Zephaniah 2 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
In James Boice’s commentary on the Minor Prophets he reminds his readers that Zephaniah is not lauded as a great prophet. Ewald writes, “With the prophet Zephaniah we meet for the first time a considerable diminution of prophetic originality.” J.M. Powis Smith writes, “Zephaniah can hardly be considered great as a poet. He does not rank with Isaiah, nor even with Hosea in this particular. He has no great imaginative powers; no deep insight in the human heart is reflected in his utterances, nor any keen sensitiveness to the beauties of nature. His harp is not attuned to the finer harmonies of life like that of Jeremiah.” I think we are clear where these authors stand in relationship to Zephaniah.
Boice makes the observation that Zephaniah’s place in the order hints at his role. He summarizes those prophets who preceeded him. In fact, you could divide up the 12 Minor Prophets into the first 9 which are all prior to the exile. The last three are after the return from exile. Since Zephaniah is the 9th prophet his role might be intentionally to summarize the previous 8 prophets.
As the quotes cited above indicates, Zephaniah might not be the most innovative or original. It reminds me of the quote that Princeton professors repeated, specifically Charles Hodge. On April 24, 1872, Hodge declared, “I am not afraid to say that a new idea never orginated in this Seminary.” In other words, we strive to be faithful to the faith onlce delivered to the saints. We strive to teach the same truths as the apostles taught.
This chapter is focused on the countries that surround Israel. We have seen this before in Amos 1. Amos included reasons in his book. Zephaniah may not have thought this necessary since Amos’ prophecy was well-known. Those nations are under God’s judgment and are called to obey this great God. God cares about these nations. God cares about all the nations of the world.
Since we covered Jonah in previous devotions and witnesses the dramatic conversions, notice the mention of Nineveh in this prophecy. The book of Jonah describes a great revival but the effects of that renewal did not last long. Sadly the faith of Ninevehites was not passed on to the following generations.
The promised judgment on these surrounding is terrible news for these nations. These words are not new but they are true. Chapter one repeats the Day of the Lord often. Of course there is a flip side of God’s judgment. The Day of the Lord is good news for those how believe in the coming Messiah or in our case, the Messiah who came in the flesh. Which is an unusual way to look at words of judgment.
There are many response to words of warning. But a proper response is to repent and to ask like the King of Nineveh asked, “Who knows? God may relent and turn from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish” (Jonah 3:10).
Usually in sermon, prophecy, or stories, the conclusion or exhortation comes last. In this case, if we are looking at the verses in just this chapter, the exhortation comes first. In verse 1, gather together . . v. 2, “before the decree takes effect . . . before . . . the burning anger of the Lord.” And do what? Verse 3: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands, seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord.”
When God’s anger is about to be poured out like water, we run to Him not away from Him. Humble yourself by seeking righteousness, obeying which means seeking God’s will and not your own. Seek humility.
Not many of us are humble and sadly that means we are not humble even before God. Humility does not mean saying you can’t do something you can. Essentially humility is realize you are a dependent being who needs God for the next breath since God not only creates but sustains the world. Humility means we seek His will by reading His Word so we can be directed by Him. Humility means we are always in the state of repentance and always believing in the gospel by looking to Christ.
This is the place to be: under the shadow of His wings. We urge others to do the same. Our pleas do not come from a self-righteous posture but from a lowly, humble attitude urging others to look to Christ as we look to Christ. You will be rejected by some but others will accept your words and look to Christ.
Father, You are a God of wrath and judgment. We worship Your just anger and perfect wrath. Your anger is not uncontrollable, unjustified, or partial. You do everything wisely and fairly and You warn, and warn, and warn until we almost tire of reading Your warnings.
Yet, You always offer hope and a way out. You love it when sinners repent. We are sinners who do not deserve any of Your mercy so we know You love to forgive those who repent. Help us be clear, bold, when we speak the truth about Your wrath. By Your Spirit, may those words come from a heart that is lowly, knowing our own love of sinning. Help us to always be repenting and believing the gospel. In the fear of the Lord Jesus. Amen.