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"Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted"

Text: Zephaniah 3:1

ADDRESSING JUDAH

The last chapter of Zephaniah was devoted to the nation of Judah. This was the remaining southern kingdom. Unfortunately, a woeful word had to be given to the nation.

“Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted,
To the oppressing city!
She has not obeyed His voice,
She has not received correction;
She has not trusted in the LORD,
She has not drawn near to her God.”
Zephaniah 3:1-2

1. A pronouncement of “woe” against Judah

a) Three things were highlighted:

i) Rebelliousness

ii) Pollutedness

iii) Oppressiveness

b) The state of the nation

i) Lamentable

ii) Grievous

iii) Detrimental

2. Four reasons were cited for their abysmal spiritual state:

a) She has not obeyed His voice.

i) The prophets were the voice of God.

ii) God had spoken to them in and through the Scriptures.

b) She has not received correction.

i) Correction was rejected.

ii) Judah had refused any work of chastening.

c) She has not trusted the Lord.

i) Judah did not exercise faith in God.

ii) It was doubtful that the nation understood faith at this stage.

d) She has not drawn near to her God.

i) There was no reason not to be close to God.

ii) She had chosen to remain far away from the Lord.