><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Zephaniah) CHAPTER 1 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The effects of God's universal judgement(verses 2, 3) upon Judah and Jerusalem are described in detail (verses 4-13). The chapter ends with a terrifying picture of the day of the Lord (verses 14-18). I On whom particularly will God's judgment fall according to this chapter, and why? Can you think of any modern counterparts to the sinful actions described? 2 Having considered the reasons for judgment, now ponder the accompaniments of the day of the Lord in verses 14-18. What may we learn from these about God's view of sin? Cf Pr. 11:4; Ezk. 7: 19. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Zephaniah) Chapter 1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Particularly, punishment is for Judah and all who live in Jerusalem; the pagan and idolatrous priests, the princes,merchants and traders, the complacent, wealthy. (2) We can see a picture of the way God has to deal with sin here: darkness, gloom, clouds and blackness, trumpet and battle cry, distress, blind men, blood poured like dust, entrials like filth, distress and anguish. But the wonderful thing is to know that Jesus promises through Isaiah 1:18, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool..." What a beautiful, hope-filling promise! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Zephaniah The Day of the Lord - A Book of Wrath and Wonder The Judgment in the Day of the Lord, 1:1 - 3:8 The Salvation in the Day of the Lord, 3:9 - 20 Zephaniah means "the Lord hides or protects". He was the great-great grandson of King Hezekiah. King Josiah was Judah's last godly ruler. His ministry may well have helped prepare for the great revival of 612 B.C., which occurred under Josiah's reign when the law of Moses was rediscoverd during the repair of the temple, 2 Chron. 34-35. Three of Hezekiah's descendants had succeeded him, 2 Kings 20-21. Two wiched and idol-worshiping kings had preceded Josiah on the throne and the land waas overrun with evil practices of every kind. Social injustice and moral corruption were on every hand. The rich had great fortunes by grinding the faces of the poor. The condition was bad as it could be when King Josiah, only sixteen years of age, undertook to promote a religious revival. He became one of the most beloved of the kings of Judah. He tool a hatchet and hewed down the altars and images. How the words of Zephaniah must have encouraged the reformers. [What the Bible is All About] Chapter 1 The Day of the Lord is Near The great day of the Lord is near; It is near and hastens quickly. The noise of the day of the Lord is bitter; There the mighty men shall cry out. That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, ----. 1:14-15 --- Because Judah had worshiped Baal (the great god of Canaanite pantheon), And Milcom (chief Ammonite deity), Thus ignoring the only true God, 1:5 and 6 The result - "I will bring distress upon men, and they shall walk like blind men, Because they have sinned against the Lord; Their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like refuse." "I will stretch out My hand against ------ Those who worship and swear oaths by the Lord, But who also swear by Milcom; 1:4-5 Today, there are a lot of people that believe in Jesus and also other gods. The Bible tells us that God would not accept such believer. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- The prophet Zephaniah came from a line of royal blood. He was the great-great grandson of Good King Hezekiah. Also would help pave the way for the revival which occured under then reigning Josiah. He preached a message of judgement to Judah. the consequences then were the captivity under Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, those to come will occur on the Day of the Lord. 1) This chapter predicts the judgement on Judah, on teh remnant of Baal, sinful priests, those who have followed false gods. It talks of judgement due to not seeking the Lord or inquiring of Him. Each of us needs to be wary of not putting up idols in our own lives... We need to seek the Lord daily, and inquire into His word to see what he is about. 2) This chapter gives us a picture of the Day of the Lord, and the horrible destruction that will accompany it. The men will walk like the blind, i.e. groping around on the ground. Money shall be useless for redemption. A Jealous God will rain down the fire of His jealousy. This gives us a glimpse into the view God has of sin. He absolutely despises sin and cannot tolerate it. Only righteousness can redeem us from the guilty stains of sin, not our own righteousness or works, but the One Deed of the One and Only Son of God - death on the cross. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Zephaniah) CHAPTER 2:1-3:7 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What phrases are used to describe the nations over whom judgment is impending? See 2: I, 10, 15. What was especially sinful about Nineveli's attitude (2: 15; ef Is. 47: 6-il), and has it a modern counterpart? What qualities does God look for in those who desire his help (2:3)? 2 'Hidden on the day of the wrath of the Lord' (2:3). Is there such a hiding-place? Cf Je. 23:24; Am. 9:3; Rev. 6: 15-17; Rom. 5:9; IThes.1:10. 3 The indictment against Jerusalem is the most grievous of all (3:1-7). Cf Lk. 12: 47, 48. List the evils found in her, and consider especially how they were sins against the Lord. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Zephaniah) Chapter 2:1-3:7 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) Shameful, mocking, insulting and prideful, carefree and arrogant - these nations will be judged. Nineveh was violently cruel, even to old people and acted smug. God lifts up the humble, but brings down the proud. v3 says to "seek humility". (2) Since according to Je.23:24, there is no place to hide from the Lord, we might as well make Him our hiding place. AS the popular chorus," You are my hiding place" says...so He is to His children. (3) I find it extremely interesting (and troubling) that the Lord punishes His own equally. AFter all, it's only fair though. Those who know Him should know better, right? All these sinful traits in 3:1-7 indicate spiritual blindness. That is why I think every morning we ought to pray for spiritual protection against Satan. It is prevalent, though some don't admit or realize it. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Zephaniah 2 The Fierce Anger of the Lord upon the Shameless Nation and Her Surrounding Pride and Scorn Races Zephaniah calls the Israelites a shameless nation, 2:1. It is a serious and terrible thing to call anyone. It means that they were conscienceless ones. They are called to gather together and seek the Lord. So that they would be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger. 2:1-3. Then, Zephaniah turns to the five heathen nations, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia and Assynia. They will also be visited with the wrath of God because of their pride and scorn toward the Lord's people. The Philistine cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron would be rooted out and left in desolation, 2:4-6. Moab and Ammon would be destroyed as Sodom and Gomorrah, for mocking Judah and invading her land , 2:8-11. Ethiopia would be slain by God's avenging sword, 2:12. Assyria and its capital Nineveh were to be made utterly desolate, 2:13-15. An astonishing statement made by the prophet Zephaniah is that THE NATIONS ON EVERY SHORE WILL WORSHIP HIM, EVERY ONE IN ITS OWN LAND. 2:11b. This statement was confirmed by Jesus in John 4:21-26: In those days, the Jews taught that Jerusalem was the place of worship. The Samaritans declared that Mount Gerizim ought to be the religious center; but Zephaniah taught that spiritural worship did not depend upon a place but on the presence of God. Wow! What a vision in those days!!! JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, WOMAN, BELIEVE ME, THE HOUR COMETH, WHEN YE SHALL NEITHER IN THIS MOUNTAIN, NOR YET AT JERUSALEM, WORSHIP THE FATHER, YE WORSHIP YE KNOW NOT WHAT: WE KNOW WHAT WE WORSHIP: FOR SALVATION IS OF THE JEWS. BUT THE HOUR COMETH, AND NOW IS, WHEN THE TRUE WORSHIPPERS SHALL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH: FOR THE FATHER SEEKETH SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD IS A SPIRIT: AND THEY THAT WORSHIP HIM MUST WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. Chapter 3:1-7 Jerusalem - The filthy, Polluted and Oppressing City The city leaders were like roaring lions and ravenous wolves, devouring any and all victims. THEY ROSE EARLY (every morning), AND CORRUPTED ALL THEIR DOINGS, 3:7b. THE JUST LORD IS IN THE MIDST THEREOF; HE WILL NOT DO INIQUITY: every morning DOTH HE BRING HIS JUDGMENT TO LIGHT, 3:5a. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The nations about to be judged are described as shameless, prideful, arrogant, proud, and boastful. Nineveh was one of the worst. It was secure in its accomplishments and achievements. Many cities today are like Nineveh, thinking they are the biggest and best. Washington DC comes to mind. In the Nation's capital, many feel that the center of world power lies therein, but they are sorely mistaken. God wants those who need help to seek Him(righteousness) and to humble themselves. 2) There is NO PLACE TO HIDE FROM God's wrath. Plain and simple. There are many references listed here that confirm this statement. We cannot escape the judgement of God. Je. 23:24; Am. 9:3; Rev. 6: 15-17; Rom. 5:9; IThes.1:10. 3) Jerusalem is the worst of the lot. It was a tyranical city. It contained a people who wouldn't listen to anyone else. Evil leaders, both spiritual and political dominated the city. Raging animals devouring all until the dawn. God desires those who would seek righteousness and humble themselves. It is only by doing this that we can draw close to Him and to be spared from His judgement. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Zephaniah) CHAPTER 3:8-20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Throughout this passage the Lord is seen acting. What is He pictured as doing? How many of these actions were, or can now be, fulfilled in Christ? Are there some which still await fulfilment, and, if so, why? 2 Consider the character of the rernanant that the Lord leaves (verses 12, 13). Compare 2:3; and contrast 2: I; 3: I, 2. Does 3: 17 suggest a reason for this change of character? How is it brought about? Cf 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:24. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Zephaniah) Chapter 3:8-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- (1) BEautiful portion of heaven on earth , serving the Lord "shoulder to shoulder". FIrst, the Lord carries out judgement, pours out wrath against the nations, then to purify them, the remanant will be restored and Jerusalem brought back to the Lord. "The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm..THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING." (2) The remnant are meek and humble, and trust in the Lord, do no wrong, speak no lies, not deceitful, fearless for they are protected by Him. The people are transformed by God and God alone. Only God can change/preserve lives from a shameful nation to call them "those who do no wrong". When Jesus Christ lives in your heart, you are a new creation. Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven (MT. 5:16). -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Zephaniah 3:8 - 20 The Salvation in the Day of the Lord GOD'S BLESSINGS: 3:9, 14-17 What God has done for us - Taken away our judgments; vs. 15a Cast out the enemy: vs. 15b Made us nigh Him: vs. 15c Removed fear: vs. 16 Delivered: vs. 17a Rejoiced over us: vs.17b Rested in His Love: 17c What we should do for Him - Not be ashamed of Him: vs. 9 Fear not: vs. 16a Let not our hands be slack: vs. 16b Praise His name vs. 14 SONGS OF THE SAINTS: 3:14, 15 Of deliverance: vs. 15a; Of triumph: vs. 15b [World's Bible Handbook] Zephaniah 3:17-18 THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU, HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE, HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING. THE SORROWS FOR THE APPOINTED FEASTS I WILL REMOVE FROM YOU; THEY ARE A BURDEN AND A REPROACH TO YOU. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- Zeph 3:8-20 -------------------------------- 1) God is active all around us as Blackaby's Experiencing God brings forward. He is inviting us to JOIN Him in all of this activity and work He is doing. Some of the actions are: purifying lips, removing proud ones, clearing away enemies, removing judgement, exulting in joy, resting in love, rejoicing in shouts of joy, saving the lame, and giving renown and grace. Most of these actions can be seen fulfilled in Christ, either now or in the final days, when he is the Lord our God 'in our midst' 2) God leaves a humble and lowly remnant. This humbleness seems to be brought out through the trials and tests to come. The result is fellowship with the Almighty. I now have a better understanding of the chorus based on v17 The Lord Thy God in the Midst of Thee The Lord Thy God in the Midst of Thee is Mighty, is Mighty He will sing, he'll rejoice over thee with joy, with joy He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing The Lord Thy God in the Midst of Thee is Mighty, is Mighty, is Mighty!