Prophesying Restoration (2)
If Zephaniah opened his book with one of the most blunt descriptions of the wrath of God, the book closes with one of the grandest depictions of his love.
Zephaniah piles up the verbs which express joy to serve as stepping stones from the present gloom to the future glory. Knowing what the future holds and how the battle with evil shall terminate, believers can live confidently even in the midst of despair. God intends for his people to enjoy life in the here and now. In the darkest hour Biblical hope casts joyous rays of light on the believer’s path.
A. Terms of Endearment (3:14)
First, they are “the daughter of Zion.” New Zion would consist of converted Jews and Gentiles who through humble faith have committed their lives to the Lord.
Second, the people of God are called “Israel.” The remnant of the old Israel (v. 13) plus the converted Gentiles would constitute the New Israel (Gal 6:16). Messianic Israel would be a nation based on grace not race, on faith, not biological descent (Matt 21:43; 1 Pet 2:9).
Third, the people of God are called “daughter of Jerusalem.” The geographical Jerusalem was a type of the New Jerusalem, the center of God’s activity. The church of Christ is the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:25, 26; Heb 12:22).
B. Confidence in Forgiveness (3:15–16)
Why does Zephaniah encourage such joy on the part of true believers? First, Yahweh would take away all judgments. Having been forgiven of their sin, citizens of the New Testament Zion no longer stand under the condemnation of God (Rom 8:1).
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2
Second, Yahweh would “cast out” all of Zion’s enemies. Defeat of enemies was a promise which God made to Abraham and Judah (Gen 22:17; 49:8). The promise was repeated as part of the Mosaic covenant (Deut 28:7).
Third, the King of Israel, even Yahweh himself, would dwell in the midst of that New Jerusalem. Jesus promised: “Lo I am with you always” (Matt 28:20). Fourth, the people of God would have no need to fear any evil, i.e., disaster, in the future (3:15).
In that messianic age Jerusalem would be told not to fear. With Yahweh dwelling in their midst and all their enemies defeated what would there be to fear? Fear is the opposite of joy. Fear also hinders effective service. So New Testament Zion would be told “let not your hands be slack” (cf. Heb 12:12–13).
The point is that believers must not yield to discouragement. They must not let fear intimidate, or in any way hinder the work of God’s people. Believers have been saved to serve, not sit! (3:16).
C. The Presence of God (3:17)
Fear can be banished because of the presence of Yahweh in the midst of Zion. The name “Yahweh” brings to mind all the mighty acts which the Lord performed on behalf of ancient Israel. Yahweh is “your God,” i.e., the God who claims this people and is in turn claimed by them
The words suggest a new relationship between Yahweh and his people. The Lord is also called here “a mighty one” (gibbor). The term is used of a warrior who is able to overcome all his foes. Yahweh can and will save his people from all dangers. His presence brings confidence and courage (3:17a).
When he sees his people joyfully and confidently serving him, Yahweh would rejoice over Zion “with joy.” The last phrase underscores the intensity of the rejoicing of the Lord. At times he would “be silent in his love,” i.e., he would contemplate with satisfaction his people in their service. At other times he would burst forth “with singing” in his joy over his people (3:17b).
The Book of Zephaniah concludes with a first person word of encouragement for the believers from God himself. Those living in the dark days preceding the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem needed much encouragement.