Zephaniah 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Zephaniah 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh rebukes Jerusalem for her corruption, describing her as 'rebellious and polluted' (vv. 1-2). He condemns her leaders, including princes and judges, who are likened to 'roaring lions' and 'evening wolves' (vv.

Key verse

“Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (WEB)

Outline

Zephaniah 3:1–2 Rebuke of Jerusalem's Corruption
Zephaniah 3:3–4 Corrupt Leaders and Prophets
Zephaniah 3:5–7 Yahweh's Righteousness and Call
Zephaniah 3:8–10 Judgment and Future Purification
Zephaniah 3:11–13 Removal of Pride and Affliction
Zephaniah 3:14–17 Call to Rejoice
Zephaniah 3:18–20 Promise of Restoration

Discussion questions

In v2, what does it mean that Jerusalem 'didn’t obey the voice'?
What does the phrase 'the oppressing city' in v1 imply about Jerusalem?
In v8, why does Yahweh's determination to 'gather the nations' suggest a shift in His plan?
In v12, what does it signify that God will leave 'among you an afflicted and poor people'?
When have you felt like a 'poor' person needing refuge in Yahweh's name (v12)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Zephaniah 3: Isaiah 60, Ezekiel 34, Isaiah 62.

Before next time: read Haggai 1.