Rugged Terrain in Israel

I Will Undo All That Aflict Thee

Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD. (Zephaniah 3:8-20 KJV)

The Book of ZEPHANIAH The lineage recorded for Zephaniah (Zeph. 1:1), the longest given for any prophet, traces his ancestry back to the righteous king Hezekiah. His noble ancestry may have given him access to the palace and made it possible for him to effectively reach the heart of young Josiah with his prophecies.   However, since Zephaniah is not mentioned in any of the Historical Books of the Old Testament, it is not certain whether he held a position in the national administration. He prophesied during the reign of Josiah (640 -608 B.C.) but before Josiah initiated his reforms in 631-621 B.C. (2 Chr. 34:3-35:19). Zephaniah is a book of vivid contrasts. Compared to other prophets, he paints a darker picture of God's judgment, and a brighter picture of Israel's future glory. This extreme contrast reflects the divided religious loyalties of the people of Judah.   Their worship of the Lord was mixed with pagan practices, which were abominable to God. God's judgment on this divided camp is called the "Day of the LORD" (see note on Zeph. 1:7) and makes up the theme of the book. The term is specifically referred to in 1:7 -10, 14 -16, 18; 2:2, 3; and 11,16. Another key element of Zephaniah's teaching is the concept of a "remnant" that is protected 'Day of the LORD" (Zeph. 2:7, 9; see note on 3:13). It is interesting to note that the meaning of Zephaniah's name, "the LORD hides," is closely associated with this aspect of his prophecy.   [Source for Introduction of chapter: Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible KJV edited by Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN 37422]