The prophesy of Zephaniah begins dramatically, with a threat of vengeance to man and beast. Even the fish in the sea is not excused from this sword (Zephaniah 1:3.) He punctuates this with a story of a banquet in the midst of the war "...The lord has prepared a sacrifice, He has bid His guests..."(Zephaniah 1:7,) which is comparable to the feast foreseen by the prophet John, called "the supper" (Revelation 19:17,18.) This seems to refer to a victory and spoiling (Zephaniah 1:13) against the enemies of the chosen nation.
The description of the meats served in the banquet is as drastic as that of the prophesy of John, the revelation, both being a foresight of the same events in different realms, times and settings. This is why these ancient prophesy of Zephaniah is important, the other prophets of God too. The word of God is not confined to a particular time, and this is an efficient way of judging prophesy. The word of God/ His prophesies transend ages/generations. This is why all prophets should not be ignored, so long as they are proven true. What God speaks to the nations in flesh, He speaks to powers and principalities in the spirit.
One thing notable about all prophesy, both ancient and recent is the urgency with which they are delivered to be performed. The day of vengeance was very near in prophet Zephaniah's generation, and even more so to our generation. The last supper is about to be served once again. Of course there is a call to repentance, or else the vengeance would not be justified. God in this prophesy pledges punishment against "the gods of this world..."(Zephaniah 2:1-11). Now the gods of this earth are the same powers principalities and rulers with which we wrestle, as opposed to flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12.) The weapons of war are also not carnal (not guns, bombs, chemical or neclear or any other man made weapon. Mostly because these are designed to harm men, not gods and spiritual powers.) The similitude of the overbearing lion and evening wolf is used, as animals are used to symbolize spiritual powers in other prophetic texts(compare Daniel 7). The polution of
the sanctuary is also a trait of this offending power (Zephaniah 3:4.)
In Zephaniah 3:8, The LORD reveals His purpose; the season of bediegement, war, pressure round about and animosity from many kingdoms is set them up for a great triumph. God through Zephaniah implores His people to wait. The counter offensive should wait, until the right time, when counsel for war is present. Several times in the days of the judges and kings of Israel, Israel confronted their enemies witout counsel from God and they were defeated before their enemies. This happened with Ai. On the other hand, war fought with counsel from God to go ahead were succesful, despite being out numbered, outsized and so forth. This is the secret of the counsel of God - it is power to war. What a word for this season, generation, and age.
When God triumphs over His enemies, worship in His temple shall be restored (Zephaniah 3:9.) So will peace (Zephaniah 3:13,) and Joy (Zephaniah 3:14,) all characteristic of the Kingdom of God.
(All references to the King James Version of the Bible)
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