Zephaniah 3:1-7

Jerusalem rebelled against God -- Zephaniah 3:1-7: The people of Jerusalem and the entire nation had rebelled against God. Jerusalem had become a disgusting, corrupt, and lawless city. Those that fail to obey the voice of God and fail to draw near to Him face severe consequences. God's judgment was especially poured out against Jerusalem because of the worship of false gods (idols) and the mistreatment of the poor and unfortunate among the people. All that could be said about Jerusalem was that she had rebelled against the Creator. Jerusalem (1) Did not obey the voice of God, (2) Did not receive correction from God, (3) Did not trust in the Lord, and (4) Did not draw near to God. These failures are a certain formula for destruction and misery. Both the religious and civil leaders were like lions and wolves as they devoured the people, leaving nothing. The false prophets and false priest proudly led the people away from God. They disgraced the place of worship and abused the law of God. Sadly, these people felt no shame for their actions. But "the Lord does right and is always fair." Nations that forget God bring certain destruction upon themselves. These people should have listened to God. Instead they were corrupt and evil. The doom of the nation was certain so now they can only deal with the consequences of their actions. God said, "Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings." (Zephaniah 3:7) Observe that they were so set on evil that they rose up early to do it.