Zephaniah 2: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Zephaniah 2 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The people are called to gather together, especially those without shame (vv. 1-2). They are urged to seek Yahweh and humility to possibly escape His anger (v. 3). Judgment is pronounced on Philistia. Gaza will be forsaken and Ashkelon will become desolate (vv. 4-7). Woe is declared upon Moab and Ammon for their pride and insults against Yahweh's people. They will face destruction, akin to Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 8-10). Yahweh will be worshipped by all nations, and He will defeat the gods of the land (vv. 11-12). Assyria and Nineveh will be destroyed, becoming desolate places filled with animals (vv. 13-15). The once joyous city that boasted of its independence will become a desolation, with everyone passing by hissing and shaking their fists.

Key verse

“Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger.”
Zephaniah 2:3 (WEB)

Outline

Zephaniah 2:1–2 Call to Gather and Seek
Zephaniah 2:3 Seeking the Lord
Zephaniah 2:4–7 Judgment on Philistia
Zephaniah 2:8–10 Condemnation of Moab and Ammon
Zephaniah 2:11–12 Worship of Yahweh Declared
Zephaniah 2:13–15 Destruction of Assyria and Nineveh

Discussion questions

In v3, what are the humble of the land instructed to seek?
What judgment is pronounced against Gaza in v4?
The statement in v15 about the joyous city: what is implied by its downfall?
In v10, what does the word 'pride' suggest about the fate of Moab and Ammon?
When have you seen someone humbled due to their 'pride' as mentioned in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Zephaniah 2: Amos 5, Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 25.

Before next time: read Zephaniah 3.