 In Judgment, Remember Mercy  2:3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD's anger.3:17 The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Within the declarations of God's judgment, He always promises mercy. We see both God's judgment and His mercy in the writings of the prophet Zephaniah. God's judgment for Israel's sin could not be made clearer. And God's judgment of the Gentile nations is doubtlessly coming. The judgments we find in Zephaniah encompass the events leading up to Israel's overthrow by the Babylonian Empire, but also clearly point to the future judgment of the world just prior to Christ's return. Although His judgment is coming, God nonetheless offers a hiding place for those who will seek Him. This is a great hope for those who have been faithful to God but find themselves in a time or a place where His judgment is sure to fall. God offers a "hiding place" in the midst of the storm of judgment (2:3). This hiding place is for all who seek God in humility and endeavor to be faithful to Him no matter what sinful path those around us pursue when the day of God's anger against sin is justly executed. God's mercy even shines through His judgment that will one day fall upon the entire world. While judgment is promised as a just reward to all who have played their part in the reign of sin over this Earth, there is also a promise of great blessing for those who by faith have sought God's mercy. Christ will reign with grace as the prince of peace in the midst of His people after the world is rid of sin (3:14-15). This balance of justice and mercy is found nowhere else in all of manmade religion as fully as it is found in the scriptures. Within His proclamation of judgment, God gracefully offers a hiding place. A place where He promises He will "take away [the] judgments" due us. A place where we will "see disaster no more." He will be in our midst, with love and rejoicing (3:14-17). With such clear warnings of judgment coupled with equally clear promises of mercy, no one can blame anyone but themselves if their future is judgment rather than mercy. | |||
 | |||
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20  1 The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.The Great Day of the LORD 2 "I will utterly consume everything From the face of the land," Says the LORD; 3 "I will consume man and beast; I will consume the birds of the heavens, The fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked. I will cut off man from the face of the land," Says the LORD. 4 "I will stretch out My hand against Judah, And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off every trace of Baal from this place, The names of the idolatrous priests with the pagan priests— 5 Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, But who also swear by Milcom; 6 Those who have turned back from following the LORD, And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him." 7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD; For the day of the LORD is at hand, For the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests. 8 "And it shall be, In the day of the LORD's sacrifice, That I will punish the princes and the king's children, And all such as are clothed with foreign apparel. 9 In the same day I will punish All those who leap over the threshold, Who fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit. 10 "And there shall be on that day," says the LORD, "The sound of a mournful cry from the Fish Gate, A wailing from the Second Quarter, And a loud crashing from the hills. 11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh! For all the merchant people are cut down; All those who handle money are cut off. 12 "And it shall come to pass at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And punish the men Who are settled in complacency, Who say in their heart, 'The LORD will not do good, Nor will He do evil.' 13 Therefore their goods shall become booty, And their houses a desolation; They shall build houses, but not inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards, but not drink their wine." 14 The great day of the LORD is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the LORD is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. 15 That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 A day of trumpet and alarm Against the fortified cities And against the high towers. 17 "I will bring distress upon men, And they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, And their flesh like refuse." 18 Neither their silver nor their gold Shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD's wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured By the fire of His jealousy, For He will make speedy riddance Of all those who dwell in the land. Zephaniah 2 A Call to Repentance 1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, 2 Before the decree is issued, Or the day passes like chaff, Before the LORD's fierce anger comes upon you, Before the day of the LORD's anger comes upon you! 3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD's anger. Judgment on Nations 4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, And Ashkelon desolate; They shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, And Ekron shall be uprooted. 5 Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: "I will destroy you; So there shall be no inhabitant." 6 The seacoast shall be pastures, With shelters for shepherds and folds for flocks. 7 The coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; They shall feed their flocks there; In the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down at evening. For the LORD their God will intervene for them, And return their captives. 8 "I have heard the reproach of Moab, And the insults of the people of Ammon, With which they have reproached My people, And made arrogant threats against their borders. 9 Therefore, as I live," Says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, "Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, And the people of Ammon like Gomorrah— Overrun with weeds and saltpits, And a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, And the remnant of My people shall possess them." 10 This they shall have for their pride, Because they have reproached and made arrogant threats Against the people of the LORD of hosts. 11 The LORD will be awesome to them, For He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, Each one from his place, Indeed all the shores of the nations. 12 "You Ethiopians also, You shall be slain by My sword." 13 And He will stretch out His hand against the north, Destroy Assyria, And make Nineveh a desolation, As dry as the wilderness. 14 The herds shall lie down in her midst, Every beast of the nation. Both the pelican and the bittern Shall lodge on the capitals of her pillars; Their voice shall sing in the windows; Desolation shall be at the threshold; For He will lay bare the cedar work. 15 This is the rejoicing city That dwelt securely, That said in her heart, "I am it, and there is none besides me." How has she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her Shall hiss and shake his fist. Zephaniah 3 The Wickedness of Jerusalem 1 Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, To the oppressing city! 2 She has not obeyed His voice, She has not received correction; She has not trusted in the LORD, She has not drawn near to her God. 3 Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves That leave not a bone till morning. 4 Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, They have done violence to the law. 5 The LORD is righteous in her midst, He will do no unrighteousness. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails, But the unjust knows no shame. 6 "I have cut off nations, Their fortresses are devastated; I have made their streets desolate, With none passing by. Their cities are destroyed; There is no one, no inhabitant. 7 I said, 'Surely you will fear Me, You will receive instruction'— So that her dwelling would not be cut off, Despite everything for which I punished her. But they rose early and corrupted all their deeds. A Faithful Remnant 8 "Therefore wait for Me," says the LORD, "Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations To My assembly of kingdoms, To pour on them My indignation, All My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured With the fire of My jealousy. 9 "For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, That they all may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him with one accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, The daughter of My dispersed ones, Shall bring My offering. 11 In that day you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds In which you transgress against Me; For then I will take away from your midst Those who rejoice in your pride, And you shall no longer be haughty In My holy mountain. 12 I will leave in your midst A meek and humble people, And they shall trust in the name of the LORD. 13 The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness And speak no lies, Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; For they shall feed their flocks and lie down, And no one shall make them afraid." Joy in God's Faithfulness 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. 16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. 17 The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." 18 "I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, Who are among you, To whom its reproach is a burden. 19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, And gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame In every land where they were put to shame. 20 At that time I will bring you back, Even at the time I gather you; For I will give you fame and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I return your captives before your eyes," Says the LORD. | |||
 | |||
Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 v. 1 Word of the LORD…came – This refers to the prophetic calling placed upon the life of Zephaniah. Hezekiah – Hezekiah was one of the most righteous kings in Judah's history (1 Kings 18-20, 2 Chron. 29-32, Is. 36-39). Zephaniah is a descendent of the great king, but not through the royal line. Josiah – Along with Hezekiah, Josiah is regarded as one of the greatest kings in Judah's history. His rule marked a period of national repentance and revival, and saw the refurbishment of God's Temple, the rediscovery of God's Law, and the reestablishment of the observance of the Passover. Josiah was also faithful to tear down idols and shrines to false gods erected under the reigns of previous kings (2 Kings 22-23:30, 2 Chron. 34-35). In the days of – In spite of Josiah's righteous reforms, many of the prophecies Zephaniah would deliver were proclamations of judgment upon the land. God's plan to judge the nation of Judah had been set in motion when Hezekiah and the wicked King Manasseh held authority over Israel and, although it would be postponed on account of Josiah's faithfulness, could not be postponed indefinitely (Is. 39, 2 Kings 24:3). Amon – Josiah's father, Amon was one of the wicked kings of Judah and was assassinated by his own servants (2 Kings 21:19-26, 2 Chron. 33:21-25). v. 2 Utterly consume – Literally, in the Hebrew this should read, "I will make a complete end." This along with most of Zephaniah's prophecies, are speaking of the judgment that God would bring upon Judah, when the Babylonians would invade Judah and carry her people into captivity, destroying the walls of the city of Jerusalem and decimating the Temple of God (2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chron. 23:5-21). v. 3 Man and beast…birds…fish – The Lord is speaking of the scope of Judah's devastation, by pointing out that the entire ecosystem will be thrown into disarray by the invading Babylonians. It will not just be men that die in this judgment. Stumbling blocks – This is referring to idols. The idols drew away the hearts of the men from the Lord, thus they are described as stumbling blocks, or things that cause people to trip. Cut off…face of the land – The people would be utterly removed from the land during the Babylonian invasion. Here, as is common, the Lord is speaking with a measure of hyperbole, as a few of the very impoverished would remain in the land after the Babylonian invasion, but the vast majority of the people would be removed. v. 4 Stretch out my hand – This phrase calls to mind the picture of a general stretching his arm out against his enemies and calling his armies to move forward and attack. It is often used as a picture of judgment, as God stretches out his arm and commands his armies to move forward and attack his enemies. Baal – Technically this term means "Lord" and was most commonly used of the Canaanite god Hadad. The people of Syria and Phoenicia came to think of Hadad's name as too holy to speak and substitute the term "Lord" or "Baal" in its place. This term here is used to speak of all idolatry in the land. Trace – There will not be even the slightest hint of Baal worship in the land of Judah after God effects his judgment on the land. Pagan – This term is generally used to speak of people that worshipped false gods. Technically, it was not in the original Hebrew, but was added to help explain what kinds of priests would be judged. Idolatrous…pagan priests – This is an example of parallelism, a literary tool commonly used by Hebrew writers in which the author repeats the same idea to emphasize a point. The prophetic writings frequently make use of this tool and is here driving home the point that all false worship in the land will end through God's judgment. Host – The word "host" or "Sabaoth" in the Hebrew speaks of armies and is used metaphorically in this context to speak of the masses of the Sun, Moon, and stars, as they were frequently worshipped by pagan peoples. Here, the prophet is again using parallelism, speaking of the end of pagan worship in the land of Judah. Housetops – It was common practice for pagans to go to high places in order to worship false gods. Generally speaking, they felt that the higher they went, the closer they were to their god. This is why many built temple shrines on the mountain tops and in the hills, and it is why many would go on the rooftops of their homes to worship their gods. Also swear – These Jews did indeed worship the God of Israel, would take oaths in his name, and would nominally keep his Sabbaths and some of his Holy days, but, at the same time, they would worship the false gods commonly worshipped by the people of the surrounding nations. Milcom – Also known as Moloch, this is an ancient Canaanite god that was often worshipped through the offering of children as burn offerings. v. 6 Not sought the Lord…nor inquired – This speaks generally of those people that were not faithful to the God of Israel. Many think that a number of these prophecies were fulfilled by the King Josiah, who systematically destroyed the idols and shrines of the pagan gods, and put the pagan priests to death (2 Kings 23:3-7). v. 7 Be silent – Here, the prophet is telling his hearers that they will not be able to make excuses for their sins. He is asserting that God is just in his judgment and that the people will not be able, nor will they be allowed to defend their actions. When the justice of God comes, everyone will know he is receiving his just desert (Rom. 3:19). Day of the Lord – This is a general phrase that is used to speak of any judgment that God would bring upon a group of people (Jer. 46:10), but also points to the final and great "Day of the Lord" when God would judge the whole world with a final judgment (1 Thess. 5:2). At hand – This is a metaphor implying that the judgments of which the prophet speaks would come to pass shortly. Prepared a sacrifice…invited guests – In ancient times the offering of a sacrifice was always accompanied by the ritual enjoyment of a meal with friends and family. Here the Lord is describing his judgment as a sacrificial feast, in which his friends and family would be invited to participate. Princes…king's children – Generally, this is referring to the fact that God's judgment would come upon the ruling class. It does however, have a very literal meaning as well, as the Babylonian armies would invade during the reigns of Josiah's three children and his grandson. Thus, the princes and the King's sons would specifically endure the judgment of which the prophet speaks. Foreign apparel – The nobility of ancient Judah would adopt the clothing styles of many of the foreign nations and ignore God's frequent commands concerning dress as lain out in the Law. (Lev. 19:19, Num. 15:38) This term is simply used as a description of the nobility. It is telling us that God's judgment will come upon the nobility and the upper class. v. 9 Leap over the threshold – This is referring to an ancient superstitious practice of some pagans. It probably is referring to a Philistine practice observed in honor of their god Dagon. When the Philistine's captured the Ark of the Covenant, the idol of Dagon on two successive nights fell down on the threshold of their temple, prostrate before the Ark of the Covenant. In honor of their god, the Philistines refused to cross the threshold of their temple out of fear that it would bring bad luck (1 Sam. 5:5) Perhaps idolatrous Israelites developed a similar practice. Violence and deceit – This speaks generally of people that seek gain through dishonest means; trickery or extortion. v. 10 Fish Gate – There were many gates in the walls surrounding Jerusalem, and the "Fish Gate" would refer to a northern gate where a well known fish market was established. The mention of this gate is to communicate to the Jews that their invaders will come from the North. Second Quarter – This is an expansion of the city built under the King Hezekiah. Hills – The Babylonian invaders would come swooping down on the city through the hills surrounding the city. v. 11 Maktesh – This is a marketplace in Jerusalem. The references to these various areas, the Fish Gate, the Second Quarter, the Hills, and the marketplace, is given to let the reader know that the Babylonians will conquer and destroy every part of the city. Merchant people…those who handle money – Having explained that every part of the city will be destroyed, the prophet now declares that nobody will be exempt from this judgment. Already he has said that the pagan priests, the princes, and the servants would experience God's judgment. He now points to the middle class merchants to round out his description of those that will suffer. v. 12 Search Jerusalem with lamps – Here God is using a metaphor to describe his judgment. It's not that God actually needs to search for sinners; instead this implies that nobody will be able to hide from the judgment that is coming. God will seek out and punish everybody in the land. Complacency…The Lord will not do good – The Lord here points out that the people of Judah do not believe that the Lord will actually judge the nation. They think that things will go on as they always have, and that they need not worry about the judgment that is to come. v. 13 Goods – This refers to all of the valuables of the people. Booty – These valuables will be taken by Babylonians soldiers as the spoils of war. Build…plant – During the years leading up to the Babylonian invasion, the people will continue to work their property, build houses and grow crops, and grapes, but they will not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, because the Babylonians will destroy them before they get to enjoy them. v. 14 Great day of the Lord – Although the prophet is still specifically talking of the eventual conquest of Judah at the hands of the Babylonians, his description of the judgments that follow foreshadow God's final judgment at the end of time, when he will pour out his wrath on all nations. Near and hastens quickly – The key feature of God's judgment is its immanency. In describing it, the prophet desires to create a sense of urgency in the hearts of the people. This is true for us today as well as the Jews back then. v. 15 Gloominess…clouds and thick darkness – These descriptions are given to inspire the hearer with a sense of dread and hopelessness that will come with God's judgment. v. 16 Trumpet – The trumpet was used to direct armies in battle. Cities under attack would be stirred to fear by the sound of the trumpet blowing the advance as armies marched on the city. This sound caused great fear in those that heard the trumpet sound. v. 17 Like blind men – The attacks upon them will come as a surprise and the people will become disoriented, incapable of organizing and defending themselves. Blood like dust – This is a simile and a hyperbole. It means that the bloodshed will be so great that the blood will be like the dust in that it will cover the ground. Refuse – This literally refers to dung and speaks of the fact that the dead flesh will reek like dung. v. 18 Silver nor their gold – The Jews will not be able to pay off the Babylonians as a bribe to leave them alone. Zephaniah 2 v. 1 Gather yourselves – The prophet is here calling upon the nation of Judah to assemble and make a decision as a nation to repent of their sins and turn to the Lord, in the hope that he might be merciful to them. Undesirable – Unlike at the beginning of its history, when the Jews were entering a land flowing with milk and honey, their sins have ruined their land and by the end of God's judgments, there will be nothing desirable about their land. v. 2 Before…seek the Lord – Here the prophet is warning the nation of Judah to repent and begin seeking the Lord before these judgments begin. If they wait until after these judgments begin, it will be too late. Chaff – After wheat is harvested, the grain is separated from the stock through a process called winnowing. The chaff is what is left over and is usually burned. The prophet is warning that the opportunity to repent will soon be gone, just as the chaff is quickly burned in the fire. Meek – This refers to those of a humble spirit, who are willing to recognize their sins and repent of them. Upheld justice – This call is given to those few who have remained faithful to the Lord. It may be that you will be hidden – This is an encouragement to those who are faithful to remain so, in the hopes that God might spare them the judgment that would come upon the whole land. v. 4 Gaza…Askelon…Ashdod…Ekron – These are four of the principle cities of the Philistines, which would also be overran and conquered by the Babylonians. v. 5 Seacoast…Cherethites…Philistines – Each of these terms is also used to speak of the Philistines, a people which inhabited the Gaza strip, a coastal region of the land of Canaan. In verses 4-5, the author uses parallelism to emphasize the judgment that would come upon these peoples. Destroy... no inhabitant – Each of these Philistine cities would ultimately be destroyed during the Babylonian invasions around 600 BC. v. 6 Shelters – This word connotes the idea of an underground cistern or dwelling. Shepherds – The prophet is here pointing out that the once glorious cities of the Philistines will be so utterly destroyed that their territory will ultimately become pasture land for Shepherds. v. 7 Remnant – This term is used to refer to those Jews that survived the Babylonian invasions. Intervene…return their captives – This points out that, after bringing judgment on the land, God is going to bring the survivors of Judah back. This would happen after the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians, when Cyrus decreed that the Jews should return to the land and rebuild the Temple (2 Chron. 36:22-23) The point of this verse is to contrast the Jews with the Philistines. Whereas the Philistines would be utterly destroyed and would never return to their land, the Jews would once again inhabit their land and would, in fact, control that which was once under Philistine control. v. 8 Moab…Ammon – These two nations lay northeast of Israel and fought frequent wars with the Israelites over the course of their history. Reproach…insults – These nations saw the affliction of Judah under the Babylonians and mocked them for it. Here God is telling them that they will suffer in like fashion. v. 9 Sodom…Gomorrah – These cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone raining down from heaven, as a judgment from God on account of their great wickedness (Gen. 19:24-5) Moab and Ammon are compared to them, not because the judgment was the same, for these two countries were destroyed by the Babylonian armies, not by fire from the sky, but, because, as with Sodom and Gomorrah, the destruction of Moab and Ammon would be complete and final. Overrun by weeds – Literally, this phrase means, "possessed by nettles" and implies that nobody would be able to plant crops there, for the land would be full of weeds. Saltpits – It was common practice in antiquity for an invading army to pour salt in the fields of an enemy. The salt killed the soil and made the land useless for farming. Perpetual desolation – To this day, the lands to the immediate northeast and east of Israel are non-arable lands. They are not useful for the production of crops and are not desirable for habitation. Residue of my people – Again this is referring to the Jews that would survive the Babylonian conquests. Ironically, the Moabites and Ammonites, who mocked Judah in its misfortune, will be outlived by them, and the Jews would come to possess their lands. v. 10 Pride…arrogant threats – God's judgment upon these peoples will come, in large part, because of the way they mocked the Jews in their misfortune. Their arrogance led them to miss the fact that the same thing could happen to them. People of the Lord of hosts – In spite of God's judgment on Judah, he still considers them his people. He would not utterly forsake them (Lev. 26:44, Neh. 9:31). v. 11 Awesome – This term means to inspire awe and fear. It speaks of the fact that these various peoples will know that the Lord has brought these judgments and they will stand in awe of him for it. All the shores of the nations – It is not just Israel that will realize God's grandeur through these judgments, but all nations will come to know how great the God of Israel is through them. v. 12 Ethiopians – This is most likely referring to Egypt, since the Egyptians ruled the northeast of Africa at this time. This seems to speak of the fact that Babylon would be victorious in battle against the Egyptians as well as the Jews, Philistines, Moabites, and Ammonites. v. 13 Assyria – The Assyrian Empire was the great imperial power in the Middle East prior to the rise of Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian Empire. The Assyrians would ultimately be conquered by the Babylonians around 605 BC. This prophecy is speaking of the fact that the Babylonians would take control of the whole region. Nineveh – This was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire and one of the greatest cities in the world. v. 14 Herds shall lie down in her midst – This verse speaks of the utter ruin of Nineveh. It is pointing out that after the Babylonians and her allies are done fighting, no people will remain in the city, but it will be a dwelling place of animals. Bittern – This is a species of bird. He – This is referring to the Lord, who is the one that will ultimately bring this judgment upon Nineveh. v. 15 Rejoicing city…dwelt securely – As with Moab and Ammon, the Ninevites did not believe that their destruction would come. They arrogantly assumed that things would continue for them as they always had. Hiss and shake his fist – Just as Nineveh mocked the misfortunes of others, so too, people will see what happened to Nineveh and look on them with contempt. Zephaniah 3 v. 1 Oppressing City – After describing God's judgment on these foreign nations at the hand of Babylon, the prophet again turns his attention to the nation of Judah. The city is described as "oppressive" on account of the sins of violence committed within the city, which went unpunished at the hands of unjust judges. v. 3 Princes…roaring lions…judges…wolves – Those in positions of authority and entrusted with delivering judgment were using their authority as a means of gain through bribery and extortion, rather than delivering just judgments to the people. They are thus compared with lions and wolves, animals that are led by their stomachs and do not concern themselves with right and wrong. v. 4 Prophets…insolent – Most prophets at this time prophesied falsely in telling people that they had nothing to fear from the judgment of God. They boldly encouraged Judah in her sins, and refused to speak the word of the Lord to the nation. Sanctuary – the Temple of the Lord Priests have polluted – The priests were not obeying the various laws concerning ritual observances in the Temple of God, but were purposely offering profane sacrifices in ways contrary to God's commands (1 Sam. 2:12-17, Eze. 22:26). Violence – The Priests' refusal to obey God's commands in ministering in the Temple is described as a violent attack on God and his law. v. 5 Justice – Unlike the unjust judges and rulers of Judah, God is just, and he will rectify the wrongs of the people. Brings…to light – The complete lack of justice in judgment that the people were used to, might have led the people to think that there was no God, or that, if he did exist, he wasn't concerned with injustice. Here the prophet asserts that God will bring justice. It may seem delayed, but it will come. Never fails…Unjust knows no shame – Here the prophet is contrasting the faithfulness of God, with the shameless lack of integrity displayed by the unjust. The judges and rulers of the land would go back upon their word, doing whatever profited them. God, on the other hand, will do everything he says. v. 6 Nations – This is referring in general to nations that have been overthrown by the Lord. He is simply pointing to his ability to do whatever he desires with the peoples of the earth. Nobody can thwart his designs. v. 7 I said – God here reminds his people of his faithfulness to warn people prior to judgment (the book of Jonah). Rose early – This is a cultural idiom meaning that they diligently attended to doing their unrighteousness deeds. In essence, God is pointing out that the people that he judges were not making innocent mistakes. They were not misguided, deceived, or confused. They proactively sought to do wickedly. v. 8 Therefore wait – God's judgment always comes suddenly and unexpectedly. People think that they're safe in their sin, and that if there is a God, he does not concern himself with their works. They think that things will go on as they always have. Here God is telling the Jews to wait, because although it may seem that judgment delays, it will come. I rise up – This metaphor is often used in connection with God's judgment (Is. 14:22, 28:21). It contrasts the idea of sitting around and waiting with that of mobilizing to action. Gather the nations…all nations – Here God tells his people that ultimately all nations are destined for judgment. Thus, this verse points to the final judgment to come at the end of time. v. 9 Pure language – Literally this should be translated as "pure lips." Culturally the Jews identified the purification of one's mouth with the purification of the entire person (Is. 6:7). This passage indicates that God's judgment will culminate in the restoration of the righteous. His judgment is always succeeded by his salvation. Call on the name – Here the action of calling upon the Lord for salvation is a phrase representative of the whole man turning to and following the Lord. The man with pure lips is able to call on the Lord, which means that the man that is purified will be able to serve the Lord with his whole being. One accord – These passages seem to speak of the millennial reign of the Lord, which will be a thousand years of unparalleled peace and prosperity on the earth, in which Jesus Christ himself will reign in Jerusalem. This reign is described in more detail in Revelation 20:4-6. v. 10 Beyond…Ethiopia – Ethiopia was the southernmost territory familiar to the Jews of this time. In saying that people will come from "beyond Ethiopia" Zephaniah is saying that people from the far reaches of the earth will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. My dispersed ones – This is referring to those faithful to the Lord living across the face of the earth. v. 11 Day – This is describing the general epoch of the Millennial Kingdom. Not be shamed – This has a twofold meaning. First, the people will not be ashamed for the sins they committed, since those sins will have been forgiven them, and secondly, those sinners will be removed from the land so that these injustices would not again defile it. v. 13 Remnant of Israel – After the judgments that will have been poured out on the Israelite people, God will spare many Jews and bring them into his Millennial Kingdom. Although Israel as a nation, has rejected Jesus Christ for the last two millennia, a remnant of them will turn to him at the end of time (Rom. 11:25-26). These will be brought into his Millennial Kingdom when it is established. Speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue – Although this passage speaks specifically of lying and truthfulness, this is representative of righteousness as a whole. This indicates that sin will altogether be removed from Israel during this time. Feed their flocks…no one shall make them afraid – The people of Israel will be completely at rest during this time and will have nothing to fear from enemies. They will be at peace as they tend their flocks and will not need to fear the work of the thief or the invading army. v.15 Disaster no more – Although the first part of this book speaks of the Babylonian invasion, it is clear that the prophecies of chapter three are intended to be fulfilled long after those of chapter one, for Israel would continue to endure many great disasters after their judgment at the hands of Babylon. Once Christ institutes his millennial reign, however, they will no longer need to fear the judgment of God. v. 17 Lord your God in your midst – God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, will live in the midst of his people during the Millennial Kingdom. Quiet – This speaks of putting fears and anxieties to rest. v. 18 Gather – This is in contrast to the scattering of the peoples across the nations. Throughout Israel's history judgment involves a general removal from the land and a scattering across the nations, whereas salvation involves a gathering together and restoration to the land. This would happen after seventy years in Babylon and ultimately at the end of the age as well. Appointed assembly – This refers to the assembling of the people for the purpose of worshipping the Lord in his Temple. This is saying that those that will be gathered and restored to the land are those that longed to worship the Lord in the assembly of his people. Reproach – This speaks of the disgrace that the people of the Lord endured because of the destruction of the Temple. v. 19 All who afflict – This is referring at once to the nations that afflicted Israel as well as to the wicked men within the city that afflicted the righteous. Lame – This is referring to people that could not walk because of some kind of paralysis. God refers to these, because of the great affliction they suffered at the hands of those in power. v. 20 Bring you back – As with "gathering," the bringing of the people back into the land is always associated with salvation. This could be speaking of Israel's return to the land under the Persian king Cyrus (Ezra 1), their return to the land in 1948, or the final salvation of the remnant at the end of time. | |||
 | |||
"Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden In the day of the LORD's anger." –Zephaniah 2:3 "The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." –Zephaniah 3:17 In these two verses, Lord, we get to see Your justice and Your mercy. We often focus on how much we love You, Lord, and how joyful we are being in a loving relationship with You. But we see here, God, that You love us more. That You will rejoice over us with gladness and with singing. Amen! | |||
 | |||
| |||
Remember Mercy ~ Bob Caldwell
Chapel Missions Arabian Penninsula
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment