Minor Prophets — Zephaniah
This book is, for the most part, a book of judgment, as indicated by the following statement: “The great day of the Lord is near…That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness” (Zephaniah 1:14-15). It is judgment of hypocritical Judah and all the nations.
There had been great revival under the godly king Josiah, but the hearts of the people remained unchanged, and they had returned to the worship of Baal and many other wicked practices.
However, in the midst of all this there is comfort for the godly, and a future day of blessing anticipated. “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17). So, in the end the Lord will have the joy of having His earthly people gathered around Himself.
So, we learn, that in spite of sin and failure, the Lord delights in His people and will bless them in grace. What a comfort this is for us, His heavenly people, as well.