Zephaniah had received from the Lord much more revelation about what He would do for Israel following the period of worldwide punishment. This section is also chiastic in its thought structure.
AIsrael's purification 3:10-13
BIsrael's and Yahweh's rejoicing 3:14-17
A'Israel's regathering 3:18-20
3:10 The descendants of the Lord's dispersed ones, the Jews, would bring him offerings of worship from the farthest corners of the earth. The rivers of Ethiopia, probably the Nile and its tributaries, were at the edge of the known world in the prophet's day (cf. 2:12). The implication is that the Jews will come to Jerusalem, the city the Lord chose as the place where He would dwell among His people (cf. Deut. 30:1-10; Isa. 66:18, 20).
3:11 In that day, the day of blessing to follow the day of judgment, Zephaniah's hearers, the Jews, would not feel any more shame for all their previous rebellion against the Lord. They would not because He would remove all the pride from their hearts (cf. Ezek. 20:34-38; Matt. 25:1-13). They would never again lift up themselves in haughtiness against Yahweh on His holy mountain Jerusalem (Ps. 2:6; Dan. 9:16; Joel 2:1; Obad. 16; et al.). A feeling of shame comes from and awareness of guilt, but they would not be guilty any longer because they would be humble rather than proud.
3:12 The Israelites of that day will be humble and lowly in heart (cf. 2:3), and they will seek the Lord as their refuge rather than turning from Him to idols and self-exaltation. Seeking the Lord is an indication of humility whereas forsaking Him, even by not praying, demonstrates a spirit of independence from God (cf. 1:6).
3:13 In contrast to their conduct since the Exodus, the Jews would do nothing wrong, tell no lies, and practice no deceit (cf. 3:1-4). They will resemble a flock of sheep at peace grazing and lying down with nothing to disturb them (cf. Ps. 23; Mic. 4:4).
3:14 In view of these wonderful prospects, Zephaniah called the people of Jerusalem and all the Israelites to shout for joy with all their hearts.
"Although the command is aimed at the future Jerusalem, no doubt the message would not be lost on the godly worshipers of Zephaniah's own day."27
The phrase "daughter of"is a way of referring to the citizens of Zion (Jerusalem) as the children of the city. Children born in any city are the children of that city in a metaphorical sense as well as the children of their physical parents in a literal sense.
3:15 The reason for rejoicing is that Yahweh will have removed His judgment and Israel's enemies from her (cf. vv. 8, 19). Yahweh, Israel's true and omnipotent king, will be in the midst of His people (in the person of Messiah, Jesus Christ, during the Millennium; v. 17; cf. Isa. 9:7; 44:6; Zech. 14:9). Consequently they will fear disaster no more (v. 13).
3:16-17 In that day of blessing the people of Jerusalem will have plenty of reasons not to fear. One reason is that Yahweh their God will be in their midst (v. 15). He will be a victorious warrior having defeated all His enemies and all opposition worldwide (1:2-3; 3:8). Like a bridegroom He will take joy in His people Israel, and they will rest quietly in the security of His love for them as His bride. Yahweh will even shout with joy over His beloved Israel!
"We can find hope in times of difficulty if we focus on God's power, God's deliverance, and God's love. He is our King (3:15), our Savior (3:16-17a0, and our Beloved (3:17b)."28
3:18 In the past Jews who lived far from Jerusalem were very sad because they could not travel to Jerusalem to observe Israel's annual feasts. They suffered a certain criticism from their fellow Jews for living far away from Jerusalem. But in this time of blessing (the Millennium) the Lord will enable them to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts.29
3:19-20 Having dealt with the Jews' oppressors (cf. vv. 8-15; 2:4-15; Gen. 12:3), the Lord will deliver even the weak and dispersed of His people and give them a worldwide reputation for goodness (cf. Deut. 26:19). He will regather them in their land and give them a good reputation when He restores their fortunes (cf. v. 15; Gen. 12:1-7; 13:14-17; 15:7-21; 17:7-8; 2 Sam. 7:16; Ps. 89:3-4; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 7:27).
Zephaniah concluded his book by affirming that such was Yahweh's declaration. He would indeed restore His people.
Eight times in verses 18-20, in the NASB, the Lord said, "I will,""I am going to,"or "When I."The future restoration and blessing of Israel in the world will be something that Yahweh Himself will accomplish "in that day"(i.e., the day of the LORD"). No one but He could ever accomplish it, and no one but He would.
