Zephaniah 2:1-3, Take an Opportunity to Repent

I asked Bing, powered by AI (artificial intelligence), what someone would mean by, “Let’s gather ourselves.” It answered: When someone says, “Let’s gather ourselves,” they are suggesting that everyone takes a moment to prepare themselves for something they are about to do, especially if it is something difficult. It is an opportunity to collect their thoughts, regain focus, and get ready for the task at hand. For example, before going into a meeting, one might take a few moments to gather their thoughts and mentally prepare. Yahweh is telling Judah to “gather together,” and it has somewhat this same meaning, to gather or prepare themselves in light of the coming judgment. What are they to prepare themselves for?

^2:1 Gather together—yes, gather together, you shameless nation. ² Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of Yahweh falls and the terrible day of Yahweh’s anger begins. ³ Seek Yahweh, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet Yahweh will protect you—protect you from his anger on that day of destruction.

Yahweh calls Judah a “shameless nation.” The Hebrew literally means ‘someone who won’t pale,’ that is, someone who won’t feel shame at their own despicable acts. God’s certain judgment is coming. Even though the king at this time, Josiah, was a righteous king, Yahweh tells him through the prophetess Huldah, “I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died” (2 Kings 22:20). But He will send it.

Nevertheless, despite Judah’s shamelessness, Yahweh appeals to them to repent. He tells them through Zephaniah that there is a window for repentance, a short time before the judgment commences, but it will quickly pass, like chaff before the wind. If they “act now” before that day of furious anger comes, there is a chance (“perhaps” that Yahweh will stop His judgment.

And here is the key: They must “seek” doing what is right and living humbly. Because it is only those who are humble and follow His commands who will be protected from His anger. To seek doing what is right and living humbly is to appeal to Yahweh for His help in having a repentant spirit of humility and for His help in becoming obedient to His word.

Do you have a need for humility and obedience that you cannot drum up on your own. “Seek to do what is right and to live humbly,” seek the Lord for His help in having the right attitude and the right aptitude in your life.