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"They have done violence to the law"

Text: Zephaniah 3:4

THE LEADERS OF JUDAH

God had provided leaders for the nation of Israel. Good leadership is vital for the survival of any nation. But what if the leaders are weak and wicked?

“Her princes in her midst are roaring lions;
Her judges are evening wolves
That leave not a bone till morning.
Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people;
Her priests have polluted the sanctuary,
They have done violence to the law.”
Zephaniah 3:3-4

1. Four categories of leaders were mentioned:

a) Princes

b) Judges

c) Prophets

d) Priests

2. The law

a) This is a reference to the Scriptures.

b) In particular the law given by Moses.

3. An assessment of the leaders

a) The princes

i) They were aptly described as “roaring lions”.

ii) Like hungry lions they devoured whom they could.

b) The judges

i) They were supposed to uphold the law.

ii) Instead they looked after their own interests.

iii) They were well-described as “evening wolves” who preyed on their victims.

c) The prophets

i) They were insolent.

ii) They were also treacherous.

d) The priests

i) They polluted the sanctuary instead of keeping it holy.

ii) They did violence to the law given to them by adding idolatrous practices.