Exploring the Meaning of Zephaniah 3
Napsal(a) New Christian Bible Study Staff, Joe David
In the Book of Zephaniah, the third and final chapter is about the the age-old cycle of the human condition: ceasing to do evil, and learning to do good. The cycle operates at a personal level, for each of us, and at a "church" level, where a set of people with a set of beliefs and habits needs to improve.
In Zephaniah 3:1-5, there's a prophecy that the Lord will come to investigate the condition of the corrupted church. Remember here that a church is not just an organized religion; it's a whole state of mind of a wide set of people -- their beliefs, loves, and practices. For Zephaniah, he was remonstrating with the Jewish church of his day, and prophesying the Lord's Advent. And, the message still applies today.
In Zephaniah 3:6-8, falsified doctrine about truth and good will be thoroughly exposed. Nothing will escape the Lord's cleansing work.
In Zephaniah 3:9-20, it's saying that the new church that will be founded will be made up of the remnant of people who love and acknowledge the Lord. People who have been faithful, and humble, will be forgiven for their transgressions committed against the Lord.
With the influence of the evil cast out of the defiled church, the purity of the Lord’s new church will return. The Lord will be returned to the midst of it. Barrenness will give way to productiveness. "Let not thy hands be slack!".
In place of hopelessness, there will be exhilarating confidence and assurance. People will no longer be held captive by evil and falsity. They will not be deceitful, or speak lies. They will be safe in the Lord's love; i.e. they will "feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid."
Zephaniah 3:9-20
9
For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.
10
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.
11
In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.
12
I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
13
The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
14
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
15
The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even The LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.
16
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
18
I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
19
Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
20
At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
