Should We Preach About Judgment? (Zephaniah 1-3)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Is it ever right for a preacher or Christian leader to speak about the judgment of God?

For many professing Christians today, their natural response is, “No, God is a God of love and not judgment.” But this is often an overcorrection against some form of religious fundamentalism they’ve encountered. Yes, God’s primary character is love, but as the Book of Zephaniah teaches us, part of this love necessitates passing judgment on those who have done wrong. In fact, the central theme of Zephaniah is the impending judgment of the Lord upon Judah for its idolatry and wickedness, followed by a promise of restoration and blessing for those who repent. As J.N. Boo Heflin notes, “No other prophet more forcefully describes judgment than this kinsman of royalty.”^[1]

Zephaniah means “the LORD hides” or “Yahweh protects.”^[2] As James Brucker writes, “Zephaniah was apparently the great, great grandson of King Hezekiah, one of Judah’s best kings (see comments on Zeph. 1:1). His name may mean that he was ‘hidden’ (as a person with royal blood) at the time of his birth during the violence of the evil king Manasseh (his great-uncle).”^[3] Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (640-609 BC), a period of religious reform and renewal. His ministry occurred during a time of political turmoil and spiritual decline, with Assyrian influence waning and Babylonian power rising.

Zephaniah begins with a dark condemnation of corruption in Jerusalem, prophesying a complete and sudden end of the world and its inhabitants due to Judah's idolatry. He predicts Yahweh's wrath, describing a vivid "day of the LORD." Chapter 2 introduces a glimmer of hope for a repentant remnant, urging the humble in Judah to seek Yahweh for potential escape from destruction. Zephaniah extends his prophecy to the punishment of surrounding nations, promising the faithful remnant will possess their lands.

Chapter 3 repeats themes of destruction and survival, with Yahweh promising restoration for the humble. Zephaniah warns against pride and false gods, calling for humility and trust in Yahweh. The book ends with Yahweh's promises of purification and gathering of the remnant, establishing a future hope before Jerusalem's fall to Babylon.^[4]

As Bruckner writes, “Yahweh’s zeal for the worship of his people is the unifying theme of this prophecy.”^[5] And Kenneth L. Barker and Waylon Bailey state, “The Book of Zephaniah describes God’s concern for righteous living by the nations and by the people of Judah. The book shows that God is active in history, judging sin and working in world events, leading history towards the day of the Lord in its multiple meanings of judgment on the wicked and hope for the righteous, humble remnant.”^[6] Despite his words of judgment, Zephaniah 3:17 brings us back to the heart of God when it says,

The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Once again, this helps us understand God’s statements of judgment in the proper context and differentiates him from those who are judgmental. Judgmental Christians see passing judgment on others as a means to position themselves as morally superior and hold others at arm’s length. God, the only true judge and the only one fit to judge humanity, passes judgment on his people with the intended goal of redemption and restoration.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your mighty presence among us. You are the Lord, our God, who saves us with your power and love. Your delight in us brings great joy and comfort. You rejoice over us with singing, and your love renews and restores us.

Release | I release my fears and doubts into your hands, Lord. I let go of the worries weighing me down, trusting in your strength and promises. Help me to rest in your love and find peace in your presence.

Ask | Lord, I ask for your continued guidance and protection. Fill my heart with your joy, and let your love overflow in my life. Help me to feel your presence each day, reminding me that you are with me, delighting in me, and singing over me.

Yield | I yield my heart and my will to you, Lord. I surrender my plans and desires, choosing to follow your path. Let your love and joy fill my life, and may I always find my strength and peace in you.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ