“Seek Righteousness; Seek Humility”
The genealogy of Zephaniah is traced back at the beginning of the book to Hezekiah, and Zephaniah appears to be of royal descent. Zephaniah received the word of the Lord during the reign of Josiah (Zeph 1:1), most likely between 640-609 BC. Zephaniah’s name means “Jehovah hides.”
Zephaniah is a very direct and to the point book. Great disaster is coming to those who are complacent and sinful, but the remnant is also promised refuge and hope. The judgment is primarily directed at Judah, but other nations are included as well in his prophecies – the Moabites, the Cushites, and the Ammonites. For some historical context leading up to these prophecies, when Hezekiah died, his 12-year-old son, Manasseh, took the throne. Manasseh’s 55-year reign brought the level of sin and corruption in Judah to a point previously unknown. In fact, it is stated that he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood from one end to another. After his death, his son Amon reigned two years and was no better than his father. Finally, Josiah takes the throne at only eight years old and has the influence of such prophets as Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Nahum, and Zephaniah. Perhaps these prophets helped inspire the reforms that Josiah implemented, but sadly these reforms were too little and too late for the country. Unfortunately, Josiah could not force a change in the hearts of the people.
In chapter one, Zephaniah describes the Lord searching Jerusalem with lamps to find and punish the complacent who believe God is impotent (1:12). He states no amount of wealth will save them (1:18) and has very graphic language describing their blood being poured out like dust and their flesh like dung (1:17). This is a wrathful God who is ready to dole out punishment after years of longsuffering and mercy toward this sinful nation.
In chapter two, Zephaniah continues to describe the judgment but expands it to include Judah’s enemies as well. However, he does state that if the people will seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility, then perhaps they can be hidden during this judgment (2:3). He also mocks the gods of the other nations and makes clear that all nations will bow to the one God in the future (2:11).
Finally, in chapter three, Jerusalem itself is called out. She accepts no correction and doesn’t trust God (3:2). The leaders are compared to lions and wolves – predators (3:3). But the book ends on a note of hope. Zephaniah gives language reminiscent of Babel – but this time God is changing the speech to pure speech (3:9). This remnant will have God in their midst and will be quieted and saved by the true king of Israel (3:17). Instead of being gathered for destruction, this remnant is being gathered to witness restored fortunes (3:20).
So, what can we learn from Zephaniah? First – are we complacent and living a life where we give lip service to God, but don’t really believe He is working in our lives and the world? Do we rely on our wealth or the idols of the modern world? If so, this language of destruction is for us and holds a very disturbing warning. However, if we seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility, then there is a hiding place in God that is our refuge from the destructive chaos of this broken world. We can rejoice in the fact that God has removed our judgments (3:15). This book holds fear or hope – it all depends on how we view and respond to our Lord. May we all see the Lord and His refuge so that we can receive the salvation that He has promised to those willing to receive it.
