Zephaniah 3:1-7

Having judged the nations the prophet’s again turns to Jerusalem, the oppressing city.  Think on the four statements of Jerusalem’s failure (3:2).  What an indictment of those God calls My people.  Is there such hypocrisy in our lives, that we profess to know God but by our actions we deny Him (Titus 1:16)?

This pride is a city-wide problem.  But it is centered in the corridors of power.  In 3:3 roaring lions and evening wolves are hungry animals.  These princes and judges have taken from people until there is nothing left to take.  The religious leadership (prophets and priests) are no better.  Those who are to speak for God cannot be trusted; they actually live and rule in opposition to God’s word.

But the LORD is righteous and does no unrighteousness.  This is always the fundamental attribute of God in the context of judgment.  God rightly points out sin and punishes the sinner accordingly.  He is never unfair being the only One who can see the heart perfectly.  Look at the ways God has been righteous.

o   3:5: Each day He works to demonstrate what is truly righteous in the society.  While the people are rebellious and polluted God still finds ways to convict them of their sin.

o   3:6: Then God showed His righteousness in the way He brought judgment on the sinful nations around Judah and Jerusalem.  This should have been a lesson to His people.

o   3:7: Thus, because His people saw this but did not take warning and continued in her corruption, God will judge them.  And it will be a righteous judgment.

There is a time coming in the future when God will pour out wrath on the earth and men will arrogantly refuse to repent of their evil deeds (e.g. Rev. 16:10-11).  But let us not focus on the past and future.  Let us see it now, the pride that resists God’s attempt to draw people to Himself.  When afflictions come will we fear God?  Will we receive instruction?