Prophesying Restoration

May 3, 2020 Background Scripture: Zephaniah 3 Lesson Passage: Zephaniah 3:14 – 20 Zephaniah descended from a noble lineage of Israel. He was from the line of kings that included King Hezekiah. King Hezekiah is considered historically to be one of Israel’s best kings. Zephaniah is said to have prophesied during the reign of Josiah over Judah. Josiah is also considered one of the best kings of Israel—who incidentally also descended from King Hezekiah. I note Zephaniah’s relationship to two of Israel’s best kings because of the content of his prophetic message. Zephaniah’s prophecy starts out with a very stern warning concerning God’s punishment of the people of the earth. God declared that He is going to remove all living creatures from the earth—mankind, animals, and fish. It would be the day of vengeance of God. The day of the Lord will bring swift punishment upon idol worshipers and those who are indifferent towards Him (atheists and agnostics). People who have trusted in themselves and their wealth will be consumed by the Lord’s anger. Zephaniah called for God-fearing people to seek God so that they may be hidden in the day of His vengeance. Josiah’s reign started when he was eight years old. In his eighteenth year, a copy of the Law was discovered in the temple. The reading of the Law provoked a much-needed reform in Judah. It is likely that Zephaniah’s call for the people of God to repent and seek God came during the early years of Josiah’s rule. Josiah’s two predecessors did evil in the sight of God and led the people astray. Both were idol worshipers and even placed idols in the temple that was constructed during Solomon’s reign. This led to the downward spiral of the spiritual condition of Judah. Josiah began to reign at the age of eight following those two evil kings. There is little wonder why Zephaniah’s prophecy was so stern against the people of God. God will not always turn away from evil without judging it. And if the covenant people of God were warned about the coming judgment, the Gentile nations were in for a greater judgment. All nations, to the west, east, south, and north, would be punished. Zephaniah called the major nations out by name. Then the prophecy turned again to the people of Zion. They would be judged according to their rebellion against God, lack of trust in the Lord, injustice towards others, and general lawlessness. And when the storm of God’s vengeance has passed, then He will send forth blessings. The Lord will gather in the scattered Gentiles who have worshiped Him, and He will purify their lips for praise. The humble will rejoice in the Lord’s presence because he will reign in their midst. The remnant of the Jews will be gathered to celebrate God’s triumph over all their enemies and the end of His wrath towards His people. After the day of vengeance, God is going to restore His people. There will be shouting and rejoicing; for peace will prevail in the land. The reproach of the people of God will be removed and replaced with fame and praise in the earth. Like most prophecy, Zephaniah’s message had an immediate meaning for the recipients of the prophecy as well as a long-term meaning for the end times. Whether it is immediate or long-term, God will judge sin. But along with the prophecy of judgment, God also sends the promise of hope. After judgment, God would bring restoration to His people. Robert C. Hudson April 22, 2020