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 3:6-8
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I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant.
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I said, "Just fear me. Receive correction, so that her dwelling won't be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her." But they rose early and corrupted all their doings.
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"Therefore wait for me," says Yahweh, "until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.
