Tuesday 5 August 2025
For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord –the remnant of Israel. (vs 12-13a)
Background
Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Judah’s reforming king, Josiah, and the opening verses (vs 1-2) of this reading provide the grounds for that religious restoration as it identifies the heart of Jerusalem’s problems as a turning away from God. The verses we omit (vs 3-8) castigate in turn the officials, judges, prophets and priests, and then proclaim God’s intention to judge them along with all nations. Verses 9-13 then speak about the great change that God’s judgement will bring about.
Verses 9-10 concern the nations beyond Judah as, like other Old Testament prophets, Zephaniah anticipates their turning from their gods to worship the Lord. The prophet was probably familiar with the story of the tower of Babel in Genesis (Genesis 11:1-9) which suggested that the existence of many separate nations and languages was due to God’s judgement against human pride. He now looks forward to a day when the worship of all nations together will be enabled by a common language.
Verses 11-13 are then addressed to God’s people. In 2:3 the prophet had encouraged the humble folk to “seek the Lord” in the hope of being hidden by him (that is, protected) on the day of judgement, and now, following the judgement there will be no proud people left but only a “remnant” who are “humble and lowly”. These words may remind us of the first of the so-called beatitudes of Jesus, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
To Ponder:
- Would it be better if all people spoke the same language? Why might this be desirable, and why might some argue otherwise? What might the story of Pentecost in Acts 2:5-11 contribute to this question?
- Why, or in what sense, is it true to say that God saves only those who are humble and lowly?
Prayer
God who judges us all, look graciously upon those who trust in themselves and who often disrespect the equal rights of others to the good things of life. Enable the violent and faithless to turn to you that we may all alike enjoy your salvation. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Mosedale
Stephen is a retired Methodist minister living near Exeter. He served in West Africa and Scotland and was a New Testament tutor at Cliff College.