Fear Not and Don't Slack Zephaniah 3:16

According to Zephaniah the prophet, because the LORD will have restored a “remnant” in Judah, they were to “sing, shout, rejoice and be glad” for their “judgments” have been “taken away”, the LORD has “cast out” their “enemy”, was “with them” and they would “not see evil any more”. In chapter three and verse sixteen of his prophesy, Zephaniah share how it would be said to “Jerusalem, Fear not”, and do not let “your hands be slack” where we read:

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not: and to Zion, Let not your hands be slack.

The verse begins, “In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not:” Zephaniah began, “In that day” or “time, year or period” “it shall be said” which means “uttered, spoken, avouched and called out” “to Jerusalem” which means “teaching of peace” and was “the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split” “Fear not” or “do not be afraid, awed, dreaded or astonished” . When Jerusalem was restored and the LORD was with them, they would no longer have to be afraid.

The verse continues, “and to Zion, Let not your hands be slack.” Zephaniah continued, “and to Zion” which means “parched place” and was “another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books”“Let not your hands” which refers to “human hands” “be slack” or “sink, relax, drop or be disheartened”. The people within the city of Jerusalem would no longer be disheartened and discouraged as the LORD would not only restore them to their former glory, but also be in the “midst of them”.

When we meditate upon Zephaniah's words, we understand the benefit of having the LORD's presence with us at all times. The people of Jerusalem were to know what it meant to be in great fear, and they were to experience extreme discouragement because of their defeat. However, the LORD's promise to this humble and faithful“remnant” was encouragement because their humility and trust in Him would not only secure them, but also encourage their hearts as well. Sometimes we face defeat, and our hearts are discouraged as fear enters our lives. When this occurs, let us allow the LORD Jesus to share the benefit of His presence whereby discouragement parts, and fear flees away. May the LORD keep us aware of Him at all times.

Next time Zephaniah tells the people how “the LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.