ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:1 God’s people cannot think that they will emerge unscathed on the day of the Lord. If they sin (vv. Zephaniah 3:1) and are shameless (v. Zephaniah 3:5), they are also held accountable, especially as they lack repentance (vv. Zephaniah 3:6). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:3 The city’s OFFICIALS (Zephaniah 1:8; 1 Chronicles 28:1) and JUDGES (Exodus 18:21) are like ferocious ROARING LIONS and EVENING WOLVES. Instead of guarding the flock, they devour it. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:4 Religious officials are also condemned, both PROPHETS and PRIESTS. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:5 Unlike the human leaders, God always shows that he is RIGHTEOUS by not breaking the law (Ezekiel 18:5). He SHOWS FORTH HIS JUSTICE by seeing that all receive fair treatment (compare Exodus 23:6). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTa [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:7 God calls Jerusalem to FEAR, that is, to have respectful awe at his power (Zephaniah 2:11; Exodus 14:31). This involves a willingness to ACCEPT CORRECTION (contrast Zephaniah 3:2) as evidence of their fear of God (Proverbs 10:17). If they obey, they will not experienc... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:8 The people are called to WAIT FOR God, not for possible blessing (Isaiah 30:18) but for coming judgment. This time it will not be against Judah alone, since he will GATHER (Zephaniah 3:18) all NATIONS of the earth for their judgment. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH 3:9 Anticipation of Hope. God the judge is also God the gracious. He intends for the nations and Judah to turn to him (vv. Zephaniah 3:9). This will cause rejoicing (vv. Zephaniah 3:14), because God alone has accomplished salvation (vv. Zephaniah 3:18). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:10 Israelite exiles will come home FROM BEYOND THE RIVERS OF CUSH (Zephaniah 1:1; Zephaniah 2:12; Isaiah 18:1). See note on Zeph. 2:12. True worshipers will come to Jerusalem, whether from east or west. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:11 Jerusalem’s SHAME (Isaiah 54:4) is over, even though it was deserved because of the people’s wickedness (Zephaniah 3:1, Zephaniah 3:7). They had REBELLED against what they knew was right (Hosea 8:1). They were dominated by PROUDLY EXULTANT ONES, HAUGHTY, wealthy peop... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:12 God will especially provide a place for the HUMBLE AND LOWLY (Zephaniah 2:3). Unlike the arrogant (Zephaniah 3:11), they know they are in need, so they SEEK REFUGE in his name (see Isaiah 57:13). ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:13 God’s people will no longer commit sins such as injustice (v. Zephaniah 3:5), lying (Ezekiel 13:6), and a DECEITFUL TONGUE (Jeremiah 14:14). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElem [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:14 The defiled city and nation (v. Zephaniah 3:1) will again be called the beloved DAUGHTER OF ZION (Isaiah 62:11). Zion is an alternative name for JERUSALEM, the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7) and home of the temple (Psalms 9:11). Since all the exiles will be home, Jerus... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:15 Rejoicing is appropriate because of the presence of the Lord, the real KING OF ISRAEL, among his people. The human kings of Israel and Judah served only as representatives of Israel’s true ruler, who blesses with his presence those who repent and return to him. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:17 The previously weakened nation is in the presence of the MIGHTY ONE (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalms 24:8; Isaiah 10:21). Instead of their fleeing in the face of danger (Zephaniah 1:14), God can SAVE his people from it (Exodus 14:30). God himself... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:19 God will act on behalf of all his people who have suffered under exile. He will SAVE THE LAME (Micah 4:6) as a shepherd helps his sheep. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 3:20 God will restore his scattered people. Instead of being shamed for their sin, they will be RENOWNED AND PRAISED (Deuteronomy 26:19) because of the gracious salvation of God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, im... [ Continue Reading ]