Zephaniah 2:1-3 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Bible Comments

"Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; (2) Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. (3) Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger."

The Prophet takes occasion, from the awful and impending judgments denounced in the foregoing Chapter, to press upon the people the vast importance of turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart. The expressions are very earnest and interesting. There is one thing to be noticed in the character of the people, which we should regard. They are called, O nation not desired; that is, say some, not desirable, not lovely. And certainly if considered in themselves, and in their covenant relation, there could be nothing lovely or desirable in them. In Jesus' view his Church was always desirable; and hence, when it is given to him by the Father, it is so said. Psalms 21:2. Some however read the words different, as if they were intended to say, that the nation of God's people were not desired by other nations. And in this sense it is also very true. For as they were a people not reckoned among the nations, so were they hated of all men for Christ's sake. Numbers 23:9. But there is yet another construction put by some, who apply the words, O nation who hath no desire towards the Lord. In either sense, or in all, the force of the Prophet's exhortation is striking; that before the judgment now at the very door begins, the Lord's grace may be sought, and his mercy found. But what I chiefly wish to press upon the Reader's mind is, what is said in the last of those verses, of seeking the Lord, and seeking righteousness. By which I understand, Christ is most plainly set forth. Let the Reader observe for himself, and then determine. The Prophet directs all the meek of the earth to seek the Lord, and to seek righteousness and meekness. Whereas, if by meekness is meant a meekness they have already, to what purport seek it? Whereas, the cry of the Prophet is to Israel, because of God's judgments coming upon the whole earth for sin; and Israel, as sinful as their neighbors, they are admonished to seek in humbleness of soul the Lord Jesus Christ; that meek one, that righteous one of his people. And observe the foundation of this hope; it may be, saith the Prophet, that ye shall be hid in the day of wrath. Sweet encouragement! The Lord's may be's are better than man's shall be's; founded as they are in God's own gracious and eternal purpose; and secured in the blood and righteousness of Christ!

Zephaniah 2:1-3

1 Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you.

3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger.