Destruction will

We confirmed previously that the theme of the book of Zephaniah is “the day of the Lord.” The day of the Lord refers to the Great Tribulation. It says, “‘I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth,’ declares the Lord” (v 2). (1) The expression “declares the Lord” appears consecutively in verses 2 and 3. This indicates that Zephaniah’s prophecy is a solemn oracle. (2) God says, “I will completely remove all things from the face of the earth.” NIV translation says, “I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth.” The translation “sweep away” is very fitting. It brings to mind the image of the surface of the earth being swept clean with a broom. In the days of Noah, the earth was destroyed by a flood. When the day of the Lord comes, evil will be removed as if it were being swept away with a broom. It says, “‘I will remove human and animal life; I will remove the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea, and the ruins along with the wicked; and I will eliminate mankind from the face of the earth,’ declares the Lord” (v 3). (1) The order in which they are removed is: humans, animals, birds of the sky, and fish of the sea. This is the reverse of the order at the time of creation (Gen. 1:20-26). (2) “And the ruins along with the wicked” is translated in NIV as “And the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” On the day of the Lord, all idols will be swept away. (3) It says, “I will eliminate mankind from the face of the earth.” There is a play on Hebrew words here: man (adam) will be swept away from the ground (adamah).

Lessons for us

The purpose of the day of the Lord (the Great Tribulation) is to remove evil from the earth. This is a terrifying thing for the wicked. God is strict toward sin. However, He is gracious toward sinners. Therefore, through various means, He gives us warnings. Let us listen to the words of Peter. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Now, let’s begin to fear God and walk with Him. God is waiting for the return of sinners.