Luther wrote “Zephaniah lived in the time of the prophet Jeremiah, for as the title [1:1] shows, he prophesied under King Josiah, as did Jeremiah. For that reason he prophesies the very same things as Jeremiah, namely, that Jerusalem and Judah shall be destroyed and the people carried away because of their wicked life, devoid of repentance” (Luthers’s Works 35:328).

The first two plus chapters of Zephaniah are words of judgement and condemnation for those who do not live as God’s people. But the people of Judah had the mistaken notion that God would protect them no matter what. Their attitude was that the prophets who spoke of punishment didn’t know what they were talking about. “We’re God’s chosen people – how could He possibly be angry with us?” They thought that because they were “the chosen” they could live however they wanted and suffer no consequences. That is why the message of judgment from Zephaniah (and the other prophets) was met with indifference when He called the people to repent. It was necessary for him to share the harsh reality of what was coming.

Zephaniah 1:18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the Lord’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth.”

This was more than just the coming captivity in Babylon. This is speaking about eternity as well. And this doom would be true for all nations, including those among “God’s chosen” who did not turn from their evil ways and trust in the Lord.

For those who would trust in the Lord and repent, there are words of hope and comfort and reconciliation.  We get to that good part in chapter 3, the salvation that will come on the day of the Lord, the fulfillment and completion of God’s Grace.

Zephaniah 3:14–17 Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Those verses are part of the lesson read on the Third Sunday of Advent (Series C) in the lectionary of assigned readings for the Church Year. The promise was being fulfilled at the first Advent/Coming of Jesus. He was coming to bring God’s salvation by being the Lamb of God that would take away the sin of the world. He has taken away your punishment. He is with you, mighty to save. And this salvation will find its culmination at His Second Advent, when He returns to take all the faithful to Himself.

“he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

I find those words especially comforting. The one who lived and died and rose again for me is not only with me, but He is there to quiet me with His love. When I am frightened, unsure, conflicted, angry or flustered, I need simply to turn to the one is right there by my side and let His love quiet me. I need to hear him rejoicing over me with His song. I hear that when I turn to His Word and let Him sing to me. It is where I find rest for my soul. Hopefully you will, too.