“Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger” (2:3). Zephaniah pronounced judgment against “all mankind” (1:3), pagan nations and even Jerusalem itself. “Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! She obeys no one ... She does not trust in the Lord” (3:1-2). Because Jerusalem’s prophets and priests were “treacherous” and did “violence to the law” (3:4), God’s judgment was coming. However, He promised deliverance for the “meek and humble” (3:12).

“I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles” (3:19). God is the “Mighty Warrior” who is against the proud and rebellious, and He is the Redeemer who takes “great delight” in those who run to Him for refuge (3:17).