Finding Strength through Zephaniah’s Prophecies
Overcoming Struggles with the Power of Faith
Zephaniah is a short but impactful book in the Old Testament that speaks to the themes of judgment, repentance, hope and restoration.
As I dive into the words of this prophet, I gain a deeper understanding of God’s expectations for His people, and the hope that I have in Him.
This verse tells us that Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, who was the son of Gedaliah, who was the son of Amariah, who was the son of Hizkiah. Zephaniah received a message from the Lord during the reign of Josiah, who was the son of Amon and the king of Judah at the time. This places the message of Zephaniah in the late 7th century BC, a time when Judah was facing significant political instability and spiritual decline.
The Promise of Divine Judgement (verses 2–3)
The Lord is declaring His judgment on the earth in (verses 2–3: 2 I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD. 3 I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD.) He is saying that everything on the earth will be swept away, including humans, animals, birds, fish, and idols. The Lord is making it clear that His judgment will be complete and thorough, leaving nothing behind.
Judgments against the Idolators (verses 4–6)
In (verses 4–6 : 4 I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; 5 And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; 6 And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.) These verses describe God’s judgment against Judah for their idols worshipping and disobedience. Verse 4: I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem — symbolises His wrath and punishment for their rebellion and disobedience against Judah and Jerusalem, and he will cut off the remnant of Baal worshipers (who worship the stars and the host of heaven) as well as those who swear by the Lord but also swear by Milcom (a pagan god) and those who have turned back from following God. These verses emphasize the severity of God’s judgment against those who turn away from Him and worship false gods.
Judgements against the Royalty (verses 7–9)
God tells the royalty to be silent (verse 7: Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.) as He has offered people of Judah to the Babylonians. God will punish the kings and princes(verse 8 upper & mid portion: And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD’S sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children,) (verse 8 lower portion: who were clothed in strange apparel), strange can relate to: (Psalms 144:7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;) (means foreign children all the offspring of the pagan nations who were not in the covenant as was Israel), also punishments upon (verse 9 In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit.) — refers to the idolators (those the leap on the threshold) The story is from 1 Sam Chapter 5 — Let me side track here to explain the above phrase: The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant, and they “carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of [the city of] Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon’s temple at Ashdod step on the threshold. The Lord’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation on them and afflicted them with tumors. When the people of Ashdod saw what was happening, they said, ‘The ark of the god of Israel must not stay here with us, because his hand is heavy on us and on Dagon our god’
Judgement upon the merchants (verses 10–11)
In verse 10: And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills. That day, refers to the day of the Lord, a time of great judgment and punishment. The “fish gate” was one of the gates in the northern wall of Jerusalem and was named so, because fishermen would use it to bring their catches into the city for sale. (Nehemiah 3:3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. and Nehemiah 12:39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.) Both the fish gate and “second”gate (Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.) will be filled with cries of distress and mourning when the destruction takes place. The “great crashing from the hills” could refer to the sound of buildings collapsing.
In verse 11 Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off. Maktesh is a place in Jerusalem, possibly a marketplace or a quarry (unknown exact location). The phrase here, “inhabitants of Maktesh” could refer to the merchants and traders who lived in this area. The “merchant people” mentioned here were likely the wealthy businesspeople who traded in silver will also be cut down and their wealth will be taken away.
Judgement against the Complacent (verses 12–13)
The phrase “search Jerusalem with candles” in verse 12, suggests that a thorough search, as though God is shining a light on every hidden corner to expose the sinners. The “men that are settled on their lees” (This is an old biblical idiom, it refers to the lees (dregs-liquid leftover in a container, sediments-residue leftover) of wine or other liquids that settle in the bottom of the containing vessel if it is not disturbed.). Hence, it refers to those who are complacent and self-satisfied, like wine that has settled and become stagnant in a glass or bottle. These people are described as having a lack of faith and believe that God will not intervene in their lives either for good or for evil. The phrase in verse 13 “their goods shall become a booty” means that their possessions will be plundered by their enemies. Their houses will be left desolate and unable to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They may build houses and plant vineyards, but unable to live in them or enjoy the wine produced from them.
The Great Day of the Lord’s Wrath: The Destruction and Desolation (verses 14–18)
14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,(Zep 1:14–15)
The day of the Lord is coming soon, and it will be terrifying. Even the bravest man will weep in despair. That day will be filled with wrath, trouble, distress, waste, desolation, darkness, and gloominess; clouds and thick darkness will cover everything. The day of the Lord here is similar described in (Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.) Joel 2 tells the coming Day of the Lord, a time of judgment. It begins with a warning of an impending invasion of locusts that will destroy the land.
16 A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. 17 And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. (Zep 1:16–18)
The trumpet blast may refer to a military invasion (by Babylonians) as the prophet warns about the judgement from God. The high tower represents places of strength and security that will be vulnerable to attack. The distress that is brought on mankind is a consequence of their sinning against the Lord, and it will be so severe that people will walk like the blind, stumbling and disoriented (defeated). In addition, the blood and flesh imagery suggests that the punishment for sin will be gruesome.
God will pour out His wrath on the earth, and all people will be consumed by the fire of his jealousy, neither silver nor gold will be able to save them. The Lord will bring a swift end to all who live in sin and rebellion against him.
Zephaniah Chapter 2
The Call to Repentance (verses 1–3)
Prophet Zephaniah urges the people of Judah to gather together and seek the Lord, even though they are considered an undesirable nation. He warns the people of Judah to repent and turn back to God before the Lord’s judgement falls upon them. Zephaniah emphasizes the urgency of the situation, that they must act before the decree is issued, the day passes like chaff (worthless, rubbish), which is a metaphor for something which is easily forgotten. The prophet reminds the people that the Lord’s anger is fierce in verse 2. He spurs the people to seek His righteousness and humility in verse 3. He calls on the meek of the earth, (those who are humble and lowly before God, who recognize their own limitations and weaknesses in comparison to God’s greatness and power.) who have upheld God’s justice, to turn to God and seek His ways. Zephaniah’s message is very clear here, that if the people of Judah want to avoid the Lord’s wrath, they must seek for Him and live according to His ways.
The Promised Desolation of the Wicked Nations (verses 4–11)
These verses 4–5 (4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. 5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.), Zephaniah’s prophecy of judgment against various nations, including the Philistines. The cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron were all major Philistine cities, and here Zephaniah predicts their destruction. He also pronounces judgment against the Cherethites nation, declaring that God will destroy them completely so that there will be no inhabitants left.
Zephaniah is predicting that the city of Ashkelon and the surrounding area (which is a coastal region in ancient Israel), will be changed. It will no longer be a bustling center of trade and commerce, but rather a pastoral area inhabited by shepherds and their flocks. The houses of Ashkelon will serve as a place of shelter for the remnants of the house of Judah, who will be able to feed there and find protection. (verse 6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.).
In verse 8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border., God is speaking through prophet Zephaniah and addressing the nations of Moab and Ammon, who were the enemies of Israel. This verse refers to the reproach and reviling that Moab and Ammon had directed towards Israel, insulting and mocking them. — magnified themselves against the border of Israel, meaning they had taken pride in causing trouble and conflict for God’s people.
9 Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. 10 This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts. 11 The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.
In verses 9–11, prophet Zephaniah proclaims that the nations of Moab and Ammon will be judged by God for their wickedness and suffer the same fate as the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed by God (Genesis 19). “Therefore as I live” declares the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will become like Sodom, the Ammonites like Gomorrah” — verse 9. Their lands will be ‘breeding nettles’ (in verse 9) refers to the growth of weeds and thorns, which will choke out any productive vegetation. “Salt pits” refer to the soil will be contaminated with salt that nothing can be grown. Thus, the land will be barren and unproductive. ‘Perpetual desolation’ means that the destruction will be complete and permanent, with no hope of recovery.
Zephaniah continues in verse 11, that the Lord will be fearsome when he destroys the false gods worshiped by the nations of the earth. The destruction of these gods will be a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and power, and will cause other nations to acknowledge and worship him. The phrase “all of them in their own lands” suggests that the worship of the Lord will not be confined to one nation or people, but will be an universal acknowledgement of his greatness and authority.
In verse 12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword., God warns them of the impending judgment that, the “sword” mentioned here is a symbol of God’s judgment and wrath, indicating that the Ethiopians will face destruction and death as well. Zephaniah warns of God’s judgment upon the Assyrian empire in verse (13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness. ) which was a powerful and brutal nation that had conquered much of the ancient Near East. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria, and it was known for its wealth. However, Zephaniah predicts that God will destroy Assyria and make Nineveh a desolate wasteland.
Zephaniah further describes the desolation and destruction in great details, that will come upon the city of Nineveh : (all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it), where even the wild animals (“Both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it”, the phrase “lodge in the upper lintels of it” means that these birds will make their homes or nests on the upper parts of the city’s buildings.) will find shelter in the city’s ruins — empty and abandoned, (their voice shall sing in the windows) as the city is only inhabited by wild animals, the sound of coromorant and bittern (large birds) in the empty windows serves as a haunting reminder of the destruction that has taken place. “desolation shall be in the thresholds:” is also suggesting that even the entrances to the city will be destroyed, with no one coming or going. The phrase “he shall uncover the cedar work” refers to the once-great city will be destructed completely that even the cedar work will be exposed.
The verse here, Nineveh as a rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, which means that it lived in comfort and luxury without any concern for the consequences of its actions. The city had become so proud and self-centered (that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me:).
However, (how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in), the city would be destroyed and left in ruins, and that it would become a place where only wild animals would live.
The prophecy was fulfilled when the Babylonians conquered Nineveh in 612 BC, and the city was left in ruins.
Jerusalem’s Rebellion and Judgment (Zephaniah 3:1–5)
1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! 2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. 3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. 4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. (Zep 3:1–4)
Zephaniah starts in verse 1, “woe to her that is filthy and polluted” is a warning of the impending doom, indicating that Jerusalem is guilty of sin and rebellion against God.
Why Jerusalem is being judged?
- They ignored or rejected His message, refusing to turn away from their sinful ways(verse 2 upper portion She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction). It says that Jerusalem did not trust in the Lord and did not draw near to God in verse 2 lower portion (she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God). This portrays that they did not seek to worship or obey Him.
- Verse 3 begins by comparing the princes to “roaring lions,” suggests that the rulers of Jerusalem are using their authority to oppress the people, as in the book of Proverbs 28:15–16 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
- In the lower portion of verse 3, describes the judges as “evening wolves.” Wolves are often seen as clever, wily, ferocious, merciless and dangerous animals, always on the lookout for new victims. The judges in Jerusalem are being compared to evening wolves who sneak up on their prey in the darkness and greedily devour it. Similarly, the judges use the pretense of law and justice to seize the wealth and property of those who appear before them. The prophet said, “they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.” they didn’t even leave the bones until the next day, meaning they devoured their prey completely. This is similar to what Prophet Micah describes the abuse of Judah’s leaders. Micah 3:3 Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. This is part of a prophecy against the leaders of Israel, particularly the judges who were corrupt and abusing their power. The verse compares these leaders to predatory animals, using the metaphor of wolves who devour their prey completely, leaving nothing behind, not even the bones. Similarly, Prophet Amos explained in Amos 2:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; The judges in Israel were so corrupt and perverted justice by taking bribes and selling righteous people for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes into slavery for those who would not or could not pay their debts. This was not legal according to Israel’s laws. (Lev. 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:) These cruel creditors were so obsessed with obtaining money and possessions that they were willing to crush the poor and reduce them to dust. In short, the leaders oppressed the poor so severely that they mourned by casting dust on themselves. They also tried to destroy the judicial process.
- Judah’s prophets were called “light and treacherous persons” in verse 4 because they were shallow and superficial in their prophecies, which made them deceptive and untrustworthy. They pretended to be true messengers from God, but they were really just exploiting the people for their own gain. They are the drunkards (Isa 28:7), profane and wicked men (Jer 23:11), who lived immoral lives (Jer 23:14–15) and give false visions (Jer 14:14; Eze 22:28). They were religious opportunists who hired themselves out (Mic 3:11).
- “her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law,” in verse 5, highlights the religious leaders’ disregard for the sacredness of their roles. It implies that they have defiled the temple and its rituals, and have also violated the laws and commandments of God.
Prophet Zephaniah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem and condemning their wickedness. He says in verse 5: “The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.” Zephaniah is emphasizing the righteousness and justice of God, who he says does not do any wrong. He points out that God dispenses justice every morning and that he never fails to do so. However, despite God’s righteousness, the people of Jerusalem are unrighteous and have no shame for their wickedness.
The Lord’s Wrath and Mercy (Zephaniah 3:6–8)
In these verses, God had issued a warning to the people of Judah that failure to serve Him in righteousness would ultimately lead to their destruction. Throughout their history, the nation of Judah had witnessed many examples of God’s warnings. One such example was when God had cut off the surrounding nations(as mentioned in 3:6 — I have cut off the nations) that were located near the Israelites, including the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, Philistines, and others(as mentioned in Chapter 2) who had committed gross sins. This was demonstrated through Joshua’s conquest of the land of Canaan, and again in 722 B.C. when the Assyrians destroyed the northern ten tribes of Israel (2 Kings 17:6). Their towers (verse 6) failed to defend them from invading nations. The cities and streets were destroyed, rendering them uninhabitable (verse 6).
In verses 7–8, Zephaniah is reminding the people of Jerusalem of the destruction that has come upon other nations and cities because of their wickedness. He warns them that if they continue to act corruptly and refuse to accept correction, they too, will face the punishment of God.
The Restoration of Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:9–13)
These verses 9–13 speaks about a future time when God will restore His people, bring unity and peace among them.
It describes how God will give His people a pure language, enabling them to worship Him with one accord (verse 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.). The people will be reunited and restored, and God will dwell in their midst.
The phrase “beyond the rivers of Ethiopia” in verse 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. , suggests that this refers to a distant and far-off place. “my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed” in verse 10 (lower portion) implies that these people who will bring offerings are God’s chosen people who were previously scattered or dispersed throughout the world. They are known as “suppliants” because they seek God’s favor and mercy through their offerings.
In verse 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., Zephaniah is assuring the people that they will not be put to shame for their past rebellion against God, but rather they will be forgiven and restored. God will remove the proud and haughty ones from among them, and they will be no longer arrogant in His presence.
God is promising to leave behind a remnant of His people who are humble and lowly in spirit in verse 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. These people may be afflicted and poor in worldly terms, but they will have a strong faith in God and put their trust in Him. God is promising that even in the midst of judgment and destruction, there will be a faithful remnant who will seek refuge in His name.
This verse highlights the moral and ethical purity of the remnant of Israel. They will not engage in sinful behavior or speak falsehoods. Their words and actions will be characterized by truthfulness and integrity. As a result, they will be able to live in peace and security, without fear of harm or persecution.
Sing and Rejoice, O Daughter of Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:14–17)
In verses 14–17, describe a time of rejoicing and celebration for the people of Jerusalem and Israel, as God has delivered them from their enemies and removed their judgments. The people are called to sing and shout with joy, for the Lord, the King of Israel, is in their midst.
The Gatherings of the Nations (Zephaniah 3:18–20)
These verses speak of God’s promise to gather and restore His people who have been scattered and afflicted. Those who have suffered and been burdened by the reproach of the solemn assembly will be gathered and saved by God. He promises to undo all that afflict His people and gather those who were driven out. He also promises to bring them praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame. The Lord will make His people a name and a praise among all the people of the earth. God will turn back their captivity before their eyes and restore them to their land.
As we come to the end of our journey through Zephaniah’s prophecies, one thing is clear: God’s love and faithfulness towards His people never fails. Despite of their disobedience and waywardness, God remained committed to them and promised to restore them.
The book of Zephaniah has left us a powerful message of hope and strength. In the midst of difficult and trying times, it can be easy to lose sight of God’s presence and love in our lives. But, through Zephaniah’s words, we are reminded that, God is always with us, even in our darkest of moments. He promises to be our strength and our refuge, a constant source of comfort and guidance for us.
As we reflect on the book of Zephaniah, let us be reminded of God’s unfailing love towards us and turn away from our sins. Trust in Him and His promises is the only way to our salvation.
Let us also be inspired to share this message of hope with others who may be struggling to find their own strength.
May Zephaniah’s prophecies remind us that no matter what we face in life, God is always there to guide us, protect us, and give us the strength we need to overcome. Hope that Zephaniah’s words will inspire us to live lives that honor God and bring glory to His name.
All glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
