Gather yourselves together

Chapter 1 prophesied the description of the day of the Lord and the severity of judgment. In today’s passage, it is prophesied that there will be a restoration of the people of Israel before the day of the Lord comes. The restoration of the people of Israel will come in two stages: first, a restoration in a state of unbelief, and then a restoration in a state of faith. Today’s passage prophesies the former restoration. (1) “Gather yourselves together, yes, join together, you nation without shame” (v 1). The word translated “nation” is “goy,” which usually refers to the Gentiles. That it is used of Israel here is because they have forgotten God and have become like the Gentiles. They are a “shameless nation.” (2) “Gather” is repeated twice. This is a call to restoration. (3) This restoration will be accomplished before the day of the Lord. The expression “before” appears three times: (a) “Before the decree takes effect – the day passes like chaff.” (b) “Before the burning anger of the Lord comes upon you.” (c) “Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you” This threefold expression indicates that the restoration of the people of Israel will take place before the Great Tribulation. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 is the fulfillment of this prophecy. They returned to the land of Canaan and established a nation. However, they still remain in a state of unbelief.

The call to the remnant

Let us look at verse 3: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth who have practiced His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will remain hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.” (1) This is a call to the remnant (the true believers of Israel). “Seek” is repeated three times: (a) Seek the Lord. (b) Seek righteousness. (c) Seek humility. This is a call to return to the Lord. (2) If they return to the Lord, “perhaps you will remain hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger.” The name Zephaniah means “the Lord hides.” In this passage, we can see that the prophet’s name and the message he proclaims are in agreement. (3) The place where God will hide the people of Israel during the Great Tribulation is Bozrah (present-day Petra) (ref. Isa.34:6; 63:1). Let us acknowledge that God is sovereign over history and take courage. Let us learn to walk in trust in God’s promises.