Take Two: Zephaniah 1, Proverbs 17

Zephaniah is a pivotal book among the minor prophets. Zephaniah ministered during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah (639-609BC) (Zeph 1:1). The setting of the book cannot be determined from its own evidence as to a more precise period within Josiah's reign. Because of the focus on the judgment of the Day of the Lord, most commentators believe that the book centered on a period prior to the reforms of 621BC.

To keep it in context with what we have studied, this book follows the other minor prophets and the prohesies during the ministries of Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, etc.

The writing style of the prophet is very poetic. He uses colorful language consistent with this style. Not every image, therefore, needs to be taken literally. The "point" needs to be taken literally...but how the author makes it must be understood in context.

At center stage as the book opens is the judgment of God. Some speculate that since the picture seems to be universal, widespread destruction...the focus is on the end times. Others say that since there is a focus on the nearness of the judgment, the focus in on the Babylonian conquest (587 BC). Both are likely true. In prophesy...it is common for their to be a twofold fulfillment. Jerusalem would fall soon, and there would be an ultimate universal destruction at the coming of the Day of the Lord. We (in our Western mindsets) don't like the ambiguity here...but we have to learn to read this as the original audience would have understood it.

In Zeph 1:2-3 the picture is of ultimate destruction. The destruction is a reverse order of Creation...part of the poetic structure of the book. The highpoint of creation, man, is the first to be judged and wiped out. Many of those listening to the prophet would have listened as many in churches today: "Yes, judgment is coming against the whole earth," while thinking that they personally would be exempted somehow.

Zeph 1:4 is the statement of judgment against Judah and even Jerusalem. This would be scandalous to the ears of the hearers in the day. It is akin to me saying, "God will judge Pensacola and it will begin in our congregation on Pine Forest Road." Not a very "seeker-friendly" sermon that day. Why the judgment? The reason is implied but not explicitly declared. Since God had already set the standard of conduct for His people...He owes no declaration of justification for His actions. He is God and acts righteously. It is not open for debate.

Zeph 1:4 notes the baal worship and the priests who lead in it as being destroyed. Zeph 1:5 notes those who worship creation (the stars in the heavens...astrology anyone...) will be destroyed. Also those who say they worship God and also false gods at the same time. Zeph 1:6 points to those who have turned back from their commitment to follow God as well as those who have not sought Him or inquired about Him. ( Don't miss this. This is an essential element of Theology. There is a "homing beacon" in the heart of every person to know and worship someone. General revelation of Creation testifies to the presence of a Creator God {Rom 1}. Those who ignore the homing beacon are akin to children who run through the house away from a parent with fingers in their ears screaming "I can't hear you." They too will be judged for ignoring the homing beacon within....and pursuing self sufficiency over God dependency.)

God's destruction/judgment will be universal (Zeph 1:7-13). He will even search out house to house those who are "stagnant" in spirit and those who believe God is not coming soon (Zeph 1:12). Nothing wil protect people from the coming judgment of God...especially those things they have come to trust in (Zeph 1:18).

Now some in the church today would be uncomfortable with a God who is so decisive and unrelenting. They would find this God objectionable. They would say that He is hard for them to "get close to relationally." This is understandable on a human level...but God is not like us. There is another aspect of God's nature. God is absolutely Holy. As such, His Holiness will not tolerate even the smallest sin. In fact, were it not for a relationship with Christ...all of us would face exactly what is in view in chapter 1 of this book.

Proverbs 17:27 is the takeaway. Knowledge and understanding are seen in the man who remains cool and restrains his words...he who master's his own tongue.

Grace,