You might be like me in that you’re not very familiar with the writings of the prophet Zephaniah. If that’s the case, I’d like to share some insights about this prophet.
Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah during the reign of Josiah, from 640-609 B.C. His name may mean “Jehovah hides” and may reflect the terror of the days of Manasseh at the time of Zephaniah’s birth.
In Judah, persecution, idolatry, and child sacrifice were rampant. Zephaniah denounced the practices of idol worship and child sacrifice that were prevalent during Manasseh’s reign.
As you read through the following verses, look for three specific groups in Judah that are named as objects of judgment.
- Those who worship the host of heaven on the roofs.
- Those who swear by Yahweh and Baal.
- Those who have turned aside from following Jehovah.
I will utterly sweep away everything
from the face of the earth, says the Lord.
I will sweep away humans and animals;
I will sweep away the birds of the air
and the fish of the sea.
I will make the wicked stumble.
I will cut off humanity
from the face of the earth, says the Lord.
I will stretch out my hand against Judah
and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
and I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal
and the name of the idolatrous priests,
Those who bow down on the roofs
to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
but also swear by Milcom,
Those who have turned back from following the Lord,
who have not sought the Lord or inquired of him. Zephaniah 1.2-6
The Prophet is saying that God is about to bring judgment against the whole world, and that judgment will affect Judah and Jerusalem directly.
Who is in trouble?
As we apply these verses and their themes to our lives, let’s ask the question: Who is in trouble? How may we end up being like the bad guys in this prophecy?
(1) Astral Worship – The first group was those who worshipped the stars and the moon. Astral worship was common in Babylon and Canaan. It became prevalent in Judah in the closing days of the monarchy.
How often have you been asked, “What’s your Zodiac sign?” or “Do our signs match?”
How frequently do you search for astrology predictions on social media or spot a horoscope section in newspapers, offering insights based on astrological signs?
I hope that most people see this as just harmless entertainment and curiosity. However, when individuals start making decisions based on astrological readings, they shift their faith from God to something that is a very poor substitute for Him.
(2) Syncretism – Syncretism, a technical theological term, refers to the blending of two distinct religions. By mixing the worship of God with elements not of God, we ruin our understanding of God.
In the times of the Old Testament, the most prevalent form of religious syncretism involved the worship of Jehovah and Baal.
Nowadays, the most frequent combinations involve the worship of God with materialism or nationalism.
(3) Turned Away from God – Those who turn away from God’s basic directions for life are asking for trouble.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6.4-5).
Looking to the stars, nationalism, or materialism for guidance leads us away from the truth. The Lord is the one true God, and He alone should hold the place of the Lord in our lives.
The ultimate building block of a good life is to love God with all our heart and all our being. When we live in a love relationship with Him, He can do in us and through us anything that He desires.
Inventory Check
God used the prophets to lay out His standards and guidance for the people. The prophets came so that individuals could align their lives with God’s will and avoid judgment.
Today, it is advantageous for us to consider the three key points Zephaniah made and to reflect on whether our lives are in alignment with God’s will or if repentance is needed.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 