like a stream that starts at the temple and runs so far that even a dry, distant place like the valley of Shittim is watered and made fruitful. Many understand this as a picture of the good news about God and the grace of His Spirit going out, not only in Judah but far away, even to people who were once barren and far from God. Where this water flows, there is new life and fruitfulness.

Why will Egypt and Edom become a desolation in this passage?

Egypt and Edom stand for enemies who harmed God’s people. The passage says they will be a desolation and a desolate wilderness because of the violence they did against the children of Judah and because they shed innocent blood in their land. God is showing that He notices the wrongs done to His people and will set things right. Their power, land, and wealth cannot protect them from His judgment. This gives comfort that those who harm and persecute God’s people will not escape His justice forever.

What does God mean when He says, I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed?

This line speaks of God finally dealing with guilt and sin that had not yet been fully removed. “Blood” here points to bloody sins and deep stain, such as shedding innocent blood and other serious offenses. God promises a time when He Himself will cleanse His people in a way earlier washings and ceremonies never fully did. Many readers connect this to the forgiveness brought through Christ’s death, and also to the final state where no sin remains at all. The cleansing is complete because the Lord dwells among His people.

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

These verses show God as both generous and just. He gives overflowing blessing to His people, pictured as wine, milk, and living water, and He makes even barren places fruitful. At the same time, He does not ignore evil. He judges nations that harmed His people and shed innocent blood. He is patient, but in the end He cleanses His people from their sins and removes their guilt. His promise to live in Zion shows that He desires to be near His people and that His presence brings holiness, life, and lasting safety.

How can this promise of mountains dripping with new wine apply to believers today?

While the picture uses farming language, the main message reaches beyond crops. It tells believers that God is not stingy with grace. In times when faith feels dry, this passage reminds us that God can again pour out joy, comfort, and strength in rich measure. It encourages us to look to Him as the source, like a fountain in His house, and to expect Him to refresh us through His word and Spirit. It also calls us to trust that, in the end, He will bring His people into a place of full, unbroken blessing.

Why does this passage talk about both blessing for Judah and judgment for Egypt and Edom?

The sharp contrast helps us see the difference between belonging to God and fighting against Him and His people. On one side, Judah receives flowing wine, milk, water, lasting safety, and cleansing. On the other, Egypt and Edom become a desolate wilderness because of their violence and bloodshed. This shows that God’s mercy and His judgment are both real. It comforts those who suffer for their faith, reminding them that God will defend them and that final blessing is for those who are His, not for those who persist in harming His people.

Joel.3.18

Joel 3:18

Q: What does it mean that the mountains shall drop down new wine and the hills flow with milk?

This word picture shows a time of great abundance from God. Wine and milk were signs of joy, strength, and daily care. The idea of mountains dripping with new wine and hills flowing with milk points beyond normal harvests to more than enough. Many readers see this as a way of talking about the rich blessings God gives in the days of the Messiah: strong comfort, joy in God, and every grace His people need. It is not mainly about luxury, but about God fully caring for and refreshing His people.

Q: What does it mean that Judah shall dwell for ever and Jerusalem from generation to generation?

This promise shows that God’s people will not be wiped out like their enemies. While places like Egypt and Edom are pictured as ruined, Judah and Jerusalem are pictured as lasting. On one level, it means God will always preserve a people for Himself, age after age. Many also see here a hint of the everlasting safety of God’s people in His final kingdom, where His city is secure and His people are settled with Him forever. The point is that God’s care for His own does not end.

King James Version (KJV)

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Chapter:

Context:

Blessings for God’s People

Sub Context:

Judah Will Be Blessed

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.

For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.