June 11 - Zephaniah 3

June 11 – Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah moves from Nineveh to a ‘Woe’ against Jerusalem. All God has asked over the many years that He has held Israel near is that she acknowledge Him as her God. But, Israel’s disobedience and corruption have brought her to a point that require severe correction.

Israel’s religious and political life were completely intertwined. The rulers, officials, prophets and priests should all work as a single unit to encourage the growth and prosperity of the nation, but their personal agendas and lack of morality have only brought more corruption to the nation. In Zephaniah 3:4 we find that the one thing to be treasured above all else, the Law, has been treated as profane.

But even with all of this ugliness, the Lord remains righteous. He does not fail. (Zephaniah 3:5)

In Zephaniah 3:6-7, God reminds them of the power that He has exerted over many other nations, yet Judah (whose capital is Jerusalem) refuses to fear Him.

“Wait for me,” declares the Lord, “for the day I will stand up to testify.” (Zephaniah 3:8)

The prophecy returns to the admonition from Zephaniah 2:1 to gather the people together. The whole world will face His wrath. He will purify the lips of His people (Isaiah 6:6-7) to make them holy, so that they will serve Him.

The remnant will worship and honor the Lord their Creator. They are the ones who will remain when God has finished purging the world of its horrors. (Zephaniah 3:10-13)

The last verses of Zephaniah (Zephaniah 3:14-20) offer comfort and restoration. The people of Israel are His children. The Lord will be with them … He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in them, will quiet them with His love and rejoice over them with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17).

In His time, all will be restored.