Can You Hear It?

Eight out of the nine oracles found in the book of Zephaniah announce God’s just judgment of all the earth; and the judgment against Judah and Jerusalem in particular for the violation of the covenant they shared with the LORD.

However, the ninth oracle breaks from this pattern. In Zephaniah 3:14-20 we find a song that reveals that the God of justice and judgment is also the God of forgiveness and hope. We discover in verses that He is our King, the LORD in the midst of us (Zephaniah 3:15). He is our incarnate Savior who, in His love, rejoices over us (Zephaniah 3:17).

This song of rejoicing is not only a song in which the people of the LORD are exhorted to raise their voices (Zephaniah 3:14), but also one in which the LORD Himself participates. Thus, the LORD “rejoices” over the remnant of His people “with joy”; He “joys” over them “with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Can you hear the song?

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing for joy, Daughter Zion;
shout loudly, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has removed your punishment;
He has turned back your enemy.
The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you;
you need no longer fear harm.
On that day it will be said to Jerusalem:
“Do not fear;
Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.
Yahweh your God is among you,
a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness.
He will bring you quietness with His love.
He will delight in you with shouts of joy.”
I will gather those who have been driven
from the appointed festivals;
they will be a tribute from you
and a reproach on her.
Yes, at that time
I will deal with all who afflict you.
I will save the lame and gather the scattered;
I will make those who were disgraced
throughout the earth
receive praise and fame.
At that time I will bring you back,
yes, at the time I will gather you.
I will give you fame and praise
among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes before your eyes.
Yahweh has spoken.