| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| @December 9, 2023 | ESV (2016) | ESV Prophets Plan 2023 |
Pericopes
- Judgment on Judah’s Enemies
Notes/Application
Zephaniah calls the people to gather together “before the decree takes effect”, announcing that the only hope for Israel is repentance. All the humble of the land are told to seek the LORD, righteousness and humility. If they did this, the LORD might “hide” them when He poured out His “anger” on the unrepentant. Specific nations to receive judgment from God are listed: the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Ethiopians and Assyrians (especially Nineveh). God heard of their pride, boasting and mistreatment of Israel, so He will bring them destruction and His faithful remnant will possess them. The nations will become so depopulated that they will become dwelling places for wild animals. The exultant city of Nineveh, once thought to be impregnable, will be desolated to the point that “Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist.” (Zeph. 2:15).
The call to seek the LORD and righteousness and humility seemed timely given the most recent message at Veritas. Note the priority placement of seeking the LORD and then following with righteousness and humility. This echoes the sentiment that humility is found by actively pursuing the LORD rather than humility itself. Aim for humility and you will fail; follow Christ and you will be made humble. Honorable character is the fruit of an increased nearness to the Source of all righteousness.
Scripture Journal Notes
Commentaries & Resources Used
- ESV Study Bible. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Guardian Press, 1976)
- The Bible: A Reader’s Guide (Sterling Publishing, 2011)
- The Infographic Bible (Zondervan, 2018)
- ESV Digital Scripture Journal (Crossway, 2019)