ZEPHANIAH 3
The rebellious (1–7). The leaders in Jerusalem would not listen to God’s servants or heed God’s warnings. When God corrected them, they only committed greater sin. The time had come for God to judge them. It does not pay to test the long-suffering of God or tempt Him.
The restored (8–13). The prophet looked ahead to the last days when the people would be regathered and restored to their land. They would call on Him, serve Him, and have nothing to fear.
The rejoicing (14–20). The people will rejoice and sing because their discipline is ended, the enemy has been defeated, and the Lord is King over Israel. But the Lord will also sing (v.
If we delight in the Lord and obey Him, He delights in us and shares His best with us. If we sin, He will chasten us in love. If we turn to Him in repentance, He will forgive us and restore our joy and peace: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely” (Hos. 14:4).