In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
Read it in contextIsrael’s Restoration
Start reading at Zephaniah 3:14 (Zephaniah 3:14 to Zephaniah 3:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Jerusalem's rebellion is exposed before the closing promises of a purified people, gathering, and the LORD's presence.
3:14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
3:15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.
3:16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
3:17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
3:18I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
3:19Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
3:20At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Zephaniah, whose ancestry is given in the opening verse, is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Zephaniah 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Zephaniah 3:1–3:20): Jerusalem's leaders and people are rebuked, followed by promises to a restored remnant and a call for daughter Zion to rejoice. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem during Josiah's reign, with judgments extending to neighboring nations and hope directed to the remnant. Biblical references: Zephaniah 1:1; Zephaniah 1:4; Zephaniah 3:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Israel’s Restoration. Read Zephaniah 3:14 through Zephaniah 3:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Jerusalem's rebellion is exposed before the closing promises of a purified people, gathering, and the LORD's presence. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening places Zephaniah's words in Josiah's reign. The coming day and promised restoration are subjects of the prophecy. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Judah and Jerusalem are central, with surrounding nations also addressed. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Israel’s Restoration (Zephaniah 3:14 to Zephaniah 3:20).
Start reading at Zephaniah 3:14. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The promised gathering and the LORD's presence can be read alongside the New Testament's hope in Christ. Specific symbolic or chronological equivalences require separate evidence. See Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 1:23, Revelation 21:3. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Seek humility and righteousness rather than presume that membership in a religious community removes accountability. Read the promises of restoration with the preceding calls and rebukes. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Zephaniah 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Zephaniah's opening places his prophecy in Josiah's reign. The book announces judgment on Judah and the nations, calls for seeking the LORD, and ends with restoration and rejoicing. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Jerusalem's rebellion is exposed before the closing promises of a purified people, gathering, and the LORD's presence.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Jerusalem's rebellion is exposed before the closing promises of a purified people, gathering, and the LORD's presence.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Zephaniah
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Zephaniah's opening places his prophecy in Josiah's reign. The book announces judgment on Judah and the nations, calls for seeking the LORD, and ends with restoration and rejoicing.