Zephaniah Chapter Three, Bringing Israel Home Again

Zephaniah 3:20 At that time I will bring you back, even at the time I gather you; for I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I return your captives before your eyes,” says the Lord.

The final verse of Zephaniah still focuses God’s word upon the Day of the Lord, and what it means for Israel. In the time of the prophet, under the godly rule of Josiah, the kingdom seemed stable on the surface. But Yahweh revealed to Ezekiel–a Jewish captive in the time of Zedekiah’s reign–images of Judah’s grotesque infidelity, Ezekiel 8:9-11.

Zephaniah Chapter Three, Praise & Fame

Zephaniah 3:18 I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, to whom its reproach is a burden. [19] Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame.

Though I have pressed this point fervently already, I will continue to do so for the sake of Scriptural clarity. Many sects, cults, and genuine Christians believe that Israel as a nation and the Jews as a people are no more and the promises do not apply to them, or were translated to the church.

Zephaniah Chapter Three, Comforting Zion

Zephaniah 3:16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. [17] The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

The celebratory lauding reaches crescendo at this point. We are still speaking of the Day of the Lord in this passage, clearly illuminated by the prophet, when he says, “In that day.” Moses reminds us that a thousand years to God is not unlike the passing of a single day from human perspective, Psalm 90:4.

Zephaniah Chapter Three, The King Of Israel

Zephaniah 3:14 Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! [15] The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall see disaster no more.

The chapter has shifted to an entirely celebratory scene. Zephaniah makes things abundantly clear. This forthcoming prophecy regards Zion, Israel, or Jerusalem: all synonymous with the Jews. We are referring to Jewry in this passage. It is not metaphor. The entire book of Zephaniah fixates on the prophet bemoaning their infidelity, impending judgment, and eventual reconciliation to the Lord.

Zephaniah Chapter Three, Israel's Restoration & Peace

Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall do no unrighteousness and speak no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed their flocks and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.”

Following on the heels of verse twelve, Zephaniah informs his readership that the result of God leaving a humbled people in the midst of Israel was a righteous nation. Before delving further into this idea, however, we should skip ahead to the latter portion of this verse.