Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Zephaniah 3

Zep 3:2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.

trusted [See also Zep 3:12.]

Scofield Psalm 2:12, note.

Zep 3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

fear

Scofield Psalm 19:9, note.

Zep 3:8 Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

to pour upon them mine indignation

Armageddon. Zec 12:1-9. (Rev 16:14; 19:11-21.)

Zep 3:9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.

the people

Literally the peoples, i.e. Gentiles.

In Zephaniah the conversion of "the peoples" is stated out of the usual prophetic order, in which the blessing of Israel and the setting up of the kingdom precedes the conversion of the Gentiles. See Scofield Zechariah 12:1, note and Scofield Zechariah 12:8, note. But the passage gives clear testimony as to when the conversion of the nations will occur. It is after the smiting of the nations. Cf. Isa 11:9 with context; Dan 2:34, 35; Psa 2:5-8; Act 15:15-17; Rev 19:19 - 20:6.

Zep 3:11 In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

I will take away…them that rejoice in thy pride

Jer 7:4; Mic 3:11; Mat 3:9.

because of my holy mountain

Heb. in my holy name.

Zep 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

remnant

Remnant. Zep 3:13-20; Hag 1:14. (Isa 1:9; Rom 11:5).

Zep 3:15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

the king of Israel

Kingdom (O.T.). Zep 3:13-20; Zec 6:12, 13. (Gen 1:26; Zec 12:8).

the LORD, is in the midst of thee

That this, and all like passages in the Prophets (see "Kingdom (O.T.)," Scofield Gen 1:26; Zec 12:8), cannot refer to anything which occurred at the first coming of Christ is clear from the context. The precise reverse was true. See Scofield Isaiah 11:1, note.

Zep 3:16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

it shall be said to Jerusalem

Isa 35:3, 4.

Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

he will rejoice over thee

Deu 30:9; Isa 62:5; 65:19; Jer 32:41.

Zep 3:20 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

I gather you

Isa 1:12; 27:12; 56:8; Eze 28:25; 34:13; 37:21; Amo 9:14.