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| View of the Dead Sea from Masada |
A name can influence a destiny and a calling.
In Hebrew, Zephaniah’s name means “the Lord has
protected; treasured by God.”
While Zephaniah’s book was full of warnings and
judgements for Judah-and for surrounding nations- it’s significant that his
name symbolized God’s protection and the coming restoration of Judah’s
fortunes.
The minor prophet Zephaniah was a walking, talking example of
competing paradoxes. Think of this: each time someone addressed him by name,
the judgement and then joy grew in truth.
Zephaniah’
lived in 7th century BC Jerusalem-located in Judah-Israel’s southern
kingdom. Somewhat of a pause existed under honorable King Josiah in between two
eras; the occupation of Assyria and the Babylonian exile.
Despite most of Zephaniah’s frightening,
vivid descriptions of God’s judgement against the Israelites and the nations of
his day, Zephaniah also mentions “the day of the Lord” 23 times regarding both
his era and the end times. The last verses of the 3-chapter book are awe-inspiring. It reinforces God’s promises to His treasured chosen people
and reminds us that God has saved a remnant of His people to this very day.
Zachariah 3:20 serves as our platform. “At that time, I will
deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the
exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have
suffered shame. At that time, I
will gather you; at that time, I will bring you home. I will give you
honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes
before your very eyes,” says the Lord.”
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