September 24, 2025 • 37 mins
The ancient streets of Jerusalem awaken as dawn breaks over Judah, inviting us to walk alongside the prophet Zephaniah in this contemplative journey through the second chapter of his powerful book. Here, at the crossroads of judgment and mercy, we witness God's sovereign plan unfold for both His people and the surrounding nations.
Zephaniah's urgent call echoes through time: "Gather together before the decree is issued, before the day passes like chaff." This isn't merely a warning but a compassionate invitation to find shelter before the approaching storm. For those who respond—those who "seek righteousness, seek humility"—there remains the precious possibility of protection: "It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger."
As we climb to a high place outside Jerusalem's walls, our gaze stretches across the ancient world. To the west lie the Philistine cities along the coast, to the east the territories of Moab and Ammon, to the south Ethiopia, and northward the mighty Assyrian Empire with Nineveh at its heart. Each faces divine judgment not merely for their military might or economic exploitation, but specifically for their pride and contempt toward God's people.
Most striking is the prophecy against Nineveh, that "exalted city" that proclaimed "I am, and there is no one else"—words revealing the ultimate expression of human arrogance. The vivid description of its coming desolation serves as a powerful reminder that all human achievements, no matter how impressive, remain subject to divine sovereignty.
Yet threading through these pronouncements of judgment are golden strands of hope. The text speaks of a "remnant" who will inherit the very territories once dominated by their oppressors, assuring us that God always preserves a faithful community even in the darkest times.
Join us in this sacred space where scripture comes alive, where ancient wisdom speaks directly to our modern hearts, reminding us that even as nations rise and fall according to divine timing, those who humble themselves find protection in the shelter of God's unchanging love.
Will you seek the Lord while He may be found? Subscribe to In the Field Audio Bible and continue this journey through God's Word, one chapter at a time.
Music Credit: "You Will Never Let Me Go" by Mercy Street
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
In the Field Audio Bible (07:00):
The morning air is crisp and clean,
washed by the dew that glistenslike scattered diamonds on the
flat rooftops and in the olivegroves that surround our city.
The sun, still low on theeastern horizon, paints the
limestone walls with hues ofgold and rose, making our holy
(07:23):
city appear almost ethereal inits beauty.
Do you hear that gentle murmur?
Those are the women of the city, rising early to draw water
from the wells before the heatof the day makes their labor
more burdensome.
There is Sarah, the potter'swife, her clay jars balanced
(07:47):
expertly on her hip.
And young Rebecca, barely 16,already skilled in the ways of
her mother's, her voice soft asshe hums the ancient songs of
Zion.
While she works, the merchantsare beginning to open their
shops, now rolling back theheavy wooden shutters, arranging
(08:10):
their wares in the growinglight.
The aroma of fresh bread driftsfrom the baker's ovens,
mingling with the scent ofcinnamon and myrrh from the
spice dealer's stall.
It is a scene of such ordinarybeauty, such simple human
industry, that one might forgetthe terrible visions of judgment
(08:31):
that haunted my sleep.
But I cannot forget, friend.
Even as I watch these goodpeople begin their daily labors,
even as I see children runningthrough the streets with the
boundless energy of youth, theweight of divine revelation
presses upon my shoulders like ayoke of iron, for the Lord has
(08:54):
shown me not only the comingjudgment upon Judah but his
plans for all the nations thatsurround us.
Let us climb together to thehigh place outside the city
walls, where the shepherds bringtheir flocks to graze in the
early morning.
From there, we can see faracross the land to the west,
(09:18):
where the Philistine citiessquat along the coastal plains.
To the east, where Moab andAmmon spread across their high
plateaus.
To the south, where thedescendants of Esau dwell in
their mountain strongholds.
Feel that breeze, friend.
It carries more than the scentof wild herbs and morning
(09:41):
flowers.
It brings whispers of movementfrom distant lands, the sound of
armies gathering, of chariotsbeing prepared, of nations
sharpening their swords for war.
The political winds areshifting across the ancient
world, and those who have eyesto see can read the signs
(10:02):
written in dust clouds on farhorizons.
Here comes old Asaph with hisflock, his weathered face
creased with the wisdom of 70years spent under sun and stars.
He nods to me with the respectdue to one of royal blood, but
(10:24):
his eyes hold questions.
The shepherds always know whentrouble is brewing.
Their flocks sense it in theair, grow restless, and huddle
closer together.
Even the animals understandwhat many men refuse to
(10:44):
acknowledge that judgment iscoming upon the earth.
But last night, as I laywrestling with the terrible
visions of Chapter 1, the Lordspoke to me again.
This time His voice carried adifferent tone Not only the
(11:05):
thunder of wrath but also thegentle rain of mercy.
He showed me that even in themidst of judgment, even as the
great day of the Lord approacheslike a consuming fire, there is
still hope for those who willhumble themselves and seek his
face.
Gather yourselves together, hecommanded, and I felt the
(11:31):
urgency in his voice, like afather calling his children to
safety before the storm breaks.
Yes, gather together, Oundesirable nation, before the
decree is issued, or the daypasses like chaff before the
Lord's fierce anger comes uponyou.
Before the day of the Lord'sanger comes upon you, do you see
(11:58):
that bird of praise circlingabove us?
It reminds me of the nationsthat, even now, circle around
Israel Like vultures Around awounded animal, but they do not
realize that they too are markedfor judgment, that the same God
who will discipline His chosenpeople Will also bring justice
(12:21):
Upon those who have oppressedand mocked them.
Come, let me show you something.
See that path winding downtoward the coastal road that
leads to Philistines, Gaza,Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron.
For centuries, they have beenthorns in the sight of God's
(12:43):
people, raiders and oppressorswho worship Dagon and Baal Zebub
.
Their cities are strong, theirwalls are high, their warriors
are fierce, but the Lord hasshown me their fate, for Gaza
shall be forsaken and Ashkelondesolate.
They shall drive out Ashdod atnoonday, and Ekron shall be
(13:08):
uprooted.
I have seen it in vision, friendthose mighty cities reduced to
ruins, their harbors silted up,their fields overgrown with
thorns and thistles.
The very coastland where theybuilt their temples to false
gods will become pastures forshepherds and folds for flocks.
(13:29):
And there, beyond those easternhills, lie the territories of
Moab and Ammon, the children ofLot who should have been allies
to the descendants of Abrahambut instead became enemies and
oppressors.
They have mocked God's people.
(13:49):
They have enlarged theirborders at Israel's expense.
They have trusted in theirmountain fortresses and their
pagan gods.
But I have heard their tauntand seen their arrogance.
And the Lord of hosts, the Godof Israel, has sworn an oath.
Surely, Moab shall be likeSodom and the people of Ammon
(14:12):
like Gomorrah, overrun withweeds and salt pits and a
perpetual desolation.
The residue of my people shallplunder them, and the remnant of
my nation shall possess them.
Can you imagine it, friend,those fertile valleys where Moab
grows her grain, those terracedhillsides where Amman tends her
(14:36):
vineyards, all of it becominglike the wasteland around the
Dead Sea, where nothing growsand no life can flourish?
The very ground will bearwitness to the justice of the
proud Ethiopians to the south,with their dark skin gleaming
(14:56):
like polished bronze, theirarmies stretching like the
cataracts of the Nile to themountains of the moon.
They too will fall by the swordof Lord.
—t he Lord's Prayer is when Iturn my gaze northward that my
(15:17):
heart truly trembles.
Friend, there, beyond themountains of Lebanon, beyond the
great rivers and fertile plains, lies Assyria, that great and
terrible empire that hasdevoured nations.
Like a lion devours its prey,Nineveh.
Their capital sits like a queenamong the cities of the earth,
(15:42):
her walls so broad that chariotscan race upon them.
Her palace is filled with theplunder of a hundred conquered
peoples.
I have walked through Nineveh'sstreets in vision, friend.
I have seen her merchantscounting their gold, her
soldiers sharpening theirweapons, her priests offering
(16:03):
sacrifices to Ashur and Ishtar.
The city teems with life, likean anthill, her people confident
in their strength, secure intheir power, convinced that
their empire will last forever.
But the Lord has spoken and Hisword cannot return void.
(16:26):
He will stretch out His handagainst the north and destroy
Assyria and make Nineveh adesolation as dry as the
wilderness.
I have seen that mighty citybecome a dwelling place for wild
beasts, where pelicans lodge inthe capitals of her columns,
where owls hoot in her windowsand ravens croak in her doorways
(16:51):
.
The very cedar work of herpalaces will be stripped bare
and the proud city that said inher heart, I am it and there is
none besides me will become aplace where every passerby will
hiss and shake his fist incontempt.
But you must understand, dearfriend, that these visions of
(17:14):
judgment upon the nations arenot given to satisfy some desire
for revenge or to feed nationalpride.
No, they are given todemonstrate the absolute
sovereignty of the Most High God, to show that he is not merely
a tribal deity confined to theborders of Israel, confined to
(17:36):
the borders of Israel, but theLord of all the earth, before
whom every knee must bow andevery tongue confess.
The same God who must judge Hisown people for their
unfaithfulness is the God whoholds all nations accountable
for their actions.
The same divine justice thatcannot overlook the sins of
(18:00):
Judah will not ignore thecruelties of the Philistines,
the pride of Moab and Ammon, thearrogance of Assyria.
Yet even in thesepronouncements of judgment, do
you hear the undertone of hope?
When the Lord speaks of makingthe coastland of the Philistines
(18:22):
into pastures for shepherds, heis promising that his people
will one day return to possessthe land.
When he declares that theremnant of Judah will plunder
Moab and Ammon, he is assuringus that there will be a remnant,
that not all will perish in thecoming judgment.
(18:43):
Listen, do you hear that soundof joy from the streets below.
It is little Miriam, thecarpenter's daughter, playing
with her wooden doll While hermother prepares the morning meal
.
She knows nothing of Assyrianarmies or Babylonian threats,
nothing of the great day of theLord that approaches like a
(19:06):
storm on the horizon.
Her world consists of sunshineand laughter, of her mother's
gentle songs and her father'sstrong arms.
And yet it is for her that Ispeak these hard truths, for her
and all the children of ourpeople.
If we do not humble ourselvesnow, if we do not seek the Lord
(19:30):
while he may be found, what kindof world will we leave for them
?
Will they inherit blessing orcurse, peace or war, the favor
of God or His judgment?
There is Joash the metal workerbeginning his day's labor at the
(19:52):
forge.
The sparks fly like tiny starsas his hammer shapes the glowing
iron, and I am reminded of howthe Lord shapes nations and
peoples through the fires ofadversity.
The metal must be heated to bepurified, must be struck to be
strengthened, must be temperedto be useful.
(20:15):
Perhaps that is what thesejudgments upon the nations truly
represent Not merely punishmentbut purification, not only
wrath but the strange mercy of aGod who loves too much to leave
his creation in corruption andchaos.
Even Nineveh, that great andwicked city, was once spared
(20:40):
when she repented at thepreaching of Jonah.
Even the Philistines and theMoabites could find mercy if
they would turn from theirwicked ways.
But time grows short, friend.
The decree is about to beissued.
The day is passing like chaffbefore the wind Soon.
(21:01):
It will be too late forrepentance, too late for turning
, too late for seeking theLord's face.
The great day of the Lordapproaches with the sunrise and
when it comes it will separatethe wheat from the chaff, the
sheep from the goats, those whohave sought the Lord from those
(21:24):
who have hardened their heartsagainst Him.
Come, let us return to the city.
The morning is advancing and thepeople are beginning their
daily routines, unaware thatthis may be one of the last
normal days they will know for avery long time.
I must walk among them, mustspeak the words the Lord has
(21:48):
given me, must call them to seekrighteousness and humility
before it is too late.
For the Lord has given acommand that pierces my heart
with both terror and hope Seekthe Lord, all unique of the
earth who have upheld hisjustice.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
(22:10):
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
It may be that you will behidden.
What precious words ofpossibility.
Not certainty, for the judgmentis sure, and the day of the
Lord will not be turned back,but possibility, hope, a chance
(22:34):
for those who will humblethemselves and seek his face
with all their hearts.
And so, beloved friend, as weprepare to hear the full weight
of the second chapter ofZephaniah's prophecy, remember
that we stand at the samecrossroads that face the people
of his day.
(22:55):
The same choice lies before us.
Will we seek the Lord while hemay be found, or will we
continue in our pride andrebellion until the day of grace
passes us by?
The sun is fully risen now andJerusalem awakens to another day
(23:18):
, but this is no ordinary day,for the word of the Lord has
gone forth and it will notreturn empty.
It will accomplish what hepleases and prosper in the thing
for which he sent it.
Come then, let us listentogether as the Lord speaks
(23:40):
through his servant, Zephaniah,showing us both the terror of
his judgment and the wonder ofhis mercy, both the fate of the
proud and the hope of the humble.
Now let's take a moment to quietour hearts and listen to the
(24:00):
word itself.
Let these words sink deep intoyour spirit, bringing comfort,
conviction, and encouragement,whether you're sitting in a
quiet place or out in the world.
Allow scripture to meet youright where you are.
I hope you have your favoritecup of tea or coffee.
(24:20):
Sit back, relax, and let's stepinto the sacred text of the
Book of Zephaniah 2.
(24:55):
Gather together.
Gather, o shameless nation,before you are driven away like
the drifting chaff, before therecomes upon you the fierce anger
of the Lord, before there comesupon you the day of the Lord's
wrath.
Seek the Lord, all you, humbleof the land, who do His commands
(25:18):
.
Seek righteousness, lord, allyou, humble of the land, who do
his commands.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
Perhaps you may be hidden onthe day of the Lord's wrath, For
Gaza shall be deserted andAshkelon shall be a desolation,
ashdod's people shall be drivenout at noon and Ekron shall be
(25:40):
uprooted.
Ah, inhabitants of the seacoast, you, nation of the
Karathites, the word of the Lordis against you, o Canaan, land
of the Philistines, and I willdestroy you until no inhabitant
is left and you, o sea coast,shall be pastures, meadows for
(26:05):
shepherds and folds for flocks.
The sea coast shall become thepossession of the remnant of the
house of Judah, on which theyshall pasture and in the houses
of Ashkelon they shall lie downat evening, for the Lord, their
God, will be mindful of them andrestore their fortunes.
(26:26):
I have heard the taunts of Moaband the revilings of the
Ammonites, how they have tauntedmy people and made boasts
against their territory.
Therefore, as I live, says theLord of hosts, the God of Israel
, Moab shall become like Sodomand the Ammonites like Gomorrah,
(26:48):
a land possessed by nettles andsalt pits and a waste forever.
The remnant of my people shallplunder them and the survivors
of my nation shall possess them.
This shall be their lot inreturn for their pride because
they scoffed and boasted againstthe people of the Lord of hosts
(27:08):
.
The Lord will be terribleagainst them.
He will shrivel all the gods ofthe earth and to him shall bow
down, each in its place, all thecoasts and islands of the
nations.
You also, o Ethiopians, shallbe killed by my sword, and he
(27:29):
will stretch out his handagainst the north and destroy
Assyria.
And he will make Nineveh adesolation, a dry waste like the
desert.
And he will make Nineveh adesolation, a dry waste, like
the desert Herds, shall lie downin it.
Every wild animal, the desertowl and the screeched owl, shall
lodge on its capitals.
The owl shall hoot at thewindow.
(27:54):
The raven croak at thethreshold, for its cedar work
will be laid bare.
Is this the exalted city thatlives secure?
That said to itself, I am, andthere is no one else.
What a desolation.
It has become a lair for wildanimals.
Everyone who passes by ithisses and shakes the fist.
(28:33):
The second vision has beendelivered, beloved friend, and
now we sit together as the daydraws to its close, watching the
sun sink behind the westernhills like a bronze shield,
disappearing in the depths ofthe great sea.
The air has grown cool with theapproaching light, and I can
(28:56):
feel the weight of divine truthsettling upon us, like the
evening dew that glistens on thegrass around our feet.
Look how the lights begin totwinkle in the villages, below
Each flame, a reminder of thesouls who heard the call to
gather together Before thedecree was issued, before the
(29:19):
day passed, before the wind.
Some heeded the warning andsought the Lord while he could
be found.
Others continued in theirstubborn ways, deaf to the voice
of mercy that called them torepentance.
We have journeyed far togethertoday, you and I, not just
(29:41):
across the physical landscape ofancient Judah, but across the
spiritual terrain of divinejudgment and mercy.
We have stood at the heightsand gazed toward the Philistine
coastlands, where Gaza andAshkelon will become desolate
pastures.
We have looked eastward, to theplateaus of Moab and Amman,
(30:05):
destined to become like Sodomand Gomorrah.
We have turned our facesnorthward, to mighty Assyria,
whose capital, nineveh, willbecome a dwelling place for wild
beasts.
But, most importantly, we haveheard the urgent call that
echoes through the corridors oftime Seek the Lord, all you meek
(30:29):
of the earth who have upheldhis justice.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
I think of young David, theshepherd boy who became king,
who wrote the Lord is myshepherd.
(30:49):
I shall not want he makes me tolie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the stillwaters.
Even in the midst of judgment,even as nations fall and empires
crumble, the good shepherdcontinues to call his sheep,
continues to provide refuge forthose who trust in him.
(31:12):
Down in the valley, oldMatthias is bringing his flock
home for the night.
See how they follow him withoutquestion, trusting his voice,
knowing that he will lead themto safety.
If only God's people had suchsimple faith.
If only they would recognizethe voice of their true shepherd
(31:36):
and follow Him to the shelterof His wings.
Now, beloved friend, let meshare with you the life lessons
that the Lord has carved into mysoul through this prophecy,
truths that must shape how younavigate the complexities of
daily life in a fallen world.
First, understand that time islimited.
(32:00):
Before the decree is issued orthe day passes like chaff, there
is urgency in God's call torepentance.
We are not guaranteed tomorrowand we cannot presume
indefinitely upon God's patience.
The door of mercy remains open,but it will not remain open
(32:21):
forever.
Second, learn that God'sjudgment upon others should
drive you to humility, not pride.
When we see God's justicefalling upon the wicked, our
response should not be I'm glad,I'm not like them, but there,
(32:42):
but for the grace of God, go I.
The same holy God who judgesthe nations also examines our
hearts with perfect knowledge.
Third, understand that God'sprotection is conditional.
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
The possibility of protectiondepends upon our response to His
(33:06):
call.
Depends upon our response tohis call.
This is not works-basedsalvation, but the natural
consequence of a heart that hastruly turned to God.
The night is fully upon us now,friend, but do not let the
darkness discourage you.
For those who seek the Lord,even the darkest night is
(33:32):
illuminated by the light of hispresence, even in the midst of
judgment.
His mercy endures forever.
Even when kingdoms fall andnations crumble, his love
remains steadfast and hisfaithfulness reaches to the
clouds.
Listen, do you hear that bellcalling the faithful to evening
prayers?
It reminds us that even intimes of judgment, even when the
(33:56):
world seems to be falling apart, there are still those who
gather to seek the Lord, stillthose who choose righteousness
over rebellion, still those whofind their hope not in earthly
powers but in the eternal God.
Thank you for joining me todayas we journeyed through the Book
(34:16):
of Zephaniah 2.
I pray that you carry thesereflections with you into your
day, into your week, and thatyou find strength in knowing God
is with you in every trial,every temptation, and every step
of obedience.
If this time in God's word hasencouraged you, take a moment to
(34:40):
share it with someone who mightneed it, and be sure to join me
next time as we continuewalking through the scriptures,
learning, growing, and stayingfaithful in the field of life.
Until next time, may you findpeace in the quiet, trust in
God's call, and rest in Hisunchanging love.
(35:01):
This is In the Field AudioBible, where we Listen to the
Bible One Chapter at a Time.
The morning air is crisp and clean,
washed by the dew that glistenslike scattered diamonds on the
flat rooftops and in the olivegroves that surround our city.
The sun, still low on theeastern horizon, paints the
limestone walls with hues ofgold and rose, making our holy
(07:23):
city appear almost ethereal inits beauty.
Do you hear that gentle murmur?
Those are the women of the city, rising early to draw water
from the wells before the heatof the day makes their labor
more burdensome.
There is Sarah, the potter'swife, her clay jars balanced
(07:47):
expertly on her hip.
And young Rebecca, barely 16,already skilled in the ways of
her mother's, her voice soft asshe hums the ancient songs of
Zion.
While she works, the merchantsare beginning to open their
shops, now rolling back theheavy wooden shutters, arranging
(08:10):
their wares in the growinglight.
The aroma of fresh bread driftsfrom the baker's ovens,
mingling with the scent ofcinnamon and myrrh from the
spice dealer's stall.
It is a scene of such ordinarybeauty, such simple human
industry, that one might forgetthe terrible visions of judgment
(08:31):
that haunted my sleep.
But I cannot forget, friend.
Even as I watch these goodpeople begin their daily labors,
even as I see children runningthrough the streets with the
boundless energy of youth, theweight of divine revelation
presses upon my shoulders like ayoke of iron, for the Lord has
(08:54):
shown me not only the comingjudgment upon Judah but his
plans for all the nations thatsurround us.
Let us climb together to thehigh place outside the city
walls, where the shepherds bringtheir flocks to graze in the
early morning.
From there, we can see faracross the land to the west,
(09:18):
where the Philistine citiessquat along the coastal plains.
To the east, where Moab andAmmon spread across their high
plateaus.
To the south, where thedescendants of Esau dwell in
their mountain strongholds.
Feel that breeze, friend.
It carries more than the scentof wild herbs and morning
(09:41):
flowers.
It brings whispers of movementfrom distant lands, the sound of
armies gathering, of chariotsbeing prepared, of nations
sharpening their swords for war.
The political winds areshifting across the ancient
world, and those who have eyesto see can read the signs
(10:02):
written in dust clouds on farhorizons.
Here comes old Asaph with hisflock, his weathered face
creased with the wisdom of 70years spent under sun and stars.
He nods to me with the respectdue to one of royal blood, but
(10:24):
his eyes hold questions.
The shepherds always know whentrouble is brewing.
Their flocks sense it in theair, grow restless, and huddle
closer together.
Even the animals understandwhat many men refuse to
(10:44):
acknowledge that judgment iscoming upon the earth.
But last night, as I laywrestling with the terrible
visions of Chapter 1, the Lordspoke to me again.
This time His voice carried adifferent tone Not only the
(11:05):
thunder of wrath but also thegentle rain of mercy.
He showed me that even in themidst of judgment, even as the
great day of the Lord approacheslike a consuming fire, there is
still hope for those who willhumble themselves and seek his
face.
Gather yourselves together, hecommanded, and I felt the
(11:31):
urgency in his voice, like afather calling his children to
safety before the storm breaks.
Yes, gather together, Oundesirable nation, before the
decree is issued, or the daypasses like chaff before the
Lord's fierce anger comes uponyou.
Before the day of the Lord'sanger comes upon you, do you see
(11:58):
that bird of praise circlingabove us?
It reminds me of the nationsthat, even now, circle around
Israel Like vultures Around awounded animal, but they do not
realize that they too are markedfor judgment, that the same God
who will discipline His chosenpeople Will also bring justice
(12:21):
Upon those who have oppressedand mocked them.
Come, let me show you something.
See that path winding downtoward the coastal road that
leads to Philistines, Gaza,Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron.
For centuries, they have beenthorns in the sight of God's
(12:43):
people, raiders and oppressorswho worship Dagon and Baal Zebub
.
Their cities are strong, theirwalls are high, their warriors
are fierce, but the Lord hasshown me their fate, for Gaza
shall be forsaken and Ashkelondesolate.
They shall drive out Ashdod atnoonday, and Ekron shall be
(13:08):
uprooted.
I have seen it in vision, friendthose mighty cities reduced to
ruins, their harbors silted up,their fields overgrown with
thorns and thistles.
The very coastland where theybuilt their temples to false
gods will become pastures forshepherds and folds for flocks.
(13:29):
And there, beyond those easternhills, lie the territories of
Moab and Ammon, the children ofLot who should have been allies
to the descendants of Abrahambut instead became enemies and
oppressors.
They have mocked God's people.
(13:49):
They have enlarged theirborders at Israel's expense.
They have trusted in theirmountain fortresses and their
pagan gods.
But I have heard their tauntand seen their arrogance.
And the Lord of hosts, the Godof Israel, has sworn an oath.
Surely, Moab shall be likeSodom and the people of Ammon
(14:12):
like Gomorrah, overrun withweeds and salt pits and a
perpetual desolation.
The residue of my people shallplunder them, and the remnant of
my nation shall possess them.
Can you imagine it, friend,those fertile valleys where Moab
grows her grain, those terracedhillsides where Amman tends her
(14:36):
vineyards, all of it becominglike the wasteland around the
Dead Sea, where nothing growsand no life can flourish?
The very ground will bearwitness to the justice of the
proud Ethiopians to the south,with their dark skin gleaming
(14:56):
like polished bronze, theirarmies stretching like the
cataracts of the Nile to themountains of the moon.
They too will fall by the swordof Lord.
—t he Lord's Prayer is when Iturn my gaze northward that my
(15:17):
heart truly trembles.
Friend, there, beyond themountains of Lebanon, beyond the
great rivers and fertile plains, lies Assyria, that great and
terrible empire that hasdevoured nations.
Like a lion devours its prey,Nineveh.
Their capital sits like a queenamong the cities of the earth,
(15:42):
her walls so broad that chariotscan race upon them.
Her palace is filled with theplunder of a hundred conquered
peoples.
I have walked through Nineveh'sstreets in vision, friend.
I have seen her merchantscounting their gold, her
soldiers sharpening theirweapons, her priests offering
(16:03):
sacrifices to Ashur and Ishtar.
The city teems with life, likean anthill, her people confident
in their strength, secure intheir power, convinced that
their empire will last forever.
But the Lord has spoken and Hisword cannot return void.
(16:26):
He will stretch out His handagainst the north and destroy
Assyria and make Nineveh adesolation as dry as the
wilderness.
I have seen that mighty citybecome a dwelling place for wild
beasts, where pelicans lodge inthe capitals of her columns,
where owls hoot in her windowsand ravens croak in her doorways
(16:51):
.
The very cedar work of herpalaces will be stripped bare
and the proud city that said inher heart, I am it and there is
none besides me will become aplace where every passerby will
hiss and shake his fist incontempt.
But you must understand, dearfriend, that these visions of
(17:14):
judgment upon the nations arenot given to satisfy some desire
for revenge or to feed nationalpride.
No, they are given todemonstrate the absolute
sovereignty of the Most High God, to show that he is not merely
a tribal deity confined to theborders of Israel, confined to
(17:36):
the borders of Israel, but theLord of all the earth, before
whom every knee must bow andevery tongue confess.
The same God who must judge Hisown people for their
unfaithfulness is the God whoholds all nations accountable
for their actions.
The same divine justice thatcannot overlook the sins of
(18:00):
Judah will not ignore thecruelties of the Philistines,
the pride of Moab and Ammon, thearrogance of Assyria.
Yet even in thesepronouncements of judgment, do
you hear the undertone of hope?
When the Lord speaks of makingthe coastland of the Philistines
(18:22):
into pastures for shepherds, heis promising that his people
will one day return to possessthe land.
When he declares that theremnant of Judah will plunder
Moab and Ammon, he is assuringus that there will be a remnant,
that not all will perish in thecoming judgment.
(18:43):
Listen, do you hear that soundof joy from the streets below.
It is little Miriam, thecarpenter's daughter, playing
with her wooden doll While hermother prepares the morning meal
.
She knows nothing of Assyrianarmies or Babylonian threats,
nothing of the great day of theLord that approaches like a
(19:06):
storm on the horizon.
Her world consists of sunshineand laughter, of her mother's
gentle songs and her father'sstrong arms.
And yet it is for her that Ispeak these hard truths, for her
and all the children of ourpeople.
If we do not humble ourselvesnow, if we do not seek the Lord
(19:30):
while he may be found, what kindof world will we leave for them
?
Will they inherit blessing orcurse, peace or war, the favor
of God or His judgment?
There is Joash the metal workerbeginning his day's labor at the
(19:52):
forge.
The sparks fly like tiny starsas his hammer shapes the glowing
iron, and I am reminded of howthe Lord shapes nations and
peoples through the fires ofadversity.
The metal must be heated to bepurified, must be struck to be
strengthened, must be temperedto be useful.
(20:15):
Perhaps that is what thesejudgments upon the nations truly
represent Not merely punishmentbut purification, not only
wrath but the strange mercy of aGod who loves too much to leave
his creation in corruption andchaos.
Even Nineveh, that great andwicked city, was once spared
(20:40):
when she repented at thepreaching of Jonah.
Even the Philistines and theMoabites could find mercy if
they would turn from theirwicked ways.
But time grows short, friend.
The decree is about to beissued.
The day is passing like chaffbefore the wind Soon.
(21:01):
It will be too late forrepentance, too late for turning
, too late for seeking theLord's face.
The great day of the Lordapproaches with the sunrise and
when it comes it will separatethe wheat from the chaff, the
sheep from the goats, those whohave sought the Lord from those
(21:24):
who have hardened their heartsagainst Him.
Come, let us return to the city.
The morning is advancing and thepeople are beginning their
daily routines, unaware thatthis may be one of the last
normal days they will know for avery long time.
I must walk among them, mustspeak the words the Lord has
(21:48):
given me, must call them to seekrighteousness and humility
before it is too late.
For the Lord has given acommand that pierces my heart
with both terror and hope Seekthe Lord, all unique of the
earth who have upheld hisjustice.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
(22:10):
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
It may be that you will behidden.
What precious words ofpossibility.
Not certainty, for the judgmentis sure, and the day of the
Lord will not be turned back,but possibility, hope, a chance
(22:34):
for those who will humblethemselves and seek his face
with all their hearts.
And so, beloved friend, as weprepare to hear the full weight
of the second chapter ofZephaniah's prophecy, remember
that we stand at the samecrossroads that face the people
of his day.
(22:55):
The same choice lies before us.
Will we seek the Lord while hemay be found, or will we
continue in our pride andrebellion until the day of grace
passes us by?
The sun is fully risen now andJerusalem awakens to another day
(23:18):
, but this is no ordinary day,for the word of the Lord has
gone forth and it will notreturn empty.
It will accomplish what hepleases and prosper in the thing
for which he sent it.
Come then, let us listentogether as the Lord speaks
(23:40):
through his servant, Zephaniah,showing us both the terror of
his judgment and the wonder ofhis mercy, both the fate of the
proud and the hope of the humble.
Now let's take a moment to quietour hearts and listen to the
(24:00):
word itself.
Let these words sink deep intoyour spirit, bringing comfort,
conviction, and encouragement,whether you're sitting in a
quiet place or out in the world.
Allow scripture to meet youright where you are.
I hope you have your favoritecup of tea or coffee.
(24:20):
Sit back, relax, and let's stepinto the sacred text of the
Book of Zephaniah 2.
(24:55):
Gather together.
Gather, o shameless nation,before you are driven away like
the drifting chaff, before therecomes upon you the fierce anger
of the Lord, before there comesupon you the day of the Lord's
wrath.
Seek the Lord, all you, humbleof the land, who do His commands
(25:18):
.
Seek righteousness, lord, allyou, humble of the land, who do
his commands.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
Perhaps you may be hidden onthe day of the Lord's wrath, For
Gaza shall be deserted andAshkelon shall be a desolation,
ashdod's people shall be drivenout at noon and Ekron shall be
(25:40):
uprooted.
Ah, inhabitants of the seacoast, you, nation of the
Karathites, the word of the Lordis against you, o Canaan, land
of the Philistines, and I willdestroy you until no inhabitant
is left and you, o sea coast,shall be pastures, meadows for
(26:05):
shepherds and folds for flocks.
The sea coast shall become thepossession of the remnant of the
house of Judah, on which theyshall pasture and in the houses
of Ashkelon they shall lie downat evening, for the Lord, their
God, will be mindful of them andrestore their fortunes.
(26:26):
I have heard the taunts of Moaband the revilings of the
Ammonites, how they have tauntedmy people and made boasts
against their territory.
Therefore, as I live, says theLord of hosts, the God of Israel
, Moab shall become like Sodomand the Ammonites like Gomorrah,
(26:48):
a land possessed by nettles andsalt pits and a waste forever.
The remnant of my people shallplunder them and the survivors
of my nation shall possess them.
This shall be their lot inreturn for their pride because
they scoffed and boasted againstthe people of the Lord of hosts
(27:08):
.
The Lord will be terribleagainst them.
He will shrivel all the gods ofthe earth and to him shall bow
down, each in its place, all thecoasts and islands of the
nations.
You also, o Ethiopians, shallbe killed by my sword, and he
(27:29):
will stretch out his handagainst the north and destroy
Assyria.
And he will make Nineveh adesolation, a dry waste like the
desert.
And he will make Nineveh adesolation, a dry waste, like
the desert Herds, shall lie downin it.
Every wild animal, the desertowl and the screeched owl, shall
lodge on its capitals.
The owl shall hoot at thewindow.
(27:54):
The raven croak at thethreshold, for its cedar work
will be laid bare.
Is this the exalted city thatlives secure?
That said to itself, I am, andthere is no one else.
What a desolation.
It has become a lair for wildanimals.
Everyone who passes by ithisses and shakes the fist.
(28:33):
The second vision has beendelivered, beloved friend, and
now we sit together as the daydraws to its close, watching the
sun sink behind the westernhills like a bronze shield,
disappearing in the depths ofthe great sea.
The air has grown cool with theapproaching light, and I can
(28:56):
feel the weight of divine truthsettling upon us, like the
evening dew that glistens on thegrass around our feet.
Look how the lights begin totwinkle in the villages, below
Each flame, a reminder of thesouls who heard the call to
gather together Before thedecree was issued, before the
(29:19):
day passed, before the wind.
Some heeded the warning andsought the Lord while he could
be found.
Others continued in theirstubborn ways, deaf to the voice
of mercy that called them torepentance.
We have journeyed far togethertoday, you and I, not just
(29:41):
across the physical landscape ofancient Judah, but across the
spiritual terrain of divinejudgment and mercy.
We have stood at the heightsand gazed toward the Philistine
coastlands, where Gaza andAshkelon will become desolate
pastures.
We have looked eastward, to theplateaus of Moab and Amman,
(30:05):
destined to become like Sodomand Gomorrah.
We have turned our facesnorthward, to mighty Assyria,
whose capital, nineveh, willbecome a dwelling place for wild
beasts.
But, most importantly, we haveheard the urgent call that
echoes through the corridors oftime Seek the Lord, all you meek
(30:29):
of the earth who have upheldhis justice.
Seek righteousness, seekhumility.
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
I think of young David, theshepherd boy who became king,
who wrote the Lord is myshepherd.
(30:49):
I shall not want he makes me tolie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the stillwaters.
Even in the midst of judgment,even as nations fall and empires
crumble, the good shepherdcontinues to call his sheep,
continues to provide refuge forthose who trust in him.
(31:12):
Down in the valley, oldMatthias is bringing his flock
home for the night.
See how they follow him withoutquestion, trusting his voice,
knowing that he will lead themto safety.
If only God's people had suchsimple faith.
If only they would recognizethe voice of their true shepherd
(31:36):
and follow Him to the shelterof His wings.
Now, beloved friend, let meshare with you the life lessons
that the Lord has carved into mysoul through this prophecy,
truths that must shape how younavigate the complexities of
daily life in a fallen world.
First, understand that time islimited.
(32:00):
Before the decree is issued orthe day passes like chaff, there
is urgency in God's call torepentance.
We are not guaranteed tomorrowand we cannot presume
indefinitely upon God's patience.
The door of mercy remains open,but it will not remain open
(32:21):
forever.
Second, learn that God'sjudgment upon others should
drive you to humility, not pride.
When we see God's justicefalling upon the wicked, our
response should not be I'm glad,I'm not like them, but there,
(32:42):
but for the grace of God, go I.
The same holy God who judgesthe nations also examines our
hearts with perfect knowledge.
Third, understand that God'sprotection is conditional.
It may be that you will behidden in the day of the Lord's
anger.
The possibility of protectiondepends upon our response to His
(33:06):
call.
Depends upon our response tohis call.
This is not works-basedsalvation, but the natural
consequence of a heart that hastruly turned to God.
The night is fully upon us now,friend, but do not let the
darkness discourage you.
For those who seek the Lord,even the darkest night is
(33:32):
illuminated by the light of hispresence, even in the midst of
judgment.
His mercy endures forever.
Even when kingdoms fall andnations crumble, his love
remains steadfast and hisfaithfulness reaches to the
clouds.
Listen, do you hear that bellcalling the faithful to evening
prayers?
It reminds us that even intimes of judgment, even when the
(33:56):
world seems to be falling apart, there are still those who
gather to seek the Lord, stillthose who choose righteousness
over rebellion, still those whofind their hope not in earthly
powers but in the eternal God.
Thank you for joining me todayas we journeyed through the Book
(34:16):
of Zephaniah 2.
I pray that you carry thesereflections with you into your
day, into your week, and thatyou find strength in knowing God
is with you in every trial,every temptation, and every step
of obedience.
If this time in God's word hasencouraged you, take a moment to
(34:40):
share it with someone who mightneed it, and be sure to join me
next time as we continuewalking through the scriptures,
learning, growing, and stayingfaithful in the field of life.
Until next time, may you findpeace in the quiet, trust in
God's call, and rest in Hisunchanging love.
(35:01):
This is In the Field AudioBible, where we Listen to the
Bible One Chapter at a Time.
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