Zephaniah 3

Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one, she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD, she does not draw near to her God. Zephaniah 3:1-2

Although the prophet does not name the city, it is obvious that the city is Jerusalem. From the way the prophet ended chapter 2, we might have suspected that the city was Nineveh. [1]

But no, the city was Jerusalem, “Holy” Jerusalem. Who were they trying to fool? Even the Gentiles well knew that Jerusalem was a rebellious and wicked city, and they later called her as such (Ezra. 4:12, 15). [2] Pfeiffer & Harrison remark: “The religious leaders were living in adultery, and they offered their sons as human sacrifices to gain favor from the nature gods (Jer. 10:5; 23:13-14; 32:35). Jeremiah had difficulty in finding a righteous man in Jerusalem (Jer. 5:1)…the rupture between the people and the Lord widened with each passing day (cf. Jer. 22:21).” [3]

What a picture of rebellion, defilement, and pollution was this city. Her ears were closed to the Lord’s correction and instruction. Gone were the days when she came humbly to God and trusted in him. The city had become a haven for rebellious and defiled oppressors. Feinberg says of Jerusalem: “Because she was so highly favored and privileged, much more was to be expected of her in the way of faith and obedience to the Lord.” [4]

“Her officials within her are roaring lions; her rulers are evening wolves, who leave nothing for the morning” (3:3). The prophet vividly describes all of Jerusalem’s officials as vicious animals. Utley comments: “The leadership of God’s people were often condemned by the prophets for their greedy, godless exercise of power (cf. Isa. 56:9-12; Jer. 5:30-31; 6:13-14; 8:8-12; 14:13-18; 22:1-30; 23:1-40; 26:12-15; 28:1-17; 36:30-31; Ezek. 13:1-23; 22:23-31; Mic. 3:1-12; 7:3). As the leadership goes, so go the people!” [5]

There is something about sin that is so evident here. People have the false idea that what they do in private is solely a private matter. However, what they do is usually a very public matter. Sin not only hurts the sinner but ultimately it hurts lots of other people. Sin is not a private matter but a public matter. For instance, adultery done in secret is not private. It hurts and cheapens the parties. It makes them liars and deceivers. It breaks family relationships and brings forth unthinkable complications, legal, medical or otherwise. The Bible says, “…you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

We see here that princes, prophets, and priests were all guilty, but righteous King Josiah was spared judgment. He was doing everything in his power to bring the whole nation back to God. What a holy mess is created, especially when prophets and priests are defiled.

“Her prophets are unprincipled; they are treacherous people. Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law” (3:4). We can imagine prophets prophesying for pay and priests taking financial advantage of hurting people. The priests profaned the sanctuary. Even these “holy” leaders were like greedy lions and wolves gnawing on the poor and needy.

Their prophets had lost the seriousness, conviction, and integrity of holy men. Of course, their sacrifices were empty of spiritual content (cf. Jer. 23:11, 32). [6]

“The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame” (3:5). What a contrast between the Lord and his people! Feinberg reminds us that in the East the early morning was the time for administering justice. So, we note that the Lord brings forth his justice in the mornings. [7] Their God is just but the people are unjust. Jeremiah describes them: “Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when I punish them,’ says the LORD” (Jer. 6:15).

God’s Lessons From The Nations

I have destroyed nations; their strongholds are demolished. I have left their streets deserted, with no one passing through. Their cities are laid waste; they are deserted and empty. Zephaniah 3:6

God had destroyed other nations as a warning to Israel, but she had not heeded the messages. Judah did not even heed the warning when the northern ten tribes were carried away in captivity by the Assyrians. Now, as a further warning, God destroyed even the Assyrians. As we have mentioned, their great city of Nineveh was laid waste to the point that it was lost to history. Yet, Judah did not see and repent.

“Of Jerusalem I thought, ‘Surely you will fear me and accept correction!’ Then her place of refuge would not be destroyed, nor all my punishments come upon her. But they were still eager to act corruptly in all they did” (3:7). Jerusalem was not just the city loved by Judah, but it was the city loved by God. He says, “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it” (Psa. 132:14). “…This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,’” (Zech. 1:14). “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me” (Isa. 49:16). How it must have broken God’s heart at the thought of his city being destroyed.

Still, there was God’s declaration: “I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings” (Lev. 26:31). How tragic that the city would experience disaster once more soon after the days of Jesus. He would sadly say to them: “…If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes” (Lk. 19:42).

God’s Wrath Upon All The Nations

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them – all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.” Zephaniah 3:8

Here we have the theme of judgment picked up from chapter one. This is a theme that is seen in many places of scripture. Perhaps the prophet Joel expresses it best saying: “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land” (Joel 3:1-2). It is very clear that at a time when Israel is returning home, the nations will gather to destroy her.

At the close of this age, God will go to war with all the nations of earth. He will destroy all the earth’s military powers that have assembled at Jehoshaphat and Armageddon. It seems that we are now seeing the buildup to this great end-day battle. Antisemitism is rising at a frightening pace in most of the nations of the world. According to the Anti-Defamation League, several nations have had alarming increases in antisemitism since the October 7th, 2023 invasion by Hamas. Here are some of the increases: Argentina, 600%; Australia 738%; Brazil 961%; France 1000%; and Denmark 1244%. [8]

Perhaps with the leading of a very antisemitic United Nations organization, all nations can be drawn to Israel for judgment. After the world’s armies have worked some destruction in the land, Jesus will return with his heavenly armies and the world’s forces will be completely destroyed. This great battle will end our present age and usher us into the millennial age, with its thousand years of peace and blessing. At that time the Beast (antichrist) and the False Prophet will be sent to Hell (Rev. 19:20) and Satan will be bound for a thousand years.

The Millennial Age

Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. Zephaniah 3:9

Most Bible scholars see this time period as the Millennium or the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. [9] The word millennium comes from two Latin words, mille meaning thousand, and annum meaning year. The expression represents the thousand-year kingdom of Christ on this earth. During this time, Christ and his saints will reign over the nations, and Israel will finally receive the blessings promised through the ages by her prophets. [10]

When we look at the whole Bible it seems that the millennium is sort of a sabbath at the end of this present evil age. That is clearly in line with the way God appears to operate. Irish Anglican clergyman and Bible scholar, A. R. Faussett says: “The Jewish Rabbis thought, as the world was created in six days and on the seventh God rested, so there would be six millenary periods, followed by a sabbatical millennium.” [11]

We note in this verse that God will purify the lips of the people. Other translations speak of God restoring a pure language. Some interpreters suppose that a pure Hebrew will be restored. However, the verse senses that there will be a purified and uncontaminated speech. [12] Coffman remarks: “The essential thought behind this is unity of purpose and holiness of life. It is not that men may use better Hebrew, but that their hearts and lives should conform to the will of God, a characteristic distinctive of the redeemed ‘in Christ’ who are ‘a new creation’ (2 Cor. 5:17).” [13]

The people will also labor shoulder to shoulder. This obviously speaks of unity and people working together. As they work together they will bring the blessing of Abraham to the whole world (Gen. 12:1-3). [14] This verse could also speak of the conversion of Gentiles. Clearly, the Gentiles will go up to Jerusalem to worship and serve the Lord (Isa. 2:1-5; Isa. 51:11).

“From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings” (3:10). The usage of Ethiopia here could be an indication of the vast reaches of the millennial kingdom. British theologian Donald Guthrie says, “The use of Ethiopia here is to include the most distant nations of all, Ethiopia being considered as far away as they could imagine.” [15] It is of note that thousands of Ethiopian Jews have already returned to Israel in recent years. In 1991,15,000 were flown together to Israel in a secret weekend Israeli airlift.

“On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from you your arrogant boasters. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill. But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD” (3:11-12). We must remember that dramatic changes will take place in Israel in these last days. Zechariah speaks of a wholesale conversion of the Jews. Zechariah says, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son” (Zech. 12:10). Zechariah further says, “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity” (Zech. 13:1).

These above verses speak of a wholesale conversion of Israel to the Lord Jesus. They will then be able to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matt. 23:39). We also need to remember that at the appearance of Jesus, the wicked will be instantly removed from the earth (Matt. 13:49-50). The arrogant boasters will be gone forever. Only the meek and humble will remain.

“They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid” (3:13). The prophet Jeremiah speaks of Israel having the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34: Ezek. 11:19-20). Jeremiah also says, “‘In those days and at that time,’ declares the LORD, ‘search will be made for the iniquity of Israel, but there will be none; and for the sins of Judah, but they will not be found; for I shall pardon those whom I leave as a remnant’” (Jer. 50:20 NAS). So, we have to assume that the remnant of Israel will be a part of the resurrected and holy saints of God and also will be administering the earth, particularly the land of Israel. They will be serving God with truth and holiness. There will never again be fear among the elect of God.

“Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!” (3:14). Henry remarks, “What makes a people holy, will make them happy.” [16] God’s people will be restored with singing. Sighing and tears are now gone forever. The Bible speaks of all God’s redeemed, Jews and Gentiles singing. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (Isa. 51:11 KJV). Phillips says, “In the millennial kingdom Israel – redeemed, regenerated, and regathered home – will sing. Oh, how they will sing! The sobs and anguish of centuries will be swept away in song.” [17]

“The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm” (3:15). After the awful disasters of Armageddon and Jehoshaphat there will be a dramatic change in the nations of the earth. “ Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles” (Zech. 14:16). It is interesting that since 1980, several thousand Christians from all over the world travel each year to Israel to share in the Festival of Tabernacles with the Jews. In Psalms we read: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations” (Psa. 22:27-28).

“On that day they will say to Jerusalem, ‘Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. (3:16). Israel will never have to worry about enemies again. There will never again be sad pictures of Israel standing in the Holocaust prisons with limp and weary hands.

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (3:17). We see something interesting in this passage. Our God is a singing God. We can now understand why his saints have been singing people throughout the ages. The scripture says: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations” (Psa. 98:1-2).

“I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you” (3:18). Utley comments: “This verse is uncertain in Hebrew…but seems to address the exiled people of God who, one day, will be able to attend the feast days (cf. Exodus 23; Leviticus 23) in Jerusalem, in the temple again!” [18] Pfeiffer and Harrison add: “Jewish people have not been able to enjoy their religion in the countries of their dispersion because of the reproach heaped upon them by their heathen neighbors (cf. Ps. 137).” [19] We can be certain that the feasts will be restored in the millennium. The Bible assures us that the major feasts are eternal statutes. This is mentioned four times in Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, & 41.

“At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame” (3:19).

Phillips says: “There is hardly a country on earth where Jews have not been insulted, vilified, hated, and persecuted. But in the millennial age, their management of public affairs will be so brilliant, their love for the Lord will be so personable and convincing, their influence and power will be so obvious, and their wisdom, insight and skill will be so beneficial that all nations will hail them and welcome them…” [20]

“‘At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,’ says the LORD” (3:20). The Jewish people will at last be home. The process of aliya and return that began in the 1880s will finally be complete. The Jews will at last have honor and praise.

Isaiah has much to say in his glorious section of 60:1 – 62:7. He writes: “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” (Isa. 60:3 ESV). Isaiah notes that “…the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you” (Isa. 60:5 ESV). He even says that the children of Israel’s oppressors will come bowing and falling at Israel’s feet in their deep repentance and apology (Isa. 60:14). Zechariah says: “Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD” (Zech. 8:22 ESV).

Isaiah continues: “They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the LORD’s majesty. Therefore in the east give glory to the LORD; exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: ‘Glory to the Righteous One…’” (Isa. 24:14-16 NIV). The prophet Habakkuk agrees with Isaiah and sums it all up by saying in 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”

Footnotes

1. Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, vs. 3:1-4.

2. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p. 1485.

3. Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 887.

4. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 231.

5. Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, vs. 3:3-4.

6. Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 887.

7. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 232.

8. Anti-Defamation League, https://www.adl.org/resources/article/global-antisemitic-incidents-wake-hamas-war-israel

9. Guzik, The Enduring Word Bible Commentary, vs. 3:8-13.

10. Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, NT (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2007), p. 1078.

11. Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, & David Brown, Commentary on Revelation, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 1871-78, Ch. 20, verse 3. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/jfb/revelation-20.htmlJam3)

12. Feinberg, The Minor Prophets, p. 233.

13. Coffman, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible, Zephaniah, v. 3:9.

14. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p. 1485.

15. Guthrie, Motyer, Stibbs, & Wiseman, The New Bible Commentary: Revised, p. 780.

16. Henry, Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Zephaniah, vs. 3:14-20).

17. Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 240.

18. Utley, Free Bible Study, Zephaniah, vs. 3:18-20.

19. Pfeiffer & Harrison, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 888.

20. Phillips, Exploring The Minor Prophets, p. 241.