READ: Zeph. 2:4–15: … the Philistines … I will destroy you … Moab … Ammon … like Sodom … like Gomorrah … because of their pride … the Ethopians … Assyria … Nineveh … a desolation …
The day of the LORD’s burning wrath may soon become reality. There is still a day of grace, still an opportunity for repentance and humility before God. Yet this divine wrath concerns not only Israel but also the many nations surrounding her.
The list begins with the Philistines to the west (vv.4–7), who originally came from Crete. They shall be destroyed, and after the exile their land shall belong to Judah. Other prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, likewise proclaim the LORD’s judgment upon these ancient enemies of His people.
God’s judgment also comes upon Moab and Ammon, east of Israel, likewise bitter enemies of God’s people who have reproached not only Israel but God Himself (v.10). Their sins are so grievous that they shall share the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah (v.9). They shall be overthrown and become a desolation. Their land also shall belong to the remnant of God’s people who return from exile.
This judgment is also intended to lead the inhabitants of all lands to worship the LORD (v.11). Already this points forward to the day of final judgment (Mal. 1:11; Belgic Confession, Art. 37).
The prophecy then turns southward to Cush or Ethiopia. They too shall experience God’s devastating judgment through His sword.
Finally Assyria and Nineveh in the north are mentioned. Although God had formerly spared Nineveh because of its repentance under Jonah’s preaching, He will nevertheless reduce that city to complete desolation (cf. Nahum). Assyria was then the mightiest empire, and Nineveh the greatest city in the world. Yet no one shall remain there. Admiration will be replaced by astonishment and horror.
So it shall be at the final judgment for the world that has hated God, while for those who have loved Him there shall be the new heaven and the new earth.
Do you look forward to that day?
Sing: Ps. 7:3.