Zephaniah 1:1~3:20
Zephaniah , Sarah Barry
THE LORD HAS PREPARED A SACRIFICE
Passage: Zephaniah 1:1~18
Key verse: 7
INTRODUCTION TO ZEPHANIAH
Zephaniah is introduced with a multi-generational ancestry, which was unusual for prophets in the Bible, relating him to the good King Hezekiah. This would place him in the upper class of society in his day. He ministered during the reign of Josiah, the last good king of Judah, who was preceded by his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, two of the most corrupt kings in Judah's history. It seems likely that his prophecy came while Josiah was still young - before major reforms had been carried out - since he is referred to as 'son of Amon,' and Assyria has not been defeated by Babylon yet (3:13) - placing his prophecy before Nahum's and contemporary with Jeremiah. This was a dark time in Judah, who were under oppression from many places as a result of the corrupt kings mentioned. The major theme of the book is the 'Day of the LORD' - a day of God's wrath and judgement on all the people of the earth, including Judah, for their idolatry (1:3-6) and rebellion (3:1-2). Yet in the midst of all out judgment and destruction, there is hope. Zephaniah's name means, 'the LORD hides/protects', as of one sheltering the vulnerable and weak. God will protect and preserve his remnant who seek him (2:3). They will be given the land of their enemies (2:7,9), after having been purified (3:9) and restored from all their places of exile. Our good God will redeem his remnant, saving them in delight and joy (3:17).
THE LORD HAS PREPARED A SACRIFICE
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice. Help me be holy by faith; to love and worship you daily.
One Word: the day of the LORD is near
Zephaniah is introduced with a multi-generational ancestry, which was unusual for prophets in the Bible, relating him to the good King Hezekiah. This would place him in the upper class of society in his day. He ministered during the reign of Josiah, the last good king of Judah, who was preceded by his father Amon and grandfather Manasseh, two of the most corrupt kings in Judah's history. It seems likely that his prophecy came while Josiah was still young - before major reforms had been carried out - since he is referred to as 'son of Amon,' and Assyria has not been defeated by Babylon yet (3:13) - placing his prophecy before Nahum's and contemporary with Jeremiah. This was a dark time in Judah, who were under oppression from many places as a result of the corrupt kings mentioned. The major theme of the book is the 'Day of the LORD' - a day of God's wrath and judgement on all the people of the earth, including Judah, for their idolatry (1:3-6) and rebellion (3:1-2). Yet in the midst of all out judgment and destruction, there is hope. Zephaniah's name means, 'the LORD hides/protects', as of one sheltering the vulnerable and weak. God will protect and preserve his remnant who seek him (2:3). They will be given the land of their enemies (2:7,9), after having been purified (3:9) and restored from all their places of exile. Our good God will redeem his remnant, saving them in delight and joy (3:17).
THE LORD HAS PREPARED A SACRIFICE
1. Be silent before the Sovereign LORD (1-13)
The scope of God's judgment encapsulates all people, including Judah and Jerusalem. Their crime: idolatry (3-5, 9) and apathy toward God (6,12). All are silent before Him in that day; there will be no defense possible. But the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and people to share it with. They don't trust in rulers (8), merchants (10-11), or wealth (13). They are those consecrated by faith in the sacrifice of the Lamb, Jesus Christ: his remnant people of faith, then and now.
2. That day will be a day of wrath... (14-18)
The day of the LORD brings trouble and ruin personally, communally, socially and globally. This distress is poured out on all people because all have sinned against the LORD. Silver and gold cannot save people on the day of God's wrath. Only those hidden and protected by the Lamb.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus' sacrifice. Help me be holy by faith; to love and worship you daily.
One Word: the day of the LORD is near
