The book of Zephaniah contains many Biblical principles that we should learn. The name Zephaniah means “Jehovah shall protect.” It comprises three chapters and only has fifty-three verses. Still, the power behind these few chapters and verses ought to shake the very foundations of one’s soul as you read about the Lord’s anger because of Judah’s unrighteousness. “That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of wasteness and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness” (Zeph. 1:15). They had become so wicked that it seemed as if there was no one left to turn back to God. The prophet warns them that they will built houses, but not get to inhabit them, they will plant vineyards, but not get to drink the wine, (v. 13). Furthermore, he says, “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them In the day of the LORD’s wrath; But the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: For he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land” (Zeph. 1:18). This wrath that will be poured out is all because of man’s sin. “And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the LORD: And their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung” (Zeph. 1:17). When men sin against God, there will be consequences. As Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). You cannot hide from God; there is nothing that He does not see nor anything He does not know. Moses reminded the children of Israel of this great truth. “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).
Zephaniah challenges them to awaken and repent; if they would, God would hide His anger from them.
Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, Before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, Before the day of the LORD’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, Which have wrought his judgment; Seek righteousness, seek meekness: It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’s anger (Zep. 2:1-3).
Notice what he calls them to do: First, “Seek ye the LORD.” Second, “Seek righteousness.” Third, “Seek meekness.” The Lord knows that only the meek will seek Him. Those who have not humbled themselves and have not realized their total dependence upon the Lord will never seek Him or His righteousness. When men lift themselves up with pride, God will bring them down and cause them to understand that He is the Lord of all nations. He reminds them of this as He shows what will happen to those who go against His people in Zephaniah 2:4-11. God wants men and women who will have a contrite heart. David wrote, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Ps. 34:18). The great prophet Isaiah would also write, “For thus saith the high and lofty One That inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, With him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit” (Isa. 57:15).
It is unfortunate that God’s children did not heed the warnings of God’s prophet Zephaniah. As we open the third chapter of this excellent book, we find that Zephaniah pronounces a woe upon them. “Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; She trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God” (Zep. 3:1-2). Notice that the woe is pronounced upon her because, First, she did not obey the Lord’s voice. Second, she did not receive the Lord’s correction. Third, she did not place her trust in the Lord. Fourth, she did not draw near her God. Furthermore, her princes, judges, prophets, and priests have all done violence to the law (3:4). After all God has done for them, they steadfastly refuse to honour and serve Him. Zephaniah says the “…the unjust knoweth no shame” (3:5b).
This extraordinary book ends still with a message of hope for those who would return to the Lord: He will still be their God, and “At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: For I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, When I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD” (Zep. 3:20).