Joel 3:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Yea, and what have ye to do, &c.— But what have ye to do, &c. After God by the prophet had put them in mind of their injustice and cruelty towards his people, he now comes to inquire into the reason of so unrighteous a conduct. But, what have ye to do with me? The expression denotes the same as that other, so common in the sacred books, What have I to do with you?—"What is the reason of your so frequently invading and often plundering my land and people." The next words may be read, Will ye take your revenge upon me?—But if ye vent your spite upon me, I will swiftly and speedily return your vengeance, &c. Kimchi paraphrases the whole verse thus; "What is this that ye do even unto me?—Do ye think to be revenged on me, because I have done you evil?—If you say, that you do now of your own accord evil to me, (for he that doth evil to Israel, his imagination is to do evil to me, for they are my sons,) if this be the case, I will soon return your reward on your own heads?" See Chandler.

Joel 3:4

4 Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;