Theological Commentary: Click Here
A humble
nature is a common theme among the prophets.
It is also common for the prophets to have a message for the people
before judgment comes upon them. These
two things should go together. When
judgment comes, it comes for a reason. Judgment
comes to us because we are sinning. Sin
inherently comes when we are acting for our own sake and not living humbly.
This is why
Zephaniah encourages the Hebrew people to be humble. He asks that those who are in relationship
with the Lord to seek righteousness and humility. He asks this because there is a chance they
might be spared. The humble and the righteous might find that judgment passes
over them.
In contrast,
look what Zephaniah has to say about the Moabites and the Ammonites. They insult and taunt the Hebrew people. They mock God. Judgment is coming in return for their
pride.
Look also to
the prophecy against the Assyrians.
Nineveh will lie desolate. They
who boasted to be greatest among the nations will lie empty and devoid of
civilization. They will be ruled by
wilderness and the beast of the wilderness.
Anyone who passes by will know their ruin.
God has an
issue with pride and boasting. He has an
issue with people who mock and taunt. Humbleness
– the ability to recognize one’s place – is a great cure against pride and
boasting. This is why Zephaniah
encourages the people to try to avoid judgment by seeking humbleness.
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