Most people have trouble finding Zephaniah's fifty-three verses. Because of its brevity, we label Zephaniah as a minor prophet, but any student of the book can affirm that length is the only "minor matter" about the man or his message.
Prophesying more than 600 years before Christ, Zephaniah traces his genealogy back four generations to Hezekiah (1:1), also linking himself to the current ruler, Josiah. Ties to the royal family do not tongue-tie the prophet. No sooner does he finish his introduction than he unveils a fearful forecast of God's approaching judgment.
Zephaniah repeatedly refers to the day of the Lord (the day of His judgment) when He will (1) destroy Judah, 1:2-2:3; (2) devastate nations, 2:4-3:8; (3) display His incredible mercy, 3:9-20. Judgment is coming to Judah.
1. The Time of Judgment, 1:1 - a period of great lawlessness. When apostasy prevails, sin enjoys widespread acceptance, evil dominates the news, and timid disciples surrender to an unbelieving world. But flowers still grow as the Creator intended, and the faithful few continue to serve Him in spite of worldwide opposition.
Zephaniah minces no words; he shows no favoritism. Like Elijah before him, he would rather die than surrender to Baal. Though his unpopular message could increase his chances of suffering royal wrath, his allegiance to the Lord trumps all fear.
Most people complied with Josiah's reforms because of political expedience, not sincere conversion. "And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 3:10). Josiah's untimely death freed a nation of hypocrites from the shackles of God's law. They quickly returned to business as usual, ignoring God's blessings and certain judgment.
2. The Terror of the Judgment, 1:2-4. Judah would vanish. The Creator would become the Destroyer. God's outstretched hand had once rescued His people from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3:20); now it would stretch out against Judah to "cut off" man (3) and Baal (4). Neither idols nor allies could save them.
Zephaniah's expressive illustrations surely captured the concern of his audience. He pictured Judah's princes in foreign clothes (1:8), exposing their unholy allegiance (Jeremiah 2:18).
"Leaping over the threshold" (1:9) recalls 1 Samuel 5:5, though Zephaniah apparently uses the expression to condemn violence and fraud.
"Maktesh" (inhabitants of the Mortar, 1:11) evokes the image of a druggist grinding medicine with a pestle and mortar. God's pestle of judgment would grind these people to dust. His power that once protected Judah would now pulverize them.
3. The Targets of Judgment, 1:5-2:3. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) must be reversed for apostates: "if God is against us, who can be for us?" If it is frightening to stand before human judges, how must Judah feel standing before the Almighty Judge to hear these charges:
a. Pluralists (God's religion is one among many, 5-6). They forgot the lessons of Carmel (1 Kings 18), forsaking the Lord for idols.
b. Traitors in high places (8), ending in Hezekiah's descendants serving as "eunuchs in the palace of Babylon" (2 Kings 20:18).
c. Thieves and liars (9) depict an iron rule policy: "What's yours is mine if I can take it."
d. Materialists (11), whose motto is "When in Canaan, do as the Canaanites."
e. Complacent, settled on their lees (dregs, sediment of wine that thickens into syrup), portraying satisfaction in sin and unconcern for God's word (12).
f. Shameless (2:1). They lost their ability to blush (Jeremiah 6:15).
g. Rebels, stubborn, faithless, and spiritually aloof (3:1-2). Like Sodom, Judah's righteous people have become an endangered species (Genesis 18). Like the Amorites, Judah's cup would soon overflow with lawlessness (Genesis 15:16). Their party is over. God would turn out the lights. Foreign armies would storm the city, shedding blood, taking prisoners, and removing everything the Jews held precious. The tragedy of 9/11 cannot compare with their prolonged panic.
4. The Termination of Judgment. While speaking of doom, Zephaniah suddenly remembers God's incredible mercy. It would "hide" a righteous remnant (2:3), possibly a word play on Zephaniah's name (Yahweh hides). Those who heed Zephaniah's warnings will seek God (2:1-3). Jesus teaches His disciples that worldly tragedies should inspire repentance (Luke 13:1-5).
Zephaniah's most amazing feature may be its enduring relevance. Though he wrote 2,600 years ago, the prophet's ancient wakeup call still encourages modern readers to prepare for their own Judgment, for, "All news is old news happening to new people."
The problem with our country is not "the economy, stupid," but dissipation and disrespect for God's word. A mere change of leaders cannot solve our sin crisis (Proverbs 14:34). But do not be afraid. Keep on serving God. Through it all, He will not forget His people.
- Biblical Insights, August 2012