Joel 3:12—Does God sit or stand to judge?

Problem: Joel declares that God will “sit to judge all the surrounding nations.” But, elsewhere the Bible says God “stands to judge the people” (Isa. 3:13). Which is true?

Solution: Both are figures of speech which express literal and compatible truths. God “sits” to hear everyone impartially and decide their guilt or innocence. Then He “stands” to execute the judgment on the case. Each expression describes a different aspect of God’s rule as judge.

This excerpt is from When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1992). © 2014 Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Click here to purchase this book.