Zephaniah 1:6

6 1those who have turned back from following the LORD, 2who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."

Zephaniah 1:6 Meaning and Commentary

Zephaniah 1:6

And them that are turned back from the Lord
Who once were worshippers of him, but now become apostates, and had turned their backs on him and his worship. Some think this describes those who renewed their covenant with God in Josiah's time, and after that revolted from him, who must be very abominable to him; and therefore he threatens to stretch out his hand, and pour out his wrath upon them: and [those] that have not sought the Lord, nor inquired for him;
profane abandoned sinners, that lived without God in the world, and as if there was no God; never concerned themselves about the worship of him, having no faith in him, love to him, or fear and reverence of him; so far were they from seeking him in the first place diligently, zealously, and with their whole heart, that they never sought him at all; nor took any pains to get any knowledge of him, or of his mind and will, and manner of worship; but were altogether careless about these things, and unconcerned for them.

Zephaniah 1:6 In-Context

4 "I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
5 those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom,
6 those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."
7 Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests.
8 And on the day of the LORD's sacrifice-- "I will punish the officials and the king's sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Jeremiah 2:13, 17; Jeremiah 15:6
  • 2. [Jeremiah 5:24; Hebrews 11:6]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.