Zephaniah (Zeph)

Book 36 of the OT, having 3 chapters. Zephaniah wrote this minor, prophetic book to the people of Judah to shake them out of their complacency, urging them to return to God. It was probably written near the end of his ministry, which was between 640 and 621 BC, and before the Babylonian captivity that started in 605 BC. Time to read: 10 mins. Jeremiah was also a prophet about this time.

Outline. Like many other prophets before him Zephaniah warned the people of Judah to repent of turning away from God who would judge severely by, “sweeping away everything in all your land” (Zeph 1:2). However the divine promise was also made clear – there is still time to avert the judgment if there is genuine repentance (Zeph 2:1-3). Destruction would come upon other nations for the evils of scoffing at God’s people (Zeph 2:10). God declared after the time of purifying “My people will bring me sacrifices” – a time of restoration would follow judgment (Zeph 3:10).

Main lesson. There was indifference towards God because they had become prosperous and considered they no longer needed Him. This is a dangerous attitude to take – thinking we can manage OK without depending daily on His help. It is impossible to live an effective Christian life without being in close contact to the source of our spiritual life. Jesus said we can’t bear spiritual fruit if we are not properly connected to Him (Jn 15:4).

Key verses and thoughts. * Even money would not be able to ransom them (Zeph 1:18). Money can buy many things but not a right relationship with God or eternal life (Mk 8:36). Don’t let money warp your perspective, thinking you can buy your way out of facing up to God – He doesn’t accept bribes! His currency is a meek and repentant heart (right inner attitudes), not outer action that does not touch or affect the root of the matter (Ps 51:16,17).

* “The people obey no-one, accepting no correction” (Zeph 3:2). Jerusalem’s inhabitants had become proud and arrogant not submitting to authority or relying on God. Pride prevents people from hearing God’s voice and trusting in Him. How do I respond to correction? Humbly accepting it and learning by it will be of lasting benefit, but considering it unjustified, harsh or having a ‘who are you to tell me’ attitude will only create conflict and ill-feeling with no growth in righteousness.

* “The Lord is with you, He will take great delight in you...bringing restoration” (Zeph 3:17,20). After the time of punishment for their sin (which brought God grief too), they would once again be embraced in His loving arms and be the recipients of blessing. God is a God of justice and love – one without the other is a wrong understanding of His nature. Sin must be dealt with (the justice aspect) before the close fellowship (the love aspect) can fully take place.