Daily Devotions
Zephaniah
"I will deal with all who afflict you"
Text: Zephaniah 3:19
A WONDERFUL PROMISE
The Lord knew all about the internal and emotional problems they had suffered among the exiled. He was also aware of their fears that they might suffer afflictions again. The Lord had this special assurance to give them.
“Behold, at that time
I will deal with all who afflict you;
I will save the lame,
And gather those who were driven out;
I will appoint them for praise and fame
In every land where they were put to shame.”
Zephaniah 3:19
1. “Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you”
a) The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide invaluable historical insights.
b) These two books recorded the problems the returnees faced when they returned to Israel.
i) There were enemies who sought to afflict them.
ii) There were many threats that had to be fought and overcome.
iii) God provided strong leaders who would lead the nation effectively.
c) God promised that He would personally deal with their enemies who would afflict them.
d) They would be successful in re-establishing their homeland.
e) Their enemies would be defeated. They would not prevail over Zion!
2. Two special groups of people mentioned:
a) The lame (physical disability)
i) They could be war victims.
ii) They could have become lame through illness.
b) Those who were driven out
i) They may have been ostracized for some reasons.
ii) They would have been described as “misfits”.
c) These had suffered perhaps more than others.
d) They had felt “shame” because of their plight!
3. A special promise given
a) He would appoint them for “praise and fame”.
b) God would bless them especially and they would experience success.
c) The Lord Himself would see that they would not need to live in shame anymore!
This was a special promise that would gladden the most sorrowful of hearts!