Zephaniah 3:9-20

Restoration of the nations and Jerusalem

9 Then I will change the speech of the peoples into pure speech, that all of them will call on the name of the LORD and will serve him as one.

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my daughter, my dispersed ones, will bring me offerings.

11 On that day, you won't be ashamed of all your deeds with which you sinned against me; then I will remove from your midst those boasting with pride. No longer will you be haughty on my holy mountain,

12 but I will cause a humble and powerless people to remain in your midst; they will seek refuge in the name of the LORD.

13 The few remaining from Israel won't commit injustice; they won't tell lies; a deceitful tongue won't be found on their lips. They will graze and lie down; no one will make them afraid.

14 Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.

15 The LORD has removed your judgment; he has turned away your enemy. The LORD, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you will no longer fear evil.

16 On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem: Don't fear, Zion. Don't let your hands fall.

17 The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.

18 I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts. They have been a burden for her, a reproach.

19 Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time. I will deliver the lame; I will gather the outcast. I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth.

20 At that time, I will bring all of you back, at the time when I gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the LORD.

Zephaniah 3:9-20 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZEPHANIAH 3

In this chapter the character of the city of Jerusalem, and its inhabitants in general, is drawn, as it would be, and as it was, in the times of Christ and his apostles, Zep 3:1,2 and of the principal persons of it in particular, its princes, judges, prophets, and priests, Zep 3:3,4. The hardness, impenitence, and shamelessness of this people, are exposed and aggravated by the just Lord being among them; who, by his example and doctrine, taught them otherwise; yet they were not amended or made ashamed, Zep 3:5 nor received instruction, nor took warning by the judgments of God on other nations, Zep 3:6,7 wherefore the followers of God are called upon to wait his time, who would gather many people together, and destroy the whole land of Judea, Zep 3:8 at which time he would send his Gospel among the Gentiles, who should thereby be brought to the true worship and service of God, Zep 3:9,10 though there should be a remnant among the Jews, according to the election of grace, that should be saved from that general calamity, Zep 3:11-13 and the spiritual Israel are encouraged with promises of better times, when the Jews in general should be converted and gathered into the church of God, have the presence and protection of God with them, and deliverance from all their enemies, and be a praise among all people of the earth, Zep 3:14-20.

Footnotes

• [a] Or with one shoulder
• [b] Heb uncertain
• [c] Or before your eyes