You Can Read the Bible

Around 630 B.C.

The typical introduction returns in Zephaniah, as the opening verse tells us that this is the word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi… in the days of Josiah, the son of Amon, the king of Judah.  Given the presence of Baal worship, this is probably before the restoration of the Temple in Josiah’s 18^th year, and may have contributed to Judah’s repentance. 

Any comfort ends there, however, for the LORD’s first declaration is that “I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth.”  Moreover, “I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests, those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom, those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."

I’ve noted before that each of these twelve prophets typically has one theme that they follow or charge to make, and Zephaniah’s is obviously about the folly of trusting other gods, or wealth, or Judah’s neighbors – none of which can be counted on for protection.  For, as has already been established, it is the LORD who ultimately punishes.  Listen carefully as the LORD spirals around this theme. 

But in chapter 3 the LORD draws a distinction between Jerusalem’s fickle, treacherous prophets, her priests who profane what is holy, and do violence to the law, and Himself, who alone is righteous; He does no injustice.  “Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, for …the great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast.

Our verse for this week is Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

The prophet Zephaniah.  Now let’s read it!

Zephaniah -

You Can Read the Bible is supported by Bellefield Presbyterian Church and blessed with its wonderful volunteers, including: Dave Moore, Jose David Aguilar Posada, Meagan Carter, Fiona Carter, Tanya Carter, Greg Burdette, Madeline Kulp, Andie Young, Justin Ray, Gary Liberati, Maureen Hinchman, Ken MacLeod, John Dolan, Roberto Cantillo, Charlei George, Josh Brown, Jeanne Griffith, Zachary Fritts, Dan Hinchman, Sophia Young, Lynette MacLeod, Gladys Cantillo, Grace Watson, Marianne Seah, Ian MacLeod, Liz Zimmerman, August Hall, Paza Boyd, Kristin Horner, Daniel Young, Paul Griffoen, Ben Moore, Meredith Carter, Bob Willson, Rosie Wagoner, Nick Bersin, Rhonda Hall, Helen Dolby, Emily Moore, Rick Zimmerman, Matt Jones, Kiana Jones, Jane Carter, Marilyn Long, Renee Hairston, Heather Weaver, Carol Williams, Anita Woolley, Andrew Thorpe, Emily Wenz, Matt Carter, and many others.

A special note of thanks to Dave Moore, the Moore family, Maureen Hinchman, the Hinchman family, Jose Posada, the Posada family, and to the Carter family. This would not have happened without your unwavering efforts, sacrifice, and support! Thank you!

We provide You Can Read the Bible in all of its many forms and formats as a ministry service to grow disciples within the church universal. This is not a substitute for your local church community, but it could be a resource to use within your local church and for you personally.