Zephaniah 3:2 - The Judgment on Jerusalem
She heeded no voice;
This phrase highlights the persistent disobedience and rebellion of the people. In the context of Zephaniah, this refers to Jerusalem and its inhabitants who ignored the warnings of the prophets sent by God. The "voice" can be understood as the voice of God communicated through His prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, who called the people to repentance. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God’s people often fail to listen to divine instruction, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 7:13 and Ezekiel 3:7. The refusal to heed God's voice is a recurring issue throughout Israel's history, leading to judgment and exile.
she accepted no correction.
The refusal to accept correction indicates a hardened heart and a resistance to change. Biblically, correction is a form of divine discipline intended to guide the people back to righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12. The historical context shows that despite numerous warnings and opportunities for repentance, the people of Jerusalem continued in their sinful ways. This stubbornness is reminiscent of the Israelites' behavior in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 32, where they repeatedly resisted God's guidance. The failure to accept correction ultimately leads to severe consequences, as prophesied by Zephaniah and fulfilled in the Babylonian exile.
She does not trust in the LORD;
Trust in the LORD is a central tenet of faith in the Hebrew Scriptures, emphasized in passages like Proverbs 3:5-6. The lack of trust here signifies a reliance on human strength, alliances, or idols rather than on God. Historically, this can be seen in Judah's political alliances with foreign nations like Egypt and Assyria, which were often condemned by the prophets (Isaiah 30:1-2). Theologically, this lack of trust is a form of idolatry, as it places confidence in something other than God. This phrase underscores the spiritual adultery of the people, who have turned away from their covenant relationship with the LORD.
she has not drawn near to her God.
Drawing near to God implies a relationship characterized by worship, obedience, and intimacy. In the Old Testament, this is often associated with the temple worship and the sacrificial system, which were intended to facilitate communion with God (Leviticus 9:7). The failure to draw near suggests a neglect of these practices and a spiritual distance from God. This phrase can also be seen as a call to repentance, echoing James 4:8, which encourages believers to draw near to God with the promise that He will draw near to them. Theologically, this distance from God is a result of sin, which separates humanity from the divine presence, a theme that is ultimately addressed through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who reconciles believers to God.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Zephaniah
A prophet in the Old Testament, Zephaniah's ministry occurred during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His prophecies focus on the coming judgment and the need for repentance.
2. Jerusalem
The city being addressed in this verse, representing the people of Judah who have turned away from God.
3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people and calls them to repentance and trust.
4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is the primary audience of Zephaniah's prophecies, facing impending judgment due to their disobedience.
5. Prophetic Warning
The event of Zephaniah delivering God's message of warning and call to repentance to the people of Judah.
Teaching Points
Heeding God's Voice
Importance of listening to God's word and being open to His guidance.
Reflect on how we can better attune our hearts to hear God's voice in our daily lives.
Accepting Correction
Embrace correction as a means of growth and alignment with God's will.
Consider how we respond to correction from God and others.
Trusting in the LORD
Trust is foundational to our relationship with God; evaluate areas where we may struggle to trust Him fully.
Develop practices that strengthen our trust in God's promises and character.
Drawing Near to God
Cultivate a closer relationship with God through prayer, worship, and study of His word.
Identify barriers that prevent us from drawing near to God and seek to remove them.
Verse 2. - The voice; i.e. of God, as heard in the Law and at the mouth of his prophets (comp. Jeremiah 7:24, etc.; Jeremiah 9:13). Received not correction. They took not to heart the chastisements sent upon them, and did not profit by them. She trusted not in the Lord, but in man. When danger threatened, she relied on human aid, made alliances with the heathen, or else had recourse to idols and prayed for help to false gods, as the next clause complains. She drew not near to her God. She broke the covenant which she had made, would not avail herself of the privilege bestowed upon her, and had no intercourse with the Lord in prayer and worship. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
She heeded
שָֽׁמְעָה֙ (šā·mə·‘āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently
no
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
voice;
בְּק֔וֹל (bə·qō·wl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound
she accepted
לָקְחָ֖ה (lā·qə·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take
no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
instruction.
מוּסָ֑ר (mū·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint
She does not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
trust
בָטָ֔חָה (ḇā·ṭā·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 982: To trust, be confident, sure
in the LORD;
בַּֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
she has not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
drawn near
קָרֵֽבָה׃ (qā·rê·ḇāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach
to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to
her God.
אֱלֹהֶ֖יהָ (’ĕ·lō·he·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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Zephaniah 3:2 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Zephaniah 3:2 She didn't obey the voice (Zeph. Zep Zp)