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Much poetry is meant for imagery (a good example is David's writing) for effect.

The prophets often use it. Not always as some on here are twisting my words to say...but often.

No, not all passages except those speaking of the Messiah were non-literal.

Much poetry is meant for imagery (a good example is David's writing) for effect.

So have you even read this poetry?

I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations (Sorry, pseudo-Israelites, or 'spiritual' Israelites do not qualify) ; they have also divided up My land.

Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears (Hey, UN, you do you recognize those words?); let the weak say, 'I am strong.'"

Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around/. Cause Your mighty ones to go down there, O L-RD. "Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; for the winepress is full, the vats overflow - for their wickedness is great."

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the L-RD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The L-RD also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; but the L-RD will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

"So you shall know that I am the L-RD your G-d, dwelling in Zion My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, and no aliens shall ever pass through her again." Joel 3:2; 9-17

Poetic language? Yes. Metaphor? Clearly not.