Chapter Summary

Call to remnant of Israel in the day of the Lord. Judgment threatened upon Assyria, Philistia and other nations.

Discussion Questions for Zephaniah, Chapter 2

1. Is there a connection between the "Cushites" (HCSB) of verse 12 and Zephaniah's "Cushi" (HCSB) heritage? How might this prophecy be personally difficult for Zephaniah? How have you seen spiritual difficulties in the lives of your family or close friends, and how does it impact your empathy towards them?
2. What "escape clause" can you find in chapter 2? How does humility help us find favor with God? In what ways can you be more humble and pursue righteousness?
3. How many different nations can you count that God has passed judgment on in chapter 2? How does this show us the ultimate frailty of human power and accomplishments? In what ways have you trusted in your military or government to provide for you, perhaps considering them more than God?
4. What is the significance of the phrase "self-assured city" in verse 15? How was Nineveh proud and self-assured? Can you think back to the book of Jonah for examples? How have you trusted in yourself and been self-assured, only to fail and be disappointed?
5. How can we find hope in the "remnant" (HCSB) of God's people in verse 9? What does this say about the extent of His judgment? How does this express God's redemption of His people? How can you find solace in God's promise to never destroy His own people?
6. Why is it significant that God gives Judah and Jerusalem an opportunity to repent? What does this say about God's desire for relationship with His people? In what ways does He call you to repentance and restoration?
7. Why will other nations ultimately "bow in worship" (HCSB) to God like it says in verse 11? Does this apply to missions and evangelism today? How does this show how God's sovereignty applies to the ends of the earth? How does this motivate you to be a part of the Great Commission today?
8. Why does God compare "Moab" (HCSB) and the "Ammonites" (HCSB) with Sodom and Gomorrah? What does this teach us about the real consequences of sin in general? How does your understanding of God's discipline for sin impact how you make daily choices?
9. How many enemies does God name in this chapter? Are these countries or people groups still around today? What does this teach us about the assurances of God's promises? How does the temporary nature of the things on earth impact how you live?
10. What does it mean to truly "seek" (HCSB) the Lord? How can you pursue righteousness? How does this passage teach you to seek after the things of God even in spite of extremely difficult circumstances?

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah's anger, v. 2.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

3