Zephaniah 3:8-20
Dear RTB’ers,
Today’s reading is a bit confusing for me. (Nothing new about that…! ) Early on we see another picture of complete destruction: For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of My jealousy all the earth shall be consumed. (v. 8) All the earth consumed…? That’s what we saw two days ago, that I repeated yesterday. But then, immediately, God has a plan for a separate people? For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him with one accord. … the daughter of My dispersed ones shall bring My offering. (vv. 9-10) Then the rest of the chapter seems to be a “salvation” of sorts for these special people, likely the Israelites. They will have been cleansed from all their wrongdoings; they shall be safe and secure: The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; He has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. (v. 15)
Yes, the Lord will have His special people. We close today with “At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD. (v. 20) So, what peoples? The Israelites? What time? In Zephaniah’s life, or the End Times or when? What place? Jerusalem? A bit confusing to me…
Blessings!
See also: June 29 (2023) / II Kings 22; Zephaniah (again).