CRITICAL NOTES.]
Zephaniah 3:14.] Fulness of joy indicated by repetition of words.
Zephaniah 3:15.] The reasons given for exultation. Evil removed, enemies destroyed, full enjoyment of God’s presence.
Zephaniah 3:16.] Therefore no cause for fear, but reason for diligence. Slack] Faint not (Hebrews 12:12) through alarm and anxiety (Isaiah 13:7).
Zephaniah 3:17.] Jehovah within is mighty to help and save, and rejoices over his rescued people (Isaiah 62:5; Isaiah 65:19). Rest] Be silent in his love; love deeply felt and absorbed in its objects. “As a man caresses his dearest wife, so will God then quietly repose in thy love” [Calvin]. To be silent, not to speak, is here very appropriately employed to express the non-remembrance of iniquity [Hend.].
HOMILETICS
THE JOY OF THE REDEEMED.—Zephaniah 3:14-17
These words are a call to the converted Israelites, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to exult in their distinguished blessings. The prophet seems to be in a transport of joy himself, as he adds word to word, and epithet to epithet, in tender feelings. Three designations are given: “Daughter of Zion,” “Israel,” and “daughter of Jerusalem.” The wonders of “that day” are great, and the source of exultant joy to all who see them. The causes of this joy are distinctly pointed out.
I. Judgments are removed. “The Lord hath taken away thy judgments.” Israel was chastised in mercy, but God forgave her sins, and took away her judgments. Christians are freed from condemnation by the law, and rejoice in hope of salvation. When sin is pardoned, the consequences of sin are removed. When the cause is destroyed the effects will cease; happiness follows the way of holiness.
II. Enemies are subdued. “He hath cast out (lit. cleared quite away) thine enemy.” This is a type of the destruction of antichrist, the casting out of the prince of this world (Matthew 12:31), and the overthrow of all opposition. Delivered from all enemies, God’s people will serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all their days (Luke 1:74-75).
III. God is enthroned in their midst. “Even the Lord is in the midst of thee.” God seemed to desert them for a time, but now returns to a purified temple. As King of Israel he sits enthroned in mercy to receive the homage of a grateful nation. He dwells in the Church, and will be with his people to the end of time.
1. To deliver them from evil. “Thou shalt not see evil any more.”
2. To strengthen their hearts. They will neither be weary nor faint in God’s service. Saving health will be imparted, timidity shall be overcome, and men will admire their courage.
3. To rejoice over them with sacred joy. “He will rejoice over thee with joy.” With a bridegroom’s joy will God “rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in his people” (Isaiah 65:19; Isaiah 62:5). But man’s love is only a faint shadow of God’s love. Love in twofold aspects—in its silence and exultation—represents God’s satisfaction and joy in his people. He exults over and takes pleasure in those that fear him. Rejoicing now is only the first-fruits. Those who weep by the rivers of Babylon will sing in the new Jerusalem: “Sing, (O daughter of Zion), shout, (O Israel), be glad, and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.”
HOMILETIC HINTS AND OUTLINES
Zephaniah 3:14. Whether the Church or the faithful soul—she is summoned by all her names—called to the fullest joy in God, with every expression, and every feeling. Sing; it is the inarticulate, thrilling, trembling burst of joy: shout; again the inarticulate, yet louder, swell of joy; a trumpet-blast: and then, too, deep within; be glad, the calm inward joy of the soul; exult, the triumph of the soul which cannot contain itself for joy; and this, with the whole heart, no corner of it not pervaded with joy. The ground of this is the complete removal of every evil, and the full presence of God [Pusey].
Zephaniah 3:15-17. Very remarkable is the use of the sacred number three in these verses. Threefold is the description of their being freed from sins:
(1) They shall not do iniquity;
(2) nor speak lies;
(3) neither shall a deceitful tongue be in their mouth. Threefold their blessedness: They shall
(1) feed;
(2) lie down;
(3) none make them afraid. Threefold the exhortation to joy: sing, to God the Father; shout, to God the Son; be glad and rejoice, in God the Holy Ghost. The promise is threefold:
(1) Thou shalt not see evil any more;
(2) fear thou not;
(3) let not thine hands be slack. The love of God is threefold:
(1) He will rejoice over thee with joy;
(2) He will rest in his love;
(3) He will joy over thee with singing [Pusey].
Zephaniah 3:17. God in the midst.
1. God near. In his works, but specially present with his saints.
2. God mighty. Mighty to comfort, sustain, and defend.
3. God will save. He is willing, bound by promise, oath, and blood.
4. But is he thy God? Thine by promise, covenant, and actual possession.
“How happy, then, are they to whom
The Lord our God is known;
Whom he, from all the world besides,
Has chosen for his own!”
He will rejoice over thee. The satisfaction here implied is the Saviour’s own joy arising out of the salvation of his people. First, we may view this joy as the result of success. Secondly, as a manifestation of benevolence. Thirdly, as indicative of the delight and complacency with which he regards his people. The Saviour’s joy over, and in, his people is the sinner’s hope. Lastly, the Saviour’s joy is the saint’s example. He was infinitely more than an example, and nothing less. If we depend upon him, we must resemble him [Jay].
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 3
Zephaniah 3:14-15. Sing. Thy words have darted hope into my soul, and comfort dawns upon me [Southern].
“Joy is our duty, glory, health,
The sunshine of the soul;
Our best encomium on the Power
Who sweetly plans the whole” [Young].