READ: Zeph. 3:1–5: … roaring lions … evening wolves … treacherous …unjust …
After announcing judgment upon the surrounding nations, Zephaniah again addresses Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the royal city where the king dwells. More importantly, it is the temple city, the city of the great King, the LORD of hosts, the holy city where the LORD reigns upon Mount Zion. There the ministry of reconciliation ought to be exercised, and the LORD should be praised and thanked. Psalm 87 declares: “Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God!”
Yet Jerusalem no longer resembles the city of God. Here it is called a rebellious, defiled, and oppressive city. Its leaders follow their own ways. They refuse to listen to God’s law, refuse to serve Him, and refuse to trust in Him. They are rebellious, just as Adam was in the Fall. They have turned away from God in stubbornness and refuse to draw near to Him. They reject His warnings through the prophets and, through their idolatry, serve His adversary instead.
These verses describe sin that leads to death. This rebellion also manifests itself in their treatment of their neighbours. Jerusalem has become a breeding place of pride, sin, and injustice.
Its rulers roar like lions. They abuse their authority and resemble the devil himself, who goes about as a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8). Their false leadership leads to destruction.
The judges likewise fail to administer justice. Instead, they pervert it, probably by accepting bribes. Thus innocent people suffer unjust condemnation. They behave like evening wolves that rapidly devour their prey (Hab. 1:8). The weak, the orphans, and the widows become their victims.
False prophets also abound, telling leaders and people only what they wish to hear: “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jer. 6:14; 8:11). The priests themselves profane God’s law through idolatrous practices.
Yet in this corrupt city the voice of the LORD still sounds through His prophet. He Himself is perfectly righteous and proclaims the truth of His Word. How shameless it is to reject Him.
Should not such things within the church fill us with holy fear?
Sing: Ps. 129:1–3.