Daily Devotions
Zephaniah
"They have reproached My people"
Text: Zephaniah 2:8
MOAB AND AMMON
Moab and Ammon were related to Israel! They were originally the sons of Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Genesis 19:30-38). God had been gracious to the sons of Lot. Israel was forbidden to attack them when they were coming into the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 2:9).
JUDGMENT AGAINST MOAB AND AMMON
With the passing of time, Moab and Ammon became idolatrous and wicked. The Lord had to pass judgment on these two nations.
“I have heard the reproach of Moab,
And the insults of the people of Ammon,
With which they have reproached My people,
And made arrogant threats against their borders.”
Zephaniah 2:8
1. The LORD’S word against Moab and Ammon
a) He had personally heard Moab and Ammon speak against Israel/ Judah.
b) Moab
i) It reproached Israel.
ii) It looked down on Israel badly.
c) Ammon
i) It insulted the people of Israel.
ii) It demeaned them.
2. “With which they have reproached My people”
a) God took the reproaches and insults hurled against Israel personally.
b) He was wonderfully bound to His people.
c) If enemies insulted His people… this was seen as a personal affront to God Himself.
d) Israel was His covenant-people!
3. “And made arrogant threats against their borders”
a) There were many battles waged against Israel.
b) In the book of Numbers, the Moabite king, Balak sought the help of the false prophet Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22-24).
c) In the book of Judges, we have a few references to Moab bullying Israel.
i) Moab and Ammon joined forces.
ii) They attacked Israel and made Israel serve them for 18 years (Judges 3:12-30).
There were many other battles Moab and Ammon waged against Israel. God had to stop them forcefully.