ZEPHANIAH 1
Preaching a message of judgment at a time of national religious reformation would not be easy; but a true prophet not only sees farther, he also sees deeper.
I will consume (1–7). God’s wrath will consume His creation (vv.
I will punish (8–11). Starting at the royal palace, he walked through the city and invited the people to lament with him. The merchants would be especially grieved because their ill-gotten wealth would be seized.
I will search (12–13). The people of Jerusalem would try to hide, but the invading soldiers would find them and slay them. The complacent would discover that their theology was all wrong. What a rude awakening!
I will bring distress (14–18). Note the words that describe this day, among them: bitter, trouble, devastation, darkness, and alarm. People will be treated like refuse!
Behind the literal fire that destroyed Jerusalem was the fire of God’s jealous love over His people (v. 18;