Zephaniah 2:8-15;3:1-20 Study_02

The Poetry of Zephaniah PT2 Zephaniah 2:8-15; 3:1-20 God's judgment against the nation's 2:4-15. Coming judgment of leaders 3:1-7.Coming restoration of Jerusalem 3:8-20.The end goal of this prophecy is that a new Jerusalem will bring about a new world order and that order will be built on God's people living in complete obedience to God's covenants. Zephaniah closes his prophecy by proclaiming a new hope that will eventually emerge. This will occur when God has finally and fully established his kingdom to reign indefinitely, a kingdom which will bring joy and peace to the people of both Judah and the nations at large. It's a time when people will learn to value one another for who they are and not what they can offer. The death and resurrection of Jesus has ushered in this new kingdom, even if it is still in shadows, to some degree. Zephaniah 3:17 speaks of God singing over the people of Judah—and most likely all the nations, once he has united them. This should be an incredible reminder of how God's love for human beings is deeper than the sin in which we get so easily entangled. Judah was called to return to God through the covenant he established with Moses. However, today he makes way for people through the covenant he established through Jesus. One was built on obedience of people through codes, regulations, and adherence to commands. The other has been built on submission to Jesus who has fulfilled all the expectations of the other covenant. Today, we have the freedom to celebrate the hope promised to Judah centuries ago.