The book of Joel ends with a personal word from God. This is what he gives to his beleaguered and confused people. They are in misery and rightly terrified of the future. But God does not want to leave them in that misery, no matter how much they have deserved it. It will end up with the enemies totally going down because of their injustices against God’s people, while God remains permanently faithful to his people, in spite of their sins. Once again, we hear the assurance that God dwells in Zion. In the conclusion, once again the name of the place is mentioned where God dwelt in the Old Testament. It also serves as a brief reminder of the command to seek God where he may be found (see Joel 2:32). God seeks love that becomes evident in acts of obedience (cf. Romans 1:5, the theme of that entire letter). The book of Joel ends with that comforting message that God gives them strength to walk their life’s path with him until all his promises have been fulfilled.
21 I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion.”