zephaniah, part 2

Zephaniah: The Worship Prophet Part 2:

Zephaniah: The Worship Prophet Part 2 Rev. Brian Chilton Friendship Baptist Church

Question of the Week: :

Question of the Week : Question 26: Who did God tell Haggai to ask concerning the law? Answer: The Priests (Haggai 2:11) Question 27: In the seventh month, the word of the Lord came to Haggai. What day was it of the seventh month that the word of the Lord came to Haggai?

Tonight’s Outline:

Tonight’s Outline C. Judgment on the surrounding nations (2:4-15) 1. On Philistia (2:4-7) 2. On Moab and Ammon (2:8-11) 3. On Ethiopia (2:12) 4. On Assyria (2:13-15) D. Judgment on Jerusalem (3:1-7) 1. The prophet’s indictment (3:1-5) 2. The Lord’s judgment (3:6-7) E. Judgment on all the earth (3:8) III. The Day of Yahweh’s Restoration (3:9-20) A. The restoration of the nations (3:9-10) B. The restoration of Israel (3:11-20) 1. The redemption of the nation (3:11-13) 2. The joy of the nation (3:14) 3. The Ruler of the nation (3:15-17) 4. The reward of the nation (3:18-20)

Judgment on Surrounding Nations (2:4-15):

Judgment on Surrounding Nations (2:4-15) 4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. 5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites ! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant. 6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity . ( KJV) For Gaza will be abandoned And Ashkelon a desolation; Ashdod will be driven out at noon And Ekron will be uprooted. 5 Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, The nation of the Cherethites ! The word of the Lord is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines; And I will destroy you So that there will be no inhabitant. 6 So the seacoast will be pastures, With caves for shepherds and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast will be For the remnant of the house of Judah, They will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the Lord their God will care for them And restore their fortune. (NASB) New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update ( LaHabra , CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Zep 2:415.

Slide 5:

8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border. 9 Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits , and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. 10 This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts. 11 The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. 12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword. 13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness. 14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work. 15 This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand . ( KJV) 8 “I have heard the taunting of Moab And the revilings of the sons of Ammon, With which they have taunted My people And become arrogant against their territory. 9 “Therefore, as I live,” declares the Lord of hosts, The God of Israel, “ Surely Moab will be like Sodom And the sons of Ammon like Gomorrah— A place possessed by nettles and salt pits, And a perpetual desolation. The remnant of My people will plunder them and the remainder of My nation will inherit them.” 10 This they will have in return for their pride, because they have taunted and become arrogant against the people of the Lord of hosts. 11 The Lord will be terrifying to them, for He will starve all the gods of the earth; and all the coastlands of the nations will bow down to Him, everyone from his own place. 12 “You also, O Ethiopians, will be slain by My sword.” 13 And He will stretch out His hand against the north And destroy Assyria, And He will make Nineveh a desolation, Parched like the wilderness. 14 Flocks will lie down in her midst, All beasts which range in herds; Both the pelican and the hedgehog Will lodge in the tops of her pillars; Birds will sing in the window, Desolation will be on the threshold; For He has laid bare the cedar work. 15 This is the exultant city Which dwells securely, Who says in her heart, “ I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, A resting place for beasts! Everyone who passes by her will hiss And wave his hand in contempt . (NASB)

1. On Philistia (2:4-7) :

1. On Philistia (2:4-7) Zephaniah turns his attention to the surrounding nations of Judah. These were idolatrous nations. (4) Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron are the four major Philistine cities. INTERESTING NOTE: Most Middle Eastern and Oriental cities became unbearably hot during noon. Therefore, most places had a mid-day siesta. For the towns to be uprooted at noon denotes judgment coming when least expected. (5) “ Cherethites ” or “ Kerethites ” is a term for the Philistines. The Kerethites served as David’s bodyguards (2 Sam. 8:18). Many scholars believe that the term came from the Philistine’s origin of Crete. The Philistines were enemies of Israel since the days of the patriarchs. (6-7) Zephaniah shows that there would be a remnant of Judah left. This resembles greatly the remnant that would be saved during the time of the tribulation. There would be a slight few during the time of tribulation. The location that the Philistines resided would be occupied by the remnant and the shepherds would be able to find plenty of pasture.

2. On Moab and Ammon (2:8-11) :

2. On Moab and Ammon (2:8-11) (8) Zephaniah focuses on two tribes that developed from Lot’s daughters; Moab and Ammon. Conflicts with Moab date back to the days of Moses. Joram and Jehosaphat defeated the Moabites. Conflicts with Ammon go back to Judges 10:6-11:33 . Saul and David defeated the Ammonites. (9) “As I live” shows the absoluteness of God’s claim. God presents Moab and Ammon to Sodom and Gomorrah. Everyone knows what happened to these cities. The same would happen to these cities. The area would become a wasteland. (10) Pride was a major factor to the downfall of Moab and Ammon. This pride led them to mock and joke about the people of God. With the comical satire directed towards Christianity, could the same not be said of our nation? (11) God would wipe away all idolatry by wiping out all false doctrines. This will pave the way for the Millennial Reign of Christ.

3. On Ethiopia (2:12) :

3. On Ethiopia (2:12) (12) The Cushites were Ethiopians. The Cushites lived in the upper Nile region. These descendants are descendants of Ham. Even this nation would be judged by God.

4. On Assyria (2:13-15):

4. On Assyria (2:13-15) (13) Assyria is the last on the totem pole to be discussed as far as foreign nations are concerned. This was before the fall of Nineveh, so the prophet would predict Nineveh’s doom. “Stretching out the hand” shows God’s power and control. (14) The armies of Nineveh would eventually consist of herded and wild animals. The owl shows the desolation of the nation. (15) Assyria boasted in its’ self-sufficiency, but would not be able to sustain the simplest resources at the time of judgment. Is self-sufficiency always a good thing?

Judgment on Jerusalem (3:1-7):

Judgment on Jerusalem (3:1-7) 1 Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! 2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. 3 Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. 4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. 5 The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. 6 I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant. 7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings . ( KJV) 1 Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, The tyrannical city! 2 She heeded no voice, She accepted no instruction. She did not trust in the LORD, She did not draw near to her God. 3 Her princes within her are roaring lions, Her judges are wolves at evening; They leave nothing for the morning. 4 Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law. 5 The LORD is righteous within her; He will do no injustice. Every morning He brings His justice to light; He does not fail. But the unjust knows no shame. 6 "I have cut off nations; Their corner towers are in ruins. I have made their streets desolate, With no one passing by; Their cities are laid waste, Without a man, without an inhabitant. 7 "I said, 'Surely you will revere Me, Accept instruction.' So her dwelling will not be cut off According to all that I have appointed concerning her. But they were eager to corrupt all their deeds . ( NAS95)

1. The prophet’s indictment (3:1-5) :

1. The prophet’s indictment (3:1-5) (1-2) The Assyrians were focused on remaining ritually pure. However, they would be defiled at the day of judgment. There are three specific charges directed towards Assyria: A) Assyria was disobedient, even to the Lord. B) Assyria was untrusting of the Lord. C) Assyria held no relationship with God. (3-5) There were four classes of leaders that were shown in this passage. All of them were corrupt. A) Officials were royal leaders characterized by greed and corruption. Are our leaders like this? B) Rulers were civil authorities. They were reckoned to ravenous beasts. Do we have corrupt officials? C) Prophets were like preachers today. However, these men of God had become “arrogant” and “treacherous.” Do we have preachers and ministers who have lost their focus and become arrogant and treacherous? D) Priests were like judges today. They interpreted the law and made judgments accordingly. They were profaning the law and disobeying the law. God would become their official, ruler, preacher, and judge.

2. The Lord’s judgment (3:6-7):

2. The Lord’s judgment (3:6-7) (6-7) God reminded the people that if He judged nations who did not know any better, He would certainly judge the nation(s) that knew to do right. Unfortunately, due to sin, the people wanted to continue their sinful status quo.

Judgment on All the Earth (3:8):

Judgment on All the Earth (3:8) 8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. (KJV) 8 "Therefore wait for Me," declares the LORD, "For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My indignation, All My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured By the fire of My zeal. (NAS95)

Judgment on All the Earth:

Judgment on All the Earth (8) Zephaniah begins to speak about the judgment that would come to the entire world. Eventually, the whole world would face the judgment of God. This concept follows with the end times scenario presented in Revelation.

III. The Day of Yahweh’s Restoration (3:9-20) A. The restoration of the nations (3:9-10) :

III. The Day of Yahweh’s Restoration (3:9-20) A. The restoration of the nations (3:9-10) 9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering . ( KJV) 9 "For then I will give to the peoples purified lips, That all of them may call on the name of the LORD, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder. 10 "From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia My worshipers, My dispersed ones, Will bring My offerings. (NAS95)

Restoration of the Nations:

Restoration of the Nations The final section of Zephaniah’s prophecy is based upon the restoration of the nations. Judgment is necessary, however the end result is restoration. Military Example (9) There would be a restoration of all nations and not just Israel. The nations would all come together, be purified (or sanctified), and worship the Lord together. (10) The rivers mentioned are two tributaries in Ethiopia called the Blue Nile and the White Nile. All nations will come to the holy city, presumably the New Jerusalem.

B. The restoration of Israel (3:11-20):

B. The restoration of Israel (3:11-20) 11 In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain. 12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. 16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. 17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. 18 I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. 19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth , and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. 20 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD . (KJV) 11 "In that day you will feel no shame Because of all your deeds By which you have rebelled against Me; For then I will remove from your midst Your proud, exulting ones, And you will never again be haughty On My holy mountain. 12 "But I will leave among you A humble and lowly people, And they will take refuge in the name of the LORD. 13 "The remnant of Israel will do no wrong And tell no lies, Nor will a deceitful tongue Be found in their mouths; For they will feed and lie down With no one to make them tremble." 14 Shout for joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more. 16 In that day it will be said to Jerusalem: "Do not be afraid, O Zion; Do not let your hands fall limp. 17 "The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. 18 "I will gather those who grieve about the appointed feasts--They came from you, O Zion; The reproach of exile is a burden on them. 19 "Behold, I am going to deal at that time With all your oppressors, I will save the lame And gather the outcast, And I will turn their shame into praise and renown In all the earth. 20 "At that time I will bring you in, Even at the time when I gather you together; Indeed, I will give you renown and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I restore your fortunes before your eyes," Says the LORD. (NAS95)

1. The redemption of the nation (3:11-13) :

1. The redemption of the nation (3:11-13) (11) Jerusalem, or Mt. Zion, would be glorified by the presence of God. This could either refer to the New Jerusalem or the Millennial Reign of Christ. The haughty and scoffers would be gone and the people of God would enjoy the presence of God. (12-13) The meek and humble, as Jesus put it, will inherit the earth. If this passage is speaking of the New Jerusalem, it will speak of a time that God’s children will be perfected.

2. The joy of the nation (3:14) :

2. The joy of the nation (3:14) (14) The fears of God’s people would be replaced by shouts of joy. The fear of death will be over. The fear of capture will be over. The fear of sin will be over. The fear of separation will be over. The fears of life will be over.

3. The Ruler of the nation (3:15-17) :

3. The Ruler of the nation (3:15-17) (15) The true King is on the throne. That King is God Almighty. Looking at it from a New Testament perspective, it may very well have been King Jesus who Zephaniah saw as God has put Jesus in charge of ruling the nations. (16-17) God will be the hero of the people. He will be the Defender, the Provider, and the Protector. He will rule with kindness and love. God will rejoice because His people are in full communion with Him.

4. The reward of the nation (3:18-20):

4. The reward of the nation (3:18-20) (18-19) Verse 18 is a very difficult verse to translate. Zephaniah probably means that those who were displaced would enjoy the worship that will be restored. In verse 19, God shows that he will turn His people’s shame into fame. (20) Again, God promises through Zephaniah that He would make all things right in the end.

Next Week: Haggai--The Temple Prophet:

Next Week: Haggai--The Temple Prophet We’ll try to do a one-night survey of this tiny book. Then: Malachi—The Messiah of Peace Prophet Then: Hosea—The Married Prophet Finally: Zechariah—The Revelation Prophet

Resources Used for Zephaniah:

Resources Used for Zephaniah New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra , CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 3rd ed. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007. ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway Bibles: Wheaton, IL, 2008. Barker, Kenneth L., John R. Kohlenberger III. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary—Abridged Edition: Old Testament. Zondervan Publishers: Grand Rapids, MI. 1994. Walvoord , John F., Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983- . Carson , D. A. New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition. 4th ed. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994 . Bentley , Michael. Opening Up Zephaniah. Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008 .