Scriptural text: Zephaniah 3: 14-29
Lesson Context: The prophet is identified in Zephaniah 1:1 in terms of the name of his father. That was a normal way to identify a person more specifically. But the designation is part of a listing found in no other writing prophet.
The prophet is primarily concerned with Judah’s continued rebellion against God. The punishment promised was to be a tool of God for purifying His people.
The prophecy presents us with a sharp change of theme beginning in Zephaniah 3:9, where restoration of a remnant takes center stage. Today’s study reviews the final verses of Zephaniah, where a hopeful theme resounds.
Praises to the Lord (Zephaniah 3:14-17):
Calls to sing (v. 14). “Sing , O daughter of Zion shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.” In view of the coming blessing, the prophet bursts forth in exultation, yet with a vein of prophecy running through all the canticle. After the late denunciation of woe and judgment, he soothes the faithful with the promise of grace and peace which the Messiah shall bring. Sing, O daughter (Isaiah 1:8, Zechariah 2:14; 9:9). He calls on the restored remnant of Judah to show its joy by outward tokens. O Israel, all the tribes are to unite in praising God.
Causes for the Rejoicing (v. 15). “The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy.” Here begins four reasons, why the people were to sing, shout, and rejoice.” First, the prophesied Day of the Lord and its judgment and to its attendant judgment would be a thing of the past. Second, God will defeat the enemy Babylon, thus ending the oppression Judah was jet to face.
Thirdly, the oppression that Judah is yet to face. Fourthly, God’s affirmation of His faithful remnant in this regard is to be the cause for the joyful celebration.
Promises of the Lord (Zephaniah 3:18-20).
v. 18a. “I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee.” The Lord is saying, I will collect together those Israelites who are dispersed in their several captivities, both that of Babylon, and those of following times who mourn for the loss of the public ordinances, and are grieved at the reproaches wherewith their enemies upbraid them, as if they were forsaken of God.
19a. The Lord says, “Behold, at that time I will undo all those who afflict thee. I will break the power, and dissolve the kingdom of thy enemies and oppressors, particularly of the Babylonians.
20a. “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.” The Lord is saying, I will cause them to have time to have fame, even in those places where they have been scoffed at and held contempt. When I cause you to return out of captivity, I will make your name great, and ye shall be the subject of men’s praise among all the nations around.”
References: Enduring Word Bible Commentary, Benson Bible Commentary, KJV 2022-2023 International Sunday School Lesson