Zephaniah
(reigned c. 640–609 BC) was the great-grandson of godly King Hezekiah of
Judah. His name, “Yahweh hides,” probably means that he was one of the
descendants of David hidden from the atrocities of evil King Manasseh. The
prophet spoke to Judah during a time of relative peace and top-down reform
under King Josiah of Judah as given in 2 Kings chapter 22 and 23. Zephaniah was a contemporary of
Nahum and Habakkuk.
There are three chapters in the books
which describe the judgment day of the lord on the whole of mankind. The first chapter describe the anger of Adonai
upon whole mankind especially Judah and Israel. Adonai is angry because of two
reasons i.e. worship of Baal and Molech. These two pagan gods instigated
child sacrifice especially the first-born male child of the family, deceitful
religious practices instigating lustful activities which are strongly
prohibited by Adonai. The children of Israel are not seeking or consulting
Him.
Further, the chapter describes in verse 7:
the Adonai’s sacrifice on the appointed day i.e. Prophecy of Lord
Yeshua our Messiah, the darling of Heaven who was slain for the sins of entire
mankind from beginning till the end. Further, the punishment will start
from Jerusalem to all who have hardened their hearts. Their wealth and their
possessions, their property all be made ruin on the day of the Lord. The term “Day
of the Lord” is repeated more than twenty times in this book.
The second chapter starts with declaring
gathering up of the people who are humble, who seek righteousness, seek
meekness will be spared from the Judgement of Nearby nations. Prophet describes the
name of certain places and country i.e. Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, the nation of
Cherethites, Canaan, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopians, Nineveh. These all will become
ruin on the day of Judgement of Lord.
Third chapter describes the Justice
of disobedient Jerusalem. This happened because they did not trust their
Adonai. Morning by Morning Adonai brings his justice to light. He does not
fail. Yet the Kings, Priests, and the People did not banish their corrupt
deeds. Adonai will pour out wrath on all the earth.
From verse 9 onwards we observe the
future restoration of Israel’s Remnant, purification of Israel. This is
existing because of the eternal promise passed from generations of Abraham to
Isaac to Israel or Jacob and His descendants. For instance, in verse 13 it
is mentioned – The remnant of Israel will do no injustice nor will they tell
lies, nor will they tell lies, nor will a deceitful tongue, he found in their
mouths. Is mentioned by Prophet John in Revelation chapter 14 verse 4 also.
Further, Adonai declares that he has taken
our punishments, turned back our adversary, King Adonai in our Midst, never
again will you fear harm. Adonai God is in your midst, a Might Saviour, He will
delight you with joy. He will quiet you with His love. He will dance for joy
over you with his singing. Adonai will gather us i.e. Gentiles and Jews in the
New Jerusalem as described in Revelations.
This book describes two basic attributes
of Adonai which are His love and Justice. He, cannot withstand disobedience,
yet due to his agape Love for mankind. We are saved through his grace
revealed in his son Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
The Lord
has CONCEALED
Adonai Lord Yeshua our Messiah is coming
Soon!
By: Dr. Shine David
