In contrast to their conduct since the Exodus, the Jews would do nothing wrong, tell no lies, and practice no deceit (cf. Zephaniah 3:1-4). They will resemble a flock of sheep at peace grazing and lying down with nothing to disturb them (cf. Psalms 23; Micah 4:4)."When the Creator is worshipped and served as he ought to be, paradise is regained." [Note: Baker, p. 117.] read more
In view of these wonderful prospects, Zephaniah called the people of Jerusalem and all the Israelites to shout for joy with all their hearts."Although the command is aimed at the future Jerusalem, no doubt the message would not be lost on the godly worshipers of Zephaniah’s own day." [Note: Patterson, p. 377.] The phrase "daughter of" is a way of referring to the citizens of Zion (Jerusalem) as the children of the city. Children born in any city are the children of that city in a metaphorical... read more
2. Israel’s and Yahweh’s rejoicing 3:14-17Zephaniah arranged this psalm of joy over salvation as another chiasm."A Zion singing (Zephaniah 3:14 a)B Israel’s shouts (Zephaniah 3:14 b)C Jerusalem’s joy (Zephaniah 3:14 c)D Yahweh’s deliverance (Zephaniah 3:15 a, b)E Presence of Yahweh the king (Zephaniah 3:15 c)F No more fear (Zephaniah 3:15 d)G Jerusalem’s future message (Zephaniah 3:16 a)F’ No more fear (Zephaniah 3:16 b, c)E’ Presence of Yahweh the God (Zephaniah 3:17 a)D’ The mighty deliverer... read more
The reason for rejoicing is that Yahweh will have removed His judgment and Israel’s enemies from her (cf. Zephaniah 3:8; Zephaniah 3:19). Yahweh, Israel’s true and omnipotent king, will be in the midst of His people (in the person of Messiah, Jesus Christ, during the Millennium; Zephaniah 3:17; cf. Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 44:6; Zechariah 14:9). Consequently they will fear disaster no more (Zephaniah 3:13). read more
"The battle cry on the day of judgment (Zephaniah 1:14) will be replaced by the poignant hush of the reuniting of two lovers." [Note: Baker, p. 119.] In that day of blessing the people of Jerusalem will have plenty of reasons not to fear. One reason is that Yahweh their God will be in their midst (Zephaniah 3:15). He will be a victorious warrior having defeated all His enemies and all opposition worldwide (Zephaniah 1:2-3; Zephaniah 3:8). Like a bridegroom He will take joy in His people Israel,... read more
The Judgment upon the Evil Rulers of Jerusalem, and its ultimate Purification and RestorationLike Amos and Micah, the prophet sternly denounces the crimes of the ruling classes in Jerusalem, points out their ingratitude to Jehovah, and announces the doom that is inevitable. The gloom of the opening vv. is dispelled, however, by the hopes of restoration which appear to reflect a later age. Zephaniah 3:9-10, Zephaniah 3:14-20 have the exultant ring of Isaiah 40-55.1. Her that is filthy and... read more
(11) No more be haughty . . .—His very privileges—the adoption and the Shechinah, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the Temple service—had hitherto been used by the Jew as a pretext for obduracy. “We have Abraham for our father,” “The temple of the Lord are these:” such was their response to the preaching of repentance. The reinstated nation shall be purged of this spiritual pride. read more
(11-13) Jerusalem shall then have no occasion to blush for obdurate iniquity (Zephaniah 3:5), for she shall be inhabited by a remnant who have learnt meekness and righteousness in the school of adversity. read more
(12) Afflicted.—ânî, a condition which is likely to make them also “meek,” ânâv, instead of “haughty.” read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Zephaniah 3:12
The Israelites of that day will be humble and lowly in heart (cf. Zephaniah 2:3), and they will seek the Lord as their refuge rather than turning from Him to idols and self-exaltation. Seeking the Lord is an indication of humility whereas forsaking Him, even by not praying, demonstrates a spirit of independence from God (cf. Zephaniah 1:6). read more