Zephaniah 3:14-20
These verses reflect the joy of the redeemed in the presence of the Lord, who promises to he in their midst. Here is final deliverance, the golden age which is the climax of the day of the Lord. The verbs are in the prophetic perfect; the events, though yet in the future, are described as having taken place already.
There are three reasons for rejoicing:
1. The judgments (15) are removed. These are the judgments that have fallen upon Israel through all her history. Zephaniah, with Isaiah, sees that in this day “her warfare is accomplished … her iniquity is pardoned” (Isa. 40:2).
2. The enemy is cast out. Note that this promise and prediction is in the singular. The chief enemy of Israel was sin in conduct and sin in the heart. It is altogether possible that this final consummation is seen by Zephaniah to be also a final victory over the trouble of Israel, “a wandering heart.” The word translated taken away (15) is the same as is rendered “prepared” in Isa. 40:3 and means “to clear away the debris,” or free the ground from obstacles. Thus the removal of sin prepares the way for a fully victorious existence.
3. The Lord, is in the midst. He is present to protect, and therefore Israel need have no more fear. Conversely, she is now prepared for His presence in her midst by virtue of the removal of her sin.
B. ASSURANCE OF FAITH, 3:16-18
In that day it shall be said … Fear thou not (16). God's presence gives peace of heart. Hence the exhortation, Let not thine hands be slack, meaning to “droop” or “drop.” The reason for encouragement is that the Lord thy God in the midst of thee is “a victorious warrior” (17, Smith-Goodspeed).
Furthermore, those who are exiled in sorrow will be gathered to the solemn assembly (18). The word so translated means “a stated place or time,” and applies to the sacred seasons of the Jewish year.1 Douglas suggests that “tryst” is the only English word comparable to the Hebrew. Those yet in exile are separated from the great feasts but they shall be brought again. The following translation of the verse reflects this meaning: “I will gather them that are removed from the solemn assembly; they shall be with thee, that thou bear not reproach because of them.”
C. PROMISE OF RESTORATION, 3:19-20
“With a general picture of the Messianic days, but with no special mention of the Messianic King, the prophet ends.”2 The promise is, “I will bring you home” (20, RSV), with a repetition of 2:7, when I turn back your captivity (20). It shall be done in your day.
Zephaniah's concluding psalm exalts the Lord as “Mighty to Save,” 17. God's power to save is the basis for His people's: (1) Joy, 14; (2) Protection, 15; (3) Confidence and zeal, 16; (4) Restoration, 18, 20; and (5) Achievement, 19 (W. T. Purkiser).
Moffatt has cast the promise in moving poetic form:
I will deal with all your oppressors,
and gather your outcasts, rescue the lame,
lifting them out of their shame
to world-wide praise and fame,
when I gather you home,
when I do good to you;
for I will grant you praise and fame
among all nations of the world,
when I turn your fortunes
under your own eyes—
'tis the Eternal's promise.