Zephaniah served God as one of His prophets sent to the people of Judah (Zeph. 1:1, 4, NKJV). While Zephaniah’s message is delivered in only 3 chapters, his short message packs a powerful punch. Zephaniah prophesies to God’s people in Judah, bringing them a message of God’s impending judgment for their sinful ways.
At the time of Zephaniah’s prophesying, the people of Judah had made sin a habit. Idolatry was rampant (Zeph. 1:4-6). Many were complacent, believing that God was not active in the lives of His people (Zeph. 1:12). Even in Jerusalem, the people were “rebellious and polluted” (Zeph. 3:1). Moreover, the people had no faith in God and those in authority were abusing their positions (Zeph. 3:2-3). God’s people had chosen to be an unrighteous people. As a result, they were ripe for judgment.
The sins of the people of Judah would result in God’s judgment (Zeph. 1:17). God tells His people by the mouth of Zephaniah, “For the day of the LORD is at hand, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has invited His guests” (Zeph. 1:7). In other words, God’s judgment was sure and was coming soon – “The great day of the LORD is near; it is near and hastens quickly” (Zeph. 1:14). God’s judgment was sure for the people of Judah just as it was sure for all nations (Zeph. 2:4ff). Despite man’s unrighteousness, the LORD’s righteousness would be clearly seen as “He brings His justice to light” (Zeph. 3:5).
To avoid God’s wrath in the coming day of judgment, God’s children needed to heed the words of Zephaniah. They needed to “seek the LORD, … seek righteousness, [and] seek humility” (Zeph. 2:3). Seeking God in all righteousness and humility would be essential seeing as God would “take away” the proud and “leave … a meek and humble people” (Zeph. 3:11-12). God’s people needed to wait on God (Zeph. 3:8), “the Mighty One [who] will save” (Zeph. 3:17).
In studying the book of Zephaniah today, we ought to find motivation to remain faithful to our God. God knows our actions, whether they be righteous or unrighteous, and one day we will stand before Him having to answer for our actions (2 Cor. 5:10). Knowing that God will judge His own no different from those of the world should motivate us to keep the faith, and to do all that we can to live lives pleasing to Him. May we learn what it means to humbly seek our God (Zeph. 2:3) and trust in “the Mighty One” who saves (Zeph. 3:17).
By: Preston McElyea