Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryZephaniah 3

The Depravity of Jerusalem.It is surprising that Jerusalem, called the holy city and known for God’s presence, could become so corrupt. Even with many blessings and opportunities to know God, the people turned away from Him. This shows that having God’s law and religious privileges does not make people perfect. God especially hates sin in those who are closest to Him. When a city or person turns away from God, their situation becomes truly sad and dangerous.v. 1: The prophet gives a strong warning: Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! . Jerusalem is called filthy because of her sins. She is also called an oppressing city because she treats her own people unfairly. Even though Jerusalem had the best laws, the leaders did not follow them. Sin makes people and places unclean in God’s eyes.

v. 2: Jerusalem did not listen to God. She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord

v. 3: The leaders of Jerusalem were corrupt. Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow . The princes were cruel and greedy, using their power to hurt others. The judges were like wolves, always hungry for more, never satisfied, and quick to take advantage of people (Job 31:31 ).

v. 4: The prophets and priests were also unfaithful. Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law . The prophets were unreliable and did not speak the truth. The priests, who were supposed to keep God’s house holy, made it unclean by their actions. They twisted God’s law to suit themselves, making it say what they wanted instead of what God meant.

v. 5: God was still present among them. The just Lord

v. 6: God had already judged other nations as a warning. I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant . God destroyed other wicked nations, leaving their cities empty. This should have warned Jerusalem to turn from sin (Leviticus 18:28; Ezekiel 23:9, 11 ).

v. 7: God hoped that Jerusalem would learn from these warnings. I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction . God promised to let them stay in their land if they listened and changed. He tried many ways to teach and correct them, but they refused. Instead, they became even more eager to do wrong. They got up early to continue their sinful ways, ignoring God’s messengers. Their corruption was their own choice, and they could not blame anyone else for it (Isaiah 5:4 ).

Judgment and Mercy; Promises of Mercy.The previous verses described how hopeless Jerusalem seemed—so corrupt that nothing could change her. It looked like God would just abandon and reject her. But here we see God’s amazing grace. Instead of total rejection, God promises to act in a new way. He tells those who care about the sins of God’s people to wait for Him. God will bring something better through the coming of His Son and the spread of the gospel. Even when people seem beyond hope, God’s mercy can still shine.v. 8: God says, Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord

v. 9: God promises to change the hearts of people. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord

v. 10: Even people far away will come to worship God. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering . Those who were once scattered and far from God will turn to Him in prayer and bring their spiritual offerings. God calls them “my dispersed” to show He still cares for them, no matter where they are (Romans 12:1; Romans 15:16 ).

v. 11: God will remove sin and shame from among His people. In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings . God will forgive and cleanse them so they no longer need to be ashamed. He will also take away those who are proud and hypocritical, those who trusted in their religious privileges instead of truly following God (Jeremiah 7:4 ). God wants humble hearts, not pride in holy things.

v. 12: God promises to leave a humble and faithful remnant. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord

v. 13: This faithful remnant will be blessed with purity and peace. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth . They will live honestly and do what is right. God will protect them so they can feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Those who seek to do right can trust that God will give them peace and safety.

Evangelical Predictions.After God promises to remove sin, He also promises to take away the troubles caused by sin. When sins are forgiven, blessings and joy naturally follow. In these verses, God speaks to a purified people and gives them reason to rejoice. These promises were partly fulfilled in the return of the Jews from captivity, but they are fully accomplished in the comforts of the gospel through Jesus Christ. Those who experience God’s grace are called to rejoice, trust in Him, and find strength in His promises.v. 14: The people are called to rejoice: Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart . They are told to celebrate God’s goodness with joy that is deep and heartfelt. God’s promises, when believed, fill His people with peace and joy. Those who turn away from sin will have every reason to rejoice in their relationship with God.

v. 15: God promises to remove their troubles: The Lord

v. 16: God calls them to cast off fear: Fear thou not: and let not thine hands be slack . Fear and discouragement weaken people, making them unable to work or fight. But faith and hope make us strong. God encourages His people to lift their hands in prayer and action, trusting that His presence will give them strength and courage (Hebrews 12:12; Isaiah 35:3 ).

v. 17: God will delight in His people: The Lord

v. 18: God will comfort those who mourn: I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden . God promises to comfort those who are saddened by the loss of worship and the reproach brought upon the holy assemblies. True believers grieve when public worship is disrupted or mocked, but God will restore these gatherings and remove the shame associated with them (Lamentations 2:6 ).

v. 19: God will rescue His people: I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out . God will remove the power of their enemies and save those who are weak and scattered. Even the lame and helpless will be victorious because God Himself will intervene. He will gather His people and lead them back to safety, demonstrating His power and care (Micah 4:7; Isaiah 33:23 ).

v. 20: God will restore their honor: I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth (Zephaniah 3:20 ). God will reverse their shame and make them respected and admired by all nations. Those who once mocked and despised God’s people will see them as His chosen and blessed ones. This promise reminds us of the ultimate gathering of God’s people in heaven, where they will be glorified with Christ and admired by all (Zechariah 8:23; Joshua 5:9 ).