Zephaniah 3 - Wickedness and Restoration of Judah

(vs. 1-7) Pronouncement against Jerusalem 

• (vs. 1,2) Jerusalem is referenced as a rebellious, polluted, and oppressing 

  • God called to His people, but they didn’t listen to Him

  • God gave His people correction, but they did not receive it or change their ways

  • God’s people denied and contradicted God’s covenants and promises, and did not trust God

  • God wanted a relationship with His people, but they rejected Him and turned away from Him 

• (vs. 3,4) The people in power in Judah were corrupt

  • The princes and judges were greedy

  • The prophets were insolent and faithless

  • The priests were polluting God’s house

• (vs.5-7) God was righteous and faithful to His people, yet they responded with more sin and evil against God

  • God brought judgment down to the surrounding nations.  This should have been another warning to the Jews of what would happen if they continued to reject God.  But they continued to be corrupt.

(vs. 8-13) God proclaims both judgment and restoration for the Jewish people

• Because of the repeated sin of the Jewish people and the surrounding nations, God proclaims judgment against them.  Yet, He still finds a way for restoration back to Him

• (vs. 8) There will be a faithful remnant remaining in Judah who are being encouraged to wait for God until He finishes destroying His enemies 

• (vs. 9) God says the He will restore a pure language to the people

  • This refers to the worship of the One True God, and not to idols

• (vs. 10-13) Those who are left over will be humble and meek.  They will live righteously and trust in God

(vs. 14-20) Rejoicing because of the Restoration

• Israel will sing and shout with joy when they are restored 

• God will redeem them of their sins and save them from their enemies 

• God will also rejoice with them when they are restored

• God encourages His people and will give fame to them

What can we learn from this chapter?

• God is a God of both justice and love.  When we sin and rebel against God, there will be severe consequences, but He will also restore us if we turn back to Him

• God promises that the remnant of the Jewish people will be happy and rejoicing because of the restoration of their relationship with God and their freedom from the oppression of the other nations