Zephaniah 2:1-15
Q.1. What is the best way to live? What was prophesied about Israel’s neighbours? How did God bring hope even before Judah’s demise? – (Zeph.2:1-7)
There was only one way of possible escape from the coming judgment – Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger (Zeph.2:3). All the surrounding nations would not escape, because – the word of the Lord is against you (Zeph.2:5). Though judgment would fall, the prophet foretold a better day for Judah – 6 So the seacoast will be pastures, with caves for shepherds and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah, they will pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; For the Lord their God will care for them and restore their fortune (Zeph.2:6-7).
Q.2. Why was God going to judge Moab and Ammon? What would happen to them? Who would inherit their territory? – (Zeph.2:8-11)
Moab and Ammon were long standing enemies of Israel. They dated back to Lot (Gen.19:37-38). They taunted Judah and acted arrogantly against her territory. Therefore, they would be destroyed, as were Sodom and Gomorrah (from which their forefather Lot had flown –Zeph.2:9). They would lose their inheritance – … The remnant of My people will plunder them and the remainder of My nation will inherit them (Zeph.2:9). Alluding to the future reign of Christ, Zephaniah prophesied – … and all the coastlands of the nations will bow down to Him, everyone from his own place (Zeph.2:11).
Q.3. What attitude of the Ethiopians and Assyrians would God judge? How complete would be their destruction? – (Zeph.2:12-15)
God would bring down this, the exultant city which dwells securely, who says in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me (Zeph.2:15). It would be utterly destroyed – How she has become a desolation, a resting place for beasts! Everyone who passes by her will hiss and wave his hand in contempt (Zeph.2:15).