"I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the people of Ammon, with which they have reproached My people, And made arrogant threats against their borders. Therefore, as I live, says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, and the people of Ammon like Gomorrah-overrun with weeds and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.'" (Zephaniah 2:8, 9)
Moab and Ammon were two countries contemporary with Old Testament Israel. They originated with a man named Lot--Abraham's nephew. Lot had two sons, Moab, and Ben-Ammi, who were born shortly after God destroyed the immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-38). Their history with Israel was filled with distrust, violence, and hatred. The amazing thing is that in Zephaniah's day, Moab and Ammon were headed toward a fate they had long known and feared--in reference to their forefather, they were headed for Sodom's fate!
Lot had been a resident of Sodom (Genesis 14:12). In fact, at one time, Abraham rescued him when he and others from Sodom were taken captive by a foreign confederacy of kings. Subsequent to that, two angels rescued him by leading him out of that wicked city. This escape preceded an overthrow by fire such as no city has seen since (Genesis 19). God left Sodom and Gomorrah as an example for all men to observe His vengeance upon a sinful society (Jude v.7). He promised to make Moab like Sodom ... so, where is Moab today?
In the New Testament, the apostle Peter spoke of Lot's deliverance. He said, "And delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)." (2 Peter 2:7, 8) Yet, in the seventh century B.C., Zephaniah wrote to Lot's descendents warning against their lawless deeds.
Several profound points stand out about the above narrative.
- Cities and nations may begin with a righteous element, but in time, they can become thoroughly corrupt. God, however, still reigns despite such.
- Children do not inherit the righteousness or the wickedness of their forefathers. Lot was righteous, but these descendants were wicked. In accordance with this, Ezekiel penned, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself." (Ezekiel 18:20)
- God hears what we say. God heard the reproach and insults against His people uttered by the nations of Moab and Ammon. Some people today do not know how to disagree with each other in an honorable way. Many succumb to temptation and reduce controversies to merely hurling insults. I ask, "Does God not also hear our insults?"
The way we talk can bring major consequences. These two nations-Moab and Ammon--were doomed because of what they were saying. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34) Sometimes, we minimize sins of the tongue; yet, among the lot of nations, where are Moab and Ammon today? We, too, shall be judged by our words (Matthew 12:26). What does the Lord hear from your lips? What are you saying about God's church? What are you saying about God's people? Is your speech any better than Moab's?
Be careful what you say and do; begin honoring God with your life, your tongue, and your deeds. God destroyed these nations because they spoke and acted arrogantly. What will He do to us on judgment day?
- "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)
- "Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD'S anger." (Zephaniah 2:3)
God sent the Old Testament prophets to His people with a simple message-repent or face His wrath. Though these prophets came from different backgrounds and occupations, and at different times in Israel's history, they were united in their message. Why? God directed them; they were proclaiming His message. These messengers were sent with Divine messages-messages the people needed to heed. Sadly, the nation brushed the prophets and their messages aside and continued to follow the paths that were leading them to destruction. Following is a small sampling of the prophets' messages:
"Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; see now and know; and seek in her open places if you can find a man, if there is anyone who executes judgment, who seeks the truth, and I will pardon her. Though they say, 'As the LORD lives,' Surely they swear falsely." O LORD, are not Your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, but they have not grieved; You have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to return." (Jeremiah 5:1-3)
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down, says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:15, 16)
"I overthrew some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning; yet you have not returned to Me, says the LORD. Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!" (Amos 4:11, 12)
These messages from the prophets of old are warnings about the consequences of disobeying God and not heeding His Divine wisdom. Are we paying attention, as individuals, and as a nation? I think not! (KMG)