Hello! How are you? What’s crackin’? How is your day going? These are the kind of pleasantries we normally use to start conversations.
There are absolutely no pleasantries at the beginning of Zephaniah.
The first words out of the Lord’s mouth in this book are, “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth.” Again, God uses strong language to describe the judgment he is going to bring upon his people.
Zephaniah hits many of the same issues as other Minor Prophets. The two main issues are impending judgment and future restoration. Hopefully, these themes are becoming familiar to you, so try to dig in a little deeper as you read through this short book.
One reason for the impending judgment of the people of Judah was their syncretism. Basically, the people would combine the worship of God with idolatry.
5 those who bow down on the roofs
to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
and yet swear by Milcom, (ESV)
talks about “those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom.” Not only should you notice this about the Judeans, you should think about your own life. Do you ever try to pursue God and some worldly thing at the same time? It never works, and God hates it!
As Zephaniah prophesies about how God will restore Israel in the future, he not only talks about what God will do, he talks about who God is! He calls God “a mighty one who will save.” (3:17) Knowing that God is mighty to save should affect the way we live here and now! It should strengthen us as we pray for revival heading into a new school year.
Here is a quick breakdown on Zephaniah:
1:1-18 – God’s Impending Wrath on Judah
2:1-3:8 – God’s Impending Wrath on Various Nations (and Judah)
3:9-20 – God’s Future Restoration of His People
Beautiful. God is scary, but so awesome. :)
Yes! The everlasting God should always be placed before everything else. He’s just more amazing, loving and powerful than all the other things of the world that will eventually fade.(:
I wonder if you really meant to say that onr of the conversation starters these days is, “What’s KRAKEN?!” Slightly different feel from, “What’s CRACKIN’?!” I’m just sayin’…
My life theme verse comes from his book (3: 17). Praise God!!!
what a great blog! im excited to read this book.
I am so thankful that i am a Christian! Reading about God’s wrath is so scary, but knowing that i will never have to experience it, is so awesome! I cant wait to read this book!
Maranatha!
Very helpful! I consider this wall slaughtered…
Awesome brother thanks for the break down!
Zephaniah was great… your breakdown was appreciated!