#47 On the nature of GOD: Learning from the prophets: ZEPHANIAH
Can you remember earlier in life when your parents seemed to know what would happen to you in the future? (“If you do that, you’ll hurt yourself!” or “If you eat that, your stomach will hurt!” or “If you don’t take care of that toy, it will be ruined!”) Sometimes, children rebel and do something harmful anyway and then suffer the consequences. Almost always the parents are right.
The prophets in the Old Testament warned of the effects of sin on God’s people although few listened and reformed. Since the prophets were inspired by God, they were always right.
What can be learned from the prophet Zephaniah about the nature of God?
Zephaniah was somewhat like a parent admonishing a child. He began by speaking for God and saying that God will judge everyone, Zephaniah 1:2-3:
“I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. I will sweep away man and beast…”
This is an important part of the nature of God. He judges everyone. He has the right to do that because He is God.
Zephaniah quickly gets to his major subject which is a message from God to the nation of Judah, Zephaniah 1:4:
“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,”
Judah was guilty of worshipping an idol called Baal. The priests of Baal and the worshippers would be punished. Despite God’s previous care, Jerusalem would not be spared.
Zephaniah says that the coming destruction will occur on a terrible ‘day of the Lord,’ coming soon, Zephaniah 1:7-8:
“Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.”
The prophets spoke often of this ‘day of the Lord.’ Each time it meant a terrible punishment for the wicked and glorious praise and safety for the faithful.
Then, the prophet calls for repentance, Zephaniah 2:1-3:
“Gather together, yes, gather, O shameless nation, before the decree takes effect before the day passes away like chaff—before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD. 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.”
In the remainder of chapter two, Zephaniah prophesies that Judah’s enemies will be likewise punished—the Philistines, the Cherethites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, and the Cushites. God is not partial. All the idol worshippers will be punished.
Zephaniah also speaks of Jerusalem. Idol worshipping is not excused, Zephaniah 3:1-2:
“Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.”
But a joyous time will come when their sins will be taken away. This occurred in New Testament times with the establishment of the church with Jesus as the king, Zephaniah 3:14-15:
“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.”
It was the nature of God to send prophets to attempt to bring back His people and forecast the reign of His Son, Jesus.
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