ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Zephaniah 3

Zeph. 3:1–7 God’s people cannot think that they will emerge unscathed on the day of the Lord. If they sin (vv. 1–4) and are shameless (v. 5), they are also held accountable, especially as they lack repentance (vv. 6–7).

Zeph. 3:1 Jerusalem is described as defiled and oppressing. It has become spiritually polluted (Isa. 59:3; Mal. 1:7) through idolatry and injustice.

Zeph. 3:3 The city’s officials (1:8; 1 Chron. 28:1) and judges (Ex. 18:21–22) are like ferocious roaring lions and evening wolves. Instead of guarding the flock, they devour it.

Zeph. 3:4 Religious officials are also condemned, both prophets and priests.

Zeph. 3:5 Unlike the human leaders, God always shows that he is righteous by not breaking the law (Ezek. 18:5–9). He shows forth his justice by seeing that all receive fair treatment (compare Ex. 23:6).

Zeph. 3:7 God calls Jerusalem to fear, that is, to have respectful awe at his power (2:11; Ex. 14:31). This involves a willingness to accept correction (contrast Zeph. 3:2) as evidence of their fear of God (Prov. 10:17). If they obey, they will not experience God’s judgment: your dwelling would not be cut off.

Zeph. 3:8 The people are called to wait for God, not for possible blessing (Isa. 30:18) but for coming judgment. This time it will not be against Judah alone, since he will gather (Zeph. 3:18–20) all nations of the earth for their judgment.

3:9–20 Anticipation of Hope. God the judge is also God the gracious. He intends for the nations and Judah to turn to him (vv. 9–13). This will cause rejoicing (vv. 14–17), because God alone has accomplished salvation (vv. 18–20).

Zeph. 3:9 In that day, God will change the speech of the peoples gathered to be punished (Isa. 6:5–7). The nations had polluted speech, for they worshiped pagan gods. Now they will have pure speech (compare Ps. 24:4), cleansed to call upon the name of the Lord in worship (Gen. 4:26) and to serve him. This worship is universal, done by all, and unanimous, “with one accord” (compare 1 Kings 22:13).

Zeph. 3:10 Israelite exiles will come home from beyond the rivers of Cush (1:1; 2:12; Isa. 18:1). See note on Zeph. 2:12. True worshipers will come to Jerusalem, whether from east or west.

Zeph. 3:11 Jerusalem’s shame (Isa. 54:4) is over, even though it was deserved because of the people’s wickedness (Zeph. 3:1–4, 7). They had rebelled against what they knew was right (Hos. 8:1). They were dominated by proudly exultant ones, haughty, wealthy people (Zeph. 1:8–13) who thought they needed nothing from God. Sadly, this contempt was shown in God’s earthly dwelling place, his holy mountain, Zion (Obad. 16), the site of the temple.

Zeph. 3:12 God will especially provide a place for the humble and lowly (2:3). Unlike the arrogant (3:11), they know they are in need, so they seek refuge in his name (see Isa. 57:13).

Zeph. 3:13 God’s people will no longer commit sins such as injustice (v. 5), lying (Ezek. 13:6–9), and a deceitful tongue (Jer. 14:14).

Zeph. 3:14 The defiled city and nation (v. 1) will again be called the beloved daughter of Zion (Isa. 62:11). Zion is an alternative name for Jerusalem, the city of David (2 Sam. 5:7) and home of the temple (Ps. 9:11). Since all the exiles will be home, Jerusalem will again be capital of all Israel. Full reunion of the northern and southern kingdoms will occur.

Zeph. 3:15 Rejoicing is appropriate because of the presence of the Lord, the real King of Israel, among his people. The human kings of Israel and Judah served only as representatives of Israel’s true ruler, who blesses with his presence those who repent and return to him.

Zeph. 3:17 The previously weakened nation is in the presence of the mighty one (Deut. 10:17; Ps. 24:8; Isa. 10:21). Instead of their fleeing in the face of danger (Zeph. 1:14), God can save his people from it (Ex. 14:30). God himself will rejoice over you with gladness. God’s personal delight in them bursts forth in joyful celebration: he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zeph. 3:19 God will act on behalf of all his people who have suffered under exile. He will save the lame (Mic. 4:6–7) as a shepherd helps his sheep.

Zeph. 3:20 God will restore his scattered people. Instead of being shamed for their sin, they will be renowned and praised (Deut. 26:19) because of the gracious salvation of God.