Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 181:722 (Apr 2024)
Article: Seeking God And Waiting: Hope On The Day Of The Lord (Zeph 2:1–4; 3:8–10)
Author: Jason S. DeRouchie

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Seeking God And Waiting: Hope On The Day Of The Lord (Zeph 2:1–4; 3:8–10)

Jason S. DeRouchie

Jason S. DeRouchie is Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

This is the second article in the three-part series “Rejoicing in Hope on the Day of the Lord: Understanding and Applying Zephaniah,” delivered as the W. H. Griffith Thomas Lectureship at Dallas Theological Seminary, February 7, 9–10, 2023.

Upon his resurrection, Jesus opened his disciples’ minds to understand the Old Testament Scriptures and said,

Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.1

The prophet Zephaniah proclaimed not only the sufferings of Christ but also his rising and the mission his victorious reign would spark (cf. Acts 3:18, 24; 10:43; 26:22–23; 1 Pet 1:10–11). This article will evaluate the prophet’s two main exhortations and consider their relevance for Christians today.

Zephaniah portrays Yahweh as a mighty warrior who will decisively eradicate all evil and save those who have sought him. The punishment on the day of the Lord will come as cataclysm, conquest, and sacrifice, and God’s fiery wrath will blaze against all unrepentant sinners, consuming the earth as we know it. Will you be hidden and have hope on the day of the Lord?

Joel says, “The day of the Lord is great and very awesome;

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who can endure it?” (2:11).2 Similarly, Nahum writes, “Who can stand before [Yahweh’s] indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him” (1:6).3 In Zephaniah 1:17, God announces, “I w...