Zephaniah 3

Coming Judgment and Restoration for Israel

Having announced that divine judgment would come on the nations around Judah (Zephaniah 2:4-15), the prophet returned to the subject of Yahweh’s judgment on the Chosen People.      - Thomas Constable

Zephaniah concludes his short prophecy with an assurance that God’s judgments will not be without reason or result.  Yahweh will see His providential plans come to pass.  He punishes His people in order to purge them.  He rebukes so that He can restore. 

The Fire of God’s Jealousy

Vs. 8 - For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.

In this section, Zephaniah highlights the rebellion of Israel’s priests, prophets, and princes even though they had witnessed God’s judgment on surrounding nations for the same sins.  Because of their failure to repent, God would gather the nations and “pour out” His anger. 

As is the case with most prophecy, there seems to be a near and far fulfillment to Zechariah’s descriptions of “the day of the Lord.”  Judah was besieged by the Babylonians in the 6th century BC, but most scholars agree that there is also a final judgment in view here. 

The world is still waiting for the Lord to pour out His wrath on all nations. He has not done so yet because He is patient and is giving people time to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Yet that day will surely come (2 Peter 3:10).             - Thomas Constable

The Restoration of God’s People

Hope

Vs. 9 - For I will then restore

Like many of the prophets, Zephaniah’s final message is one of hope.  God’s overarching plan for His creation is restoration.  

Mercy

Vs. 14-15 - Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!  The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.

In the midst of judgment there is mercy for the repentant. Cleansed sinners from all nations will worship and serve God with pure hearts. No longer will Jerusalem be characterized by the pride, rebellion, dishonesty and deceit of Zephaniah’s day. Wrongdoing will be removed from the community of God’s people.                - Don Fleming

Restoration

Vs. 19-20 - At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The Lord has spoken.

The final verses of the prophecy are packed full of promises, “I will statements,” describing all the ways that God plans to redeem His people and rejoice in their salvation.  The “day of the Lord” will begin with “woe” but will end in “worship.”