Movatterモバイル変換

Psalm 105:4
Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Isaiah 55:6,7
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: …

Jeremiah 3:13,14
Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD…

all.

2 Chronicles 34:27,28
Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heardthee also, saith the LORD…

Psalm 22:26
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

Psalm 25:8,9
Good and uprightis the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way…

seek righteousness.

Philippians 3:13,14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: butthis one thingI do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, …

1 Thessalonians 4:1,10
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhortyou by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God,so ye would abound more and more…

1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren,see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

it may.

2 Samuel 12:22
And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tellwhether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?

Joel 2:13,14
And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for heis gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil…

Amos 5:15
Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.

hid.

Genesis 7:15,16
And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, whereinis the breath of life…

Exodus 12:27
That ye shall say, Itis the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.

Psalm 31:20
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

all you humble of the earth
The "humble" refers to those who recognize their need for God and submit to His will. In biblical terms, humility is often associated with righteousness and wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). The phrase "of the earth" suggests a universal call, not limited to Israel but extending to all who are willing to humble themselves before God. This humility is contrasted with the pride and arrogance that often lead to judgment, as seen in the surrounding nations condemned in Zephaniah.

who carry out His justice
This phrase highlights the importance of living according to God's standards. Justice in the biblical sense involves fairness, righteousness, and the protection of the vulnerable. The call to carry out His justice aligns with the teachings of the prophets, such asMicah 6:8, which emphasizes doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. It reflects God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His justice in their communities.

Seek righteousness; seek humility
Righteousness and humility are central themes in the Bible, often linked to God's favor and blessing. Righteousness involves living in accordance with God's laws and moral standards, while humility involves recognizing one's dependence on God. This dual call to seek both righteousness and humility suggests a holistic approach to faith, where internal attitudes and external actions align with God's will. It is reminiscent of Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), where the blessed are those who hunger for righteousness and are meek.

Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger
This phrase introduces the concept of divine mercy amidst judgment. The "day of the LORD" is a recurring theme in the prophets, referring to a time of God's intervention in history, often involving judgment and salvation. The use of "perhaps" indicates that while God's judgment is certain, His mercy is available to those who repent and seek Him. This echoes the message of Jonah, where Nineveh's repentance led to God's relenting of disaster. The idea of being "sheltered" suggests protection and deliverance, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in Christ, who offers refuge from God's wrath through His atoning sacrifice.

“Seek the LORD” is an urgent summons to pursue a personal, wholehearted relationship with God, not a casual glance in His direction.

•Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

•Isaiah 55:6-7 adds that seeking the LORD involves forsaking wicked ways and thoughts so He may “abundantly pardon.”

• Jesus reaffirms the priority inMatthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Zephaniah’s opening word therefore insists that deliverance from judgment begins with turning our eyes toward the living God Himself.

God identifies the audience: the “humble” who are already “carrying out His justice.” True humility shows itself in obedience and fairness toward others.

•Micah 6:8 combines humility and justice: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly… and to walk humbly with your God.”

•Isaiah 66:2 declares, “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word.”

•James 4:6 reminds us, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Those bowing low before God and treating people rightly are precisely the ones invited to press in even further.

To “seek righteousness” means to make a deliberate, ongoing pursuit of all that aligns with God’s moral will.

•Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

•2 Timothy 2:22 urges believers to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”

•1 Peter 3:14 notes that even when suffering, “you are blessed” if you “suffer for what is right.”

Zephaniah underscores that right standing with God is never static; it grows as we actively chase what pleases Him.

Humility is so vital that Zephaniah repeats the call. It is the soil in which repentance, dependence, and obedience flourish.

•Philippians 2:3-4 advises, “In humility value others above yourselves.”

•1 Peter 5:5-6: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another… that He may exalt you in due time.”

•Proverbs 22:4 links humility with protection and reward: “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.”

Seeking humility means deliberately lowering ourselves so God alone is exalted.

The word “perhaps” does not imply uncertainty about God’s character but stresses the seriousness of the impending “day of the LORD,” a real future time of judgment. Mercy is guaranteed to the repentant, yet no one should presume upon it.

•Zephaniah 1:14-15 has already described that day as “cruel, with wrath and fierce anger.”

•Isaiah 26:20 pictures God’s refuge: “Come, My people, enter your chambers… hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by.”

•Joel 2:31-32 promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”

•1 Thessalonians 5:9 comforts believers that “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

For the humble seeker, God Himself becomes the shelter when judgment falls.

Zephaniah 2:3 calls every humble, justice-minded person to press further into God: seek Him, pursue righteousness, and deepen humility. Those who respond will find the Lord a secure refuge when His righteous anger sweeps across the earth.