Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai

Transcription

1 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai Treasures from God s Word WT Library References

2 Source Material... 5 Special Note... 5 An Introduction to the Book of Zephaniah... 6 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zephaniah... 7 Jehovah s day of judgment is near... 7 Punishment for Judah s neighbors and more distant Ethiopia and Assyria... 7 Jerusalem s rebellion and corruption... 7 The outpouring of Jehovah s anger and the restoration of a remnant. 7 Zephaniah Outline of Contents... 8 Why Beneficial... 8 An Introduction to the Book of Haggai Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Haggai Message to people living in paneled houses, while Jehovah s house lies in ruins Proclamation that Jehovah will fill his house with glory People are shown that neglect of temple rebuilding has made them and all their work unclean before God Message to Zerubbabel about Jehovah s rocking heavens and earth 11 Haggai Outline of Contents Why Beneficial Treasures from God s Word WT Library Highlights... 15

3 Treasures from God s Word Zephaniah 1 - Haggai 2 Seek Jehovah Begore His Day of Anger... 14

4 WT Library Reference Zephaniah Chapters Haggai Chapters

5 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Source Material This material has been sourced from the updated 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Additional personal research is encouraged. Special Note Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on when searching a particular scripture reference.

6 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word An Introduction to the Book of Zephaniah Zephaniah was a prophet of Jehovah in Judah, and he wrote the book bearing his name. He prophesied early in the reign of faithful King Josiah. He completed his book before the year 648 B.C.E., some years before Nahum and Habakkuk wrote their books, and over 40 years before the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. The book of Zephaniah contains three chapters. Chapter 1 warns the people of Judah that Jehovah's day of judgment is approaching quickly. The people are focusing on material wealth, worshiping false gods, and assuming that Jehovah will not intervene in their affairs. In Chapter 2 the people are urged to seek Jehovah. They should trust in God and live by his righteous standards. Did you know? Zephaniah s efforts bore fruit. Young King Josiah carried out a campaign against false worship to rid the nation of idolatry, and to restore true worship at the temple. Chapter 2 conveys a message of doom against the surrounding nations of Philistia, Ammon, Moab, Ethiopia and Assyria. In Chapter 3 Jerusalem's proud inhabitants continue to disobey Jehovah, despite his warning. Although Jehovah promises to remove the haughty ones, he offers hope, and joy, to humble repentant ones. As you read the book of Zephaniah note how we should guard against thinking that Jehovah's Day will not arrive; how those who seek Jehovah will be saved; and how Jehovah gathers humble ones to be subjects of his Kingdom.

7 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zephaniah Messages of divine judgment against Judah and Jerusalem, as well as against other nations; also an announcement of restoration for Jerusalem Written by Zephaniah early in Josiah s reign, before the reforms that he began in about 648 B.C.E. Jehovah s day of judgment is near Jehovah will finish everything off the surface of the ground All in Judah and Jerusalem who practice idolatry, who swear to Jehovah as well as by a false god, who draw back from serving Jehovah, or who have not sought him will be cut off Princes, violent ones, deceivers, will be among those sought out for attention; all who feel that Jehovah will not act for good or for bad will see their wealth and property come to nothing Jehovah s day is coming, a day of fury; neither silver nor gold to provide escape Meek ones of the earth should seek Jehovah as well as meekness and righteousness; then, probably, they will be concealed in the day of his anger Punishment for Judah s neighbors and more distant Ethiopia and Assyria The Philistines will be destroyed; Moab will become desolate like Sodom, and Ammon will be like Gomorrah for reproaching Jehovah s people Ethiopians will fall by the sword; Assyria will be destroyed; Nineveh will be devastated, with wild animals taking possession of its ruins Jerusalem s rebellion and corruption The oppressive city, Jerusalem, is also marked for judgment; she did not trust Jehovah and draw near to him; her princes, judges, prophets, and priests all acted corruptly instead of using their influence for good The people did not fear Jehovah and change their ways even after witnessing his judgment on other nations The outpouring of Jehovah s anger and the restoration of a remnant Jehovah s anger will be poured out on nations and kingdoms Peoples will be given a pure language so as to call on Jehovah s name and serve him shoulder to shoulder Only the humble and lowly will remain among God s people Israel and enjoy security under His protection All those responsible for afflicting Israel will be punished; the regathered remnant will be made a praise among all the peoples of the earth

8 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Zephaniah Outline of Contents This book of the Hebrew Scriptures contains the word of Jehovah by means of his prophet Zephaniah. It was in the days of Judean King Josiah ( B.C.E.) that Zephaniah carried on his prophetic work. (Zep 1:1) In the 12th year of Josiah s reign, he being about 20 years of age, the king began an extensive campaign against idolatry, and from the 18th year of his rule until its conclusion, his subjects did not turn aside from following Jehovah. (2Ch 34:3-8, 33) Therefore, since the book of Zephaniah mentions the presence of foreign-god priests and the worship of Baal and heavenly bodies in Judah, the time for its composition may reasonably be placed before the start of Josiah s reforms about 648 B.C.E. Zep 1:4, 5. Idolatry, violence, and deception abounded in Judah when Zephaniah began prophesying. Many were saying in their heart: Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. (Zep 1:12) But Zephaniah s prophesying made it clear that Jehovah would execute vengeance upon unrepentant wrongdoers. (1:3 2:3; 3:1-5) His adverse judgments would be visited not only upon Judah and Jerusalem but also upon other peoples the Philistines, Ammonites, Moabites, Ethiopians, and Assyrians. 2:4-15. The prophecy of Zephaniah would have been especially comforting to those who were endeavoring to serve Jehovah and who must have been greatly distressed about the detestable practices of Jerusalem s inhabitants, including her corrupt princes, judges, and priests. (Zep 3:1-7) As rightly disposed persons would have looked forward to the execution of divine judgment upon the wicked, they are evidently addressed with the words: Keep yourselves in expectation of me, is the utterance of Jehovah, till the day of my rising up to the booty, for my judicial decision is to gather nations, for me to collect together kingdoms, in order to pour out upon them my denunciation, all my burning anger. (3:8) Eventually, Jehovah would turn favorable attention to the remnant of his people Israel, restoring them from captivity and making them a name and a praise among all other peoples. 3: Why Beneficial King Josiah, for one, heeded Zephaniah s warning message and benefited from it greatly. He embarked on a great campaign of religious reform. This also brought to light the book of the Law, which had been lost when the house of Jehovah fell into disrepair. Josiah was grief-stricken at hearing the consequences for disobedience read to him from this book, which confirmed at the mouth of another witness, Moses, what Zephaniah had been prophesying all along. Josiah now humbled himself before God, with the result that Jehovah promised him that the foretold destruction would not come in his day. (Deut., chaps ; 2 Ki. 22:8-20) The land had been spared disaster! But not for long, for Josiah s sons failed to follow the good example he set. However, for Josiah and his people, their paying attention to the word of Jehovah that occurred to Zephaniah proved highly beneficial indeed. Zeph. 1:1. In his famous Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus, God s greatest prophet, supported Zephaniah as a true prophet of God by speaking words that are strikingly similar to Zephaniah s counsel at chapter 2, verse 3: Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth... Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Jesus admonition was: Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) Those who seek first God s Kingdom must guard against the indifference that Zephaniah warned about when he spoke of those who are drawing back from following Jehovah and who have not sought Jehovah and have not inquired of him and who are saying in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. (Zeph. 1:6, 12) In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul likewise tells of a coming day of judgment and warns against shrinking back. He adds: Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul. (Heb. 10:30, 37-39) It is not to the quitters or to the unappreciative ones but to those who meekly and earnestly seek Jehovah in faith that the prophet says: Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah s anger. Why probably? Because final salvation

9 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word depends on the course of the individual. (Matt. 24:13) It is also a reminder that we cannot presume on God s mercy. Zephaniah s prophecy leaves no question as to the suddenness with which that day will break upon the unsuspecting. Zeph. 2:3; 1:14, 15; 3:8. Here, then, is a message foreboding destruction for those who sin against Jehovah but providing bright foregleams of blessings for those who repentantly seek Jehovah. These repentant ones may take courage, for, says Zephaniah, the king of Israel, Jehovah, is in the midst of you. It is no time for Zion to be afraid or to let hands drop down in inactivity. It is a time to trust in Jehovah. As a mighty One, he will save. He will exult over you with rejoicing. He will become silent in his love. He will be joyful over you with happy cries. Happy also are those who seek first his kingdom, in anticipation of his loving protection and eternal blessing! 3:15-17.

10 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word An Introduction to the Book of Haggai Haggai was likely born in Babylon. In 537 B.C.E. he travelled with a remnant of the Jewish nation to Jerusalem, where he would later serve as a prophet. Haggai completed his book in 520 B.C.E. But why did Jehovah cause him to begin prophesying? In 536 B.C.E. the Jews laid the foundation for the new temple in Jerusalem. Sadly, the work stopped for many years because of opposition from enemies, and apathy on the part of the Jews. In the year 520 B.C.E. Jehovah sent Haggai to rekindle the zeal of the Jews in order to resume temple construction. The temple was finally completed in 515 B.C.E. Did you know? In the 38 verses that make up chapters 1 and 2, Haggai uses the name Jehovah 35 times, 14 times in the expression Jehovah of armies. The book of Haggai has two chapters that convey four inspired messages. Chapter 1 directs the first message toward those who are focusing on their own interests while Jehovah's house lies in ruins. Governor Zerubbabel, high priest Joshua, and the rest of the people respond favourably and go to work on the temple just 23 days after Haggai started to prophesy. In Chapter 2 Haggai delivers the second inspired message. Jehovah promises that he will shake the nations, and cause their precious things to come in, and that he will fill his house with glory. Later Haggai delivers the third inspired message to the priests, explaining that neglect of pure worship has made the nation unclean before God. Then Haggai proclaims the fourth message. Again, Jehovah speaks of shaking the heavens and the earth but this time it will mean the complete annihilation of human kingdoms. Centuries afterward the apostle Paul quoted Haggai s words to show that God's kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ will never be shaken. As you read Haggai note how personal interests must take a backseat to spiritual interests; how mere formalistic worship does not please Jehovah; and how God's kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ will never be shaken.

11 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Haggai Four messages designed to motivate the Jews to move ahead with the rebuilding of Jehovah s temple Written in Jerusalem 17 years after the Jews returned from exile, when temple building had not yet been completed Message to people living in paneled houses, while Jehovah s house lies in ruins To those feeling that it is not the time for rebuilding the temple Jehovah makes clear that neglect of this work has led to the withdrawal of his blessing, so that harvests are poor and hired laborers receive meager wages Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of the people respond favorably; they are promised that Jehovah will be with them in the temple rebuilding work; temple work starts Proclamation that Jehovah will fill his house with glory In the view of aged ones who had seen the glory of Solomon s temple, the new structure seems like nothing Jehovah urges Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the rest of the people to be strong, not disheartened, to continue with the work, assuring them that the glory of the rebuilt temple will surpass that of the former one People are shown that neglect of temple rebuilding has made them and all their work unclean before God Priests answer questions indicating that holiness cannot be transferred but uncleanness can Jehovah encourages the people by informing that from the day the temple foundation is laid Jehovah will bestow his blessing, ending the poor harvests Message to Zerubbabel about Jehovah s rocking heavens and earth When Jehovah rocks heavens and earth, even overthrowing the throne of kingdoms, the enemies will turn their weapons against themselves; thus no power will succeed in blocking temple rebuilding Jehovah will make Zerubbabel like his own seal ring, thus guaranteeing that his position will be secure regardless of what may happen

12 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Haggai Outline of Contents An inspired book of the Hebrew Scriptures listed among the so-called minor prophets. It consists of four messages from Jehovah to Jews that had returned from Babylonian exile, urging them to finish rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Also being prophetic, the book foretold such things as the filling of Jehovah s house with glory and the overthrow of human kingdoms. Hag 2:6, 7, 21, 22. The four messages recorded by Haggai were delivered at Jerusalem within about a four-month period in the second year of Persian King Darius Hystaspis (520 B.C.E.), the book apparently being completed in 520 B.C.E. (Hag 1:1; 2:1, 10, 20) Zechariah was prophesying for the same purpose during Haggai s prophetic activity. Ezr 5:1, 2; 6:14. Among other things, the book of Haggai engenders faith in Jehovah, essential to God s servants. It shows that God is with his people (Hag 1:13; 2:4, 5), and it also urges them to put his interests first in life. (Hag 1:2-8; Mt 6:33) The book makes clear the fact that mere formalistic worship does not please Jehovah (Hag 2:10-17; compare Isa 29:13, 14; Mt 15:7-9) but that faithful actions harmonizing with the divine will are what result in blessing. (Hag 2:18, 19; compare Pr 10:22.) The writer of the Bible book of Hebrews applies Haggai 2:6 as having a greater fulfillment in connection with God s Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. Heb 12: Why Beneficial Jehovah s four messages communicated through Haggai were beneficial to the Jews of that day. They were encouraged to go right to work, and in four and a half years, the temple was completed to advance true worship in Israel. (Ezra 6:14, 15) Jehovah blessed their zealous activity. It was during this time of temple building that Darius the king of Persia examined the state records and reaffirmed the decree of Cyrus. The temple work was thus completed with his official backing. Ezra 6:1-13. The prophecy also contains wise counsel for our day. How so? For one thing, it underscores the need for the creature to put the interests of God s worship ahead of his own personal interests. (Hag. 1:2-8; Matt. 6:33) It also drives home the point that selfishness is self-defeating, that it is futile to pursue materialism; it is the peace and blessing of Jehovah that make rich. (Hag. 1:9-11; 2:9; Prov. 10:22) It also stresses that the service of God itself does not make one clean unless it is pure and whole-souled, and that it must not be contaminated by unclean conduct. (Hag. 2:10-14; Col. 3:23; Rom. 6:19) It shows that God s servants must not be pessimistic, looking back to good old days, but be forward-looking, setting their heart upon their ways and seeking to bring glory to Jehovah. Then Jehovah will be with them. Hag. 2:3, 4; 1:7, 8, 13; Phil. 3:13, 14; Rom. 8:31. Once they got busy in the temple work, the Jews were favored by Jehovah, and they prospered. Obstacles vanished. The work was accomplished in good time. Fearless, zealous activity for Jehovah will always be rewarded. Difficulties, real or imagined, can be overcome by exercising courageous faith. Obedience to the word of Jehovah gets results. Hag. 1:1. What of the prophecy that Jehovah will rock the heavens and the earth? The apostle Paul gives the application of Haggai 2:6 in these words: But now [God] has promised, saying: Yet once more I will set in commotion not only the earth but also the heaven. Now the expression Yet once more signifies the removal of the things being shaken as things that have been made, in order that the things not being shaken may remain. Wherefore, seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe. For our God is also a consuming fire. (Heb.

13 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word 12:26-29) Haggai shows that the rocking is in order to overthrow the throne of kingdoms and annihilate the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. (Hag. 2:21, 22) In quoting the prophecy, Paul speaks, in contrast, of God s Kingdom that cannot be shaken. In contemplation of this Kingdom hope, let us, then, be strong and work, rendering God sacred service. Let us be mindful, too, that before Jehovah overthrows the nations of earth, something precious is to be stirred up and is to come out of them, for survival: I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory, Jehovah of armies has said. 2:4, 7.

14 Highlights from the Books of Zephaniah & Haggai - Treasures from God's Word Treasures from God s Word Zephaniah 1 - Haggai 2 Seek Jehovah Begore His Day of Anger Chapter Outlines Zephaniah 1 Jehovah s day of judgment is near (1-18) Jehovah s day is hurrying rapidly (14) Silver and gold cannot save (18) 2 Seek Jehovah before his day of anger (1-3) Seek righteousness and meekness (3) Probably you will be concealed (3) Judgment on surrounding nations (4-15) 3 Jerusalem, a rebellious and corrupt city (1-7) Judgment and restoration (8-20) A change to a pure language (9) Haggai 1 Reproof for not rebuilding the temple (1-11) Is it the time to live in paneled houses? (4) Set your heart on your ways (5) Sowing much but harvesting little (6) The people listen to Jehovah s voice (12-15) 2 The second temple to be filled with glory (1-9) All the nations to be shaken (7) Nations precious things to come in (7) Rebuilding the temple brings blessings (10-19) Holiness cannot be transferred (10-14) A message to Zerubbabel (20-23) I will make you like a seal ring (23) In order for Jehovah to conceal us on the day of his anger, we must do more than dedicate ourselves to him. We must obey the direction that Zephaniah gave to the Israelites. Seek Jehovah: Maintain a warm personal relationship with Jehovah in association with his organization Seek righteousness: Uphold Jehovah s righteous standards Seek meekness: Humbly submit to God s will and accept his discipline How might I seek Jehovah, righteousness, and meekness to a greater degree?

15 WT Library Highlights Zephaniah Chapters 1-3 (Zephaniah 1:1) The word of Jehovah that came to Zeph a niʹah son of Cushʹi son of Ged a liʹah son of Am a riʹah son of Hez e kiʹah in the days of Jo siʹah son of Aʹmon the king of Judah: *** it-1 p. 903 Gedaliah *** 2. Grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah and possibly a descendant of King Hezekiah. Zep 1:1. *** w01 2/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** Those words of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah were spoken through his prophet Zephaniah, perhaps the great-great-grandson of faithful King Hezekiah. That pronouncement, made in the days of good King Josiah, did not bode well for the wicked ones residing in the land of Judah. 2 Zephaniah s prophesying undoubtedly heightened young Josiah s awareness of the need to purge Judah of unclean worship. But the king s actions in purging the land of false religion did not remove all wickedness from among the people or atone for the sins of his grandfather, King Manasseh, who had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood. (2 Kings 24:3, 4; 2 Chronicles 34:3) *** w96 3/1 p. 8 par. 2 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** In contrast with other prophets, however, Zephaniah provided his genealogy to the fourth generation, back to Hezekiah. (Zephaniah 1:1; compare Isaiah 1:1; Jeremiah 1:1; Ezekiel 1:3.) This is so unusual that most commentators identify his great-great-grandfather as faithful King Hezekiah. If he was, then Zephaniah was of royal descent, and this would have added weight to his harsh condemnation of the princes of Judah and have shown that he was a courageous witness and prophet of Jehovah. (Zephaniah 1:2) I will completely sweep away everything from the surface of the ground, declares Jehovah. *** w01 2/15 pp pars. 4-5 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** God declares: I shall without fail finish everything off the surface of the ground, is the utterance of Jehovah. I shall finish off earthling man and beast. I shall finish off the flying creature of the heavens and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked ones; and I will cut off mankind from the surface of the ground, is the utterance of Jehovah. Zephaniah 1: Yes, Jehovah was going to bring gross wickedness to an end in the land of Judah. Whom would God use to finish everything off the surface of the ground? Since

16 Zephaniah apparently prophesied during the early part of King Josiah s reign, which began in 659 B.C.E., those prophetic words found a fulfillment in the desolation of Judah and her capital city, Jerusalem, at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E. At that time, there was a finishing off of wicked ones in Judah. (Zephaniah 1:3) I will sweep away man and beast. I will sweep away the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, And the stumbling blocks along with the wicked ones; And I will remove mankind from the surface of the ground, declares Jehovah. *** w01 2/15 pp pars. 4-5 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** God declares: I shall without fail finish everything off the surface of the ground, is the utterance of Jehovah. I shall finish off earthling man and beast. I shall finish off the flying creature of the heavens and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked ones; and I will cut off mankind from the surface of the ground, is the utterance of Jehovah. Zephaniah 1: Yes, Jehovah was going to bring gross wickedness to an end in the land of Judah. Whom would God use to finish everything off the surface of the ground? Since Zephaniah apparently prophesied during the early part of King Josiah s reign, which began in 659 B.C.E., those prophetic words found a fulfillment in the desolation of Judah and her capital city, Jerusalem, at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E. At that time, there was a finishing off of wicked ones in Judah. (Zephaniah 1:4) I will stretch out my hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, And I will wipe out from this place every vestige of Baʹal, The name of the foreign-god priests along with the priests, *** w01 2/15 p. 13 par. 6 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 6 Foretelling God s acts against false worshipers, Zephaniah 1:4-6 says: I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I will cut off from this place the remaining ones of the Baal, the name of the foreign-god priests along with the priests, *** w01 2/15 p. 13 par. 7 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 7 Jehovah s hand was stretched out against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He was determined to cut off in death the worshipers of the Canaanite fertility god Baal. Various local deities were called Baals because their worshipers thought of them as possessing and having influence over particular localities. For instance, there was the Baal worshiped by Moabites and Midianites at Mount Peor. (Numbers 25:1, 3, 6) Throughout Judah, Jehovah would cut off the priests of Baal, as well as unfaithful priestly Levites who were violating God s law by having fellowship with them. Exodus 20:2, 3. *** w01 2/15 p. 17 par. 1 Seek Jehovah Before the Day of His Anger *** ZEPHANIAH began his prophetic work at a critical time in Judah s history. The spiritual condition of the nation was at a low ebb. Instead of putting their trust in Jehovah, the

17 people were looking to pagan priests and astrologers for guidance. Baal worship, with its fertility rites, was rampant in the land. The civil leaders the princes, the nobles, and the judges were oppressing the very ones they were supposed to protect. (Zephaniah 1:9; 3:3) No wonder Jehovah decided to stretch out his hand against Judah and Jerusalem in order to destroy them! Zephaniah 1:4. *** w96 3/1 p. 9 pars. 4-5 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 4 Jehovah had good reason to feel anger toward the leaders and inhabitants of Judah and its capital city Jerusalem. Through his prophet Zephaniah, he stated: I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I will cut off from this place the remaining ones of the Baal, the name of the foreign-god priests along with the priests, and those who are bowing down upon the roofs to the army of the heavens, and those who are bowing down, making sworn oaths to Jehovah and making sworn oaths by Malcam. Zephaniah 1:4, 5. 5 Judah was sullied with the degrading fertility rites of Baal worship, demonic astrology, and the worship of the pagan god Malcam. If Malcam is the same as Molech, as some suggest, then Judah s false worship included the abominable sacrificing of children. Such religious practices were disgusting in Jehovah s eyes. (1 Kings 11:5, 7; 14:23, 24; 2 Kings 17:16, 17) They incurred his wrath all the more so since the idolaters still made oaths in Jehovah s name. He would no longer tolerate such religious uncleanness and would cut off pagan and apostate priests alike. *** w96 3/1 p. 13 par. 2 May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** The divine judgments pronounced against Judah and Jerusalem in Zephaniah s day apply with even greater force to the churches and sects of Christendom. They also have sullied pure worship by their God-dishonoring doctrines, many of pagan origin. They have sacrificed millions of their healthy sons on the modern altar of war. Furthermore, the inhabitants of antitypical Jerusalem mix so-called Christianity with astrology, spiritistic practices, and degrading sexual immorality, reminiscent of Baal worship. Zephaniah 1:4, 5. (Zephaniah 1:5) And those who bow down on the rooftops to the army of the heavens, And those who bow down and pledge loyalty to Jehovah While pledging loyalty to Malʹcam; *** w01 2/15 p. 13 par. 6 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** and those who are bowing down upon the roofs to the army of the heavens, and those who are bowing down, making sworn oaths to Jehovah and making sworn oaths by Malcam; *** w01 2/15 p. 13 pars. 8-9 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 8 God would also cut off those bowing down to the army of the heavens, evidently practicing astrology and worshiping the sun. (2 Kings 23:11; Jeremiah 19:13; 32:29) Divine wrath would also be unleashed upon those trying to mix true worship with false religion by making sworn oaths to Jehovah and by Malcam. Malcam is possibly another name for

18 Molech, the chief god of the Ammonites. The worship of Molech included child sacrifice. 1 Kings 11:5; Jeremiah 32:35. Christendom s End at Hand! 9 All of this may well remind us of Christendom, steeped in false worship and astrology. And her role in the sacrificing of millions of lives on the altar of clergy-supported warfare is disgusting indeed! *** w96 3/1 p. 9 pars. 4-5 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 4 Jehovah had good reason to feel anger toward the leaders and inhabitants of Judah and its capital city Jerusalem. Through his prophet Zephaniah, he stated: I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I will cut off from this place the remaining ones of the Baal, the name of the foreign-god priests along with the priests, and those who are bowing down upon the roofs to the army of the heavens, and those who are bowing down, making sworn oaths to Jehovah and making sworn oaths by Malcam. Zephaniah 1:4, 5. 5 Judah was sullied with the degrading fertility rites of Baal worship, demonic astrology, and the worship of the pagan god Malcam. If Malcam is the same as Molech, as some suggest, then Judah s false worship included the abominable sacrificing of children. Such religious practices were disgusting in Jehovah s eyes. (1 Kings 11:5, 7; 14:23, 24; 2 Kings 17:16, 17) They incurred his wrath all the more so since the idolaters still made oaths in Jehovah s name. He would no longer tolerate such religious uncleanness and would cut off pagan and apostate priests alike. *** w96 3/1 p. 13 par. 2 May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** The divine judgments pronounced against Judah and Jerusalem in Zephaniah s day apply with even greater force to the churches and sects of Christendom. They also have sullied pure worship by their God-dishonoring doctrines, many of pagan origin. They have sacrificed millions of their healthy sons on the modern altar of war. Furthermore, the inhabitants of antitypical Jerusalem mix so-called Christianity with astrology, spiritistic practices, and degrading sexual immorality, reminiscent of Baal worship. Zephaniah 1:4, 5. *** w89 6/1 p. 30 Seek Jehovah and Serve Him Wholeheartedly *** Zephaniah 1:5 Malcam, possibly the same as Milcom, Molech, or Moloch, was the principal false god of the Ammonites. (1 Kings 11:5, 7) The worship of Molech included disgusting child sacrifice and was condemned by the Law. Leviticus 20:2-5; Acts 7:42, 43.

19 (Zephaniah 1:6) And those who turn away from following Jehovah And who do not seek Jehovah or inquire of him. *** w01 2/15 p. 13 par. 9 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** Let us never be like the unfaithful ones of Judah, who drew back from following Jehovah, becoming indifferent and no longer searching for him or seeking his guidance. Instead, let us maintain our integrity to God. *** w01 2/15 p. 13 par. 6 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** and those who are drawing back from following Jehovah and who have not sought Jehovah and have not inquired of him. *** w96 3/1 pp par. 7 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** Likely, then, Zephaniah prophesied at least 40 years before the great day of Jehovah came upon the kingdom of Judah. In the interval, many Jews entertained doubts and drew back from serving Jehovah, becoming indifferent. Zephaniah speaks of those who have not sought Jehovah and have not inquired of him. (Zephaniah 1:6) Evidently, individuals in Judah were apathetic, not troubling themselves about God. *** w96 3/1 pp pars May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** First, we should beware of becoming like the Jews in Zephaniah s day who drew back from following Jehovah because they entertained doubts about the nearness of Jehovah s day. Such Jews did not necessarily express their doubts openly, but their course of action revealed that they did not really believe that Jehovah s great day was near. They concentrated on amassing wealth instead of keeping themselves in expectation of Jehovah. Zephaniah 1:12, 13; 3:8. 14 Today is no time to allow doubts to take root in our hearts. It would be very unwise to put off in our minds or hearts the coming of Jehovah s day. (2 Peter 3:1-4, 10) We should avoid drawing back from following Jehovah or letting our hands drop down in his service. This includes not working with a slack hand in our preaching the good news. Proverbs 10:4; Mark 13:10. *** w89 6/1 p. 30 Seek Jehovah and Serve Him Wholeheartedly *** Jehovah s Day Is Near With Jehovah s day so near, any who have drawn away from God should quickly return to him. Among the ones God will finish off are those who are drawing back from following Jehovah. They have turned away and no longer concern themselves with God s will. What a dangerous situation! It should be corrected immediately. Zephaniah 1:3-11. (Zephaniah 1:7) Be silent before the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, for the day of Jehovah is near. Jehovah has prepared a sacrifice; he has sanctified those he invited.

20 *** it-1 pp Day of Jehovah *** Times of Destructive Judgment. From certain features of the prophecies, and in view of subsequent events, it appears that the expression, the day of Jehovah, at least in a miniature way, referred to different times of destructive judgment that occurred long ago at the hands of the Most High. For example, Isaiah envisioned what would befall unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem on the day belonging to Jehovah of armies, which was coming upon everyone self-exalted and lofty among them. (Isa 2:11-17) Ezekiel addressed himself to the unfaithful prophets of Israel, warning that they would in no way serve to fortify their cities in order to stand in the battle in the day of Jehovah. (Eze 13:5) By the mouth of his prophet Zephaniah, Jehovah foretold how he was about to stretch out his hand against Judah and Jerusalem, giving special attention so that not even the princes or the sons of the king would escape. (Zep 1:4-8) As the facts show, that day of Jehovah came upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. *** w01 2/15 pp par. 10 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 10 The prophet s next words fit both Judah s wrongdoers and wicked ones of our day. Says Zephaniah 1:7: Keep silence before the Sovereign Lord Jehovah; for the day of Jehovah is near, for Jehovah has prepared a sacrifice; he has sanctified his invited ones. These invited ones apparently were the Chaldean foes of Judah. The sacrifice was Judah herself, including her capital city. Zephaniah thus announced God s purpose to destroy Jerusalem, and this prophecy also pointed to the destruction of Christendom. In fact, with God s day of judgment so near today, all the world should keep silent before the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and hear what he says through the little flock of Jesus anointed followers and their companions, his other sheep. (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Annihilation awaits all who will not listen and who thereby set themselves against rule by God s Kingdom. Psalm 2:1, 2. (Zephaniah 1:8) On the day of Jehovah s sacrifice I will call to account the princes, The sons of the king, and all those wearing foreign clothing. *** w07 11/15 p. 11 par. 3 Highlights From the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah *** 1:8. Some in Zephaniah s day were apparently seeking the acceptance of surrounding nations by wearing foreign attire. How foolish it would be for Jehovah s worshippers today to try to conform to the world by similar means! *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 12 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 12 King Josiah would be succeeded by Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Jehoiachin. Then would come Zedekiah s rule, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem. Although such calamity was facing them, some apparently sought the acceptance of neighboring nations by wearing foreign attire. Similarly, many today make it evident in various ways that they are not part of Jehovah s organization. As demonstrably part of Satan s organization, they will be punished.

21 *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 11 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 11 Regarding Jehovah s day, Zephaniah 1:8-11 adds: It must occur on the day of Jehovah s sacrifice that I will give attention to the princes, and to the sons of the king, and to all those wearing foreign attire. *** w96 3/1 p. 8 par. 3 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 3 Noteworthy is the fact that, while Zephaniah proclaimed divine judgments against the civil princes of Judah (nobles, or tribal chiefs) and the sons of the king, he never mentioned the king himself in his criticism. (Zephaniah 1:8 *** w96 3/1 p. 8 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** It would appear that the expression sons of the king refers to all the royal princes, since Josiah s own sons were very young at the time. (Zephaniah 1:9) I will call to account everyone who climbs onto the platform on that day, Those who fill their master s house with violence and deception. *** w96 3/1 p. 9 par. 6 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** Their subordinates were accused of filling the house of their masters with violence and deception. (Zephaniah 1:9) *** w96 3/1 p. 14 par. 3 May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** The political lackeys of such ones are filling the house of their masters with violence and deception. (Zephaniah 1:9) (Zephaniah 1:10) On that day, declares Jehovah, There will be the sound of an outcry from the Fish Gate, A wailing from the second quarter of the city, And a loud crash from the hills. *** it-1 p. 893 Gate, Gateway *** The gates named in Nehemiah s record are gates that had been in the wall that was built prior to the eighth century B.C.E. and in the wall surrounding the second quarter. (2Ki 22:14; 2Ch 34:22; Zep 1:10) The second quarter was a northern part of the city bounded on the W and part of the N by Hezekiah s wall (2Ch 32:5) and joined by Manasseh s wall, which continued on the NE and E. (2Ch 33:14) This was N of the earlier city and wall, but apparently it did not extend as far W as the earlier wall. *** it-2 p. 43 Jerusalem *** During Josiah s time the second quarter ( the new town, JB) of the city receives initial mention. (2Ki 22:14; 2Ch 34:22) This second quarter is generally understood to be the section of the city lying W or NW of the temple area. Zep 1:10.

22 *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 13 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 13 That day of accounting for Judah corresponds to Jehovah s day to execute judgment upon his enemies, to end wickedness, and to prove his supremacy. As the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, an outcry would come from the Fish Gate. Possibly it was so named because it was near the fish market. (Nehemiah 13:16) Babylon s hordes would enter the sector called the second quarter, and the crashing from the hills may denote the sound of the approaching Chaldeans. *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 11 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** And there must occur on that day, is the utterance of Jehovah, the sound of an outcry from the Fish Gate, and a howling from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills. *** w96 3/1 pp par. 11 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 11 Within a few short decades, the armies of Babylon would invade Judah. Jerusalem would not escape. Its residential and business sections would be devastated. There must occur on that day, is the utterance of Jehovah, the sound of an outcry from the Fish Gate, and a howling from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills. Howl, you inhabitants of Maktesh [a section of Jerusalem], for all the people who are tradesmen have been silenced; all those weighing out silver have been cut off. Zephaniah 1:10, 11, footnote. (Zephaniah 1:11) Wail, you inhabitants of Makʹtesh, For all the tradesmen have been done away with; All those weighing out silver have been destroyed. *** it-1 p. 405 Canaan *** Commercial and Geopolitical Importance. Canaan formed a land bridge connecting Egypt with Asia and, more particularly, Mesopotamia. Though the economy of the country was basically agricultural, commercial trade was also engaged in, and the seaport cities of Tyre and Sidon became major trade centers with fleets of ships that were renowned throughout the then-known world. (Compare Eze 27.) Thus, as far back as Job s time, the word Canaanite had become synonymous with tradesman and is so translated. (Job 41:6; Zep 1:11; note also the reference to Babylon as the land of Canaan, Eze 17:4, 12.) *** it-2 pp Maktesh *** MAKTESH (Makʹtesh) [A Mortar]. Apparently a section of Jerusalem near the Fish Gate and the second quarter. At the time of Judah s calamity, the inhabitants of Maktesh were foretold to howl, since commercial activities would cease there. Zep 1:1, 2, 10, 11. The Hebrew word makh teshʹ refers to a mortar (Pr 27:22) or a mortar-shaped hollow (Jg 15:19), and therefore, some translations use Mortar instead of Maktesh as a proper name. (AT, JB, RS) The Targum identifies Maktesh with the Kidron Valley, the deep ravine along Jerusalem s eastern wall. But this valley is not in the vicinity of the more westerly

23 Fish Gate and the second quarter. For this reason Maktesh is generally thought to denote a part of the Central (Tyropoeon) Valley, perhaps its upper portion. *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 13 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** There would be a howling by the inhabitants of Maktesh, perhaps the upper Tyropoeon Valley. Why would they howl? Because commercial activity, including that of those weighing out silver, would cease there. *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 11 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** Howl, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people who are tradesmen have been silenced; all those weighing out silver have been cut off. *** w96 3/1 pp par. 11 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 11 Within a few short decades, the armies of Babylon would invade Judah. Jerusalem would not escape. Its residential and business sections would be devastated. There must occur on that day, is the utterance of Jehovah, the sound of an outcry from the Fish Gate, and a howling from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills. Howl, you inhabitants of Maktesh [a section of Jerusalem], for all the people who are tradesmen have been silenced; all those weighing out silver have been cut off. Zephaniah 1:10, 11, footnote. (Zephaniah 1:12) At that time I will carefully search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will call to account the complacent ones, who say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. *** it-1 pp Dregs *** DREGS Suspended particles that precipitate and settle to the bottom when wine is allowed to stand undisturbed. In the Scriptures the term occurs five times, always in the plural (Heb., shema rimʹ). It is generally rendered lees by Bible translators. Keeping a good wine on the dregs for a long time to age fully gives it clarity, strength, and mellowness. (Isa 25:6) On the other hand, when a wine that is bad to start with because of a poor quality of grape is left to congeal on the dregs, it does not improve in taste or smell, facts to which the prophets refer in illustrations. (Jer 48:11; Zep 1:12) *** jr chap. 14 p. 178 You Can Benefit From the New Covenant *** PRESENT AND FUTURE BLESSINGS OF THE NEW COVENANT 20 In Jeremiah s day, many Jews were saying, in effect: Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. (Zeph. 1:12) Although they had some knowledge of who Jehovah is and what he is like, they felt that he would not take action; nor would he expect them to live up to any standards. You, though, know that nothing escapes divine attention. You have a respectful fear of God and definitely want to refrain from doing bad. (Jer. 16:17) At the same time, you know Jehovah to be a benevolent Father. He takes note of our good deeds, whether others see them or not. 2 Chron. 16:9.

24 *** w07 11/15 p. 11 par. 4 Highlights From the Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah *** 1:12; 3:5, 16. Jehovah kept sending his prophets to warn his people of his judicial decisions. He did so even though like dregs congealed at the bottom of a wine vat many Jews had settled down and were apathetic toward the message. As Jehovah s great day nears, instead of allowing the indifferent attitude of people to cause our hands to drop down in slackness, we need to keep on declaring the Kingdom message without letup. *** jd chap. 7 p. 83 Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards *** CHAPTER SEVEN Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards JEHOVAH will not do good, and he will not do bad. That is how people in Jerusalem felt in Zephaniah s day. They reasoned that Jehovah did not expect them to live up to any particular standards. Zephaniah said that they were congealing upon their dregs, the particles that settle to the bottom of stored wine. He meant that the people wanted to be settled in their comfortable way of life, undisturbed by any declaration of divine intervention in their affairs. Yet, God told those Jews that he would carefully search Jerusalem with lamps and give attention to those who ignored his standards. Yes, Jehovah has standards, and he cares how his people view them. Zephaniah 1:12. *** w01 2/15 p. 14 par. 14 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 14 How far-reaching would Jehovah s examination of his professed worshipers be? The prophecy continues: It must occur at that time that I shall carefully search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will give attention to the men who are congealing upon their dregs and who are saying in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. *** w01 2/15 pp par. 15 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 15 The apostate priests of Jerusalem were mixing the worship of Jehovah with false religion. Although they felt secure, God would seek them out as with bright lamps that would penetrate the spiritual darkness wherein they had taken refuge. None would escape the proclamation and execution of divine judgment. Those complacent apostates had settled down like dregs at the bottom of a wine vat. They did not want to be disturbed by any declaration of divine intervention in human affairs, but they would not escape the execution of God s judgment upon them. There will also be no escape for present-day practicers of false religion, including members of Christendom and those who have apostatized from Jehovah s worship. Denying that these are the last days, they say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. How wrong they are! 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4, 10. *** w96 3/1 p. 10 pars. 8-9 Keep Yourselves in Expectation of Me *** 8 Jehovah made known his purpose to inspect those claiming to be his people. Among his professed worshipers, he would seek out those who in their hearts harbored doubts as to his ability or intention to intervene in human affairs. He stated: It must occur at that time

25 that I shall carefully search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will give attention to the men who are congealing upon their dregs and who are saying in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. (Zephaniah 1:12) The expression men who are congealing upon their dregs (a reference to wine making) refers to those who have settled down, like dregs at the bottom of a vat, and who do not want to be disturbed by any proclamation of imminent divine intervention in the affairs of mankind. 9 Jehovah would give attention to the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem and to their priests who had mixed his worship with paganism. If they felt secure, as if under the cover of night within the walls of Jerusalem, he would seek them out as with bright lamps that would penetrate the spiritual darkness wherein they had taken refuge. He would shake them out of their religious apathy, first by awesome messages of judgment, then by executing those judgments. *** w96 3/1 pp pars May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** First, we should beware of becoming like the Jews in Zephaniah s day who drew back from following Jehovah because they entertained doubts about the nearness of Jehovah s day. Such Jews did not necessarily express their doubts openly, but their course of action revealed that they did not really believe that Jehovah s great day was near. They concentrated on amassing wealth instead of keeping themselves in expectation of Jehovah. Zephaniah 1:12, 13; 3:8. 14 Today is no time to allow doubts to take root in our hearts. It would be very unwise to put off in our minds or hearts the coming of Jehovah s day. (2 Peter 3:1-4, 10) We should avoid drawing back from following Jehovah or letting our hands drop down in his service. This includes not working with a slack hand in our preaching the good news. Proverbs 10:4; Mark 13:10. *** w96 3/1 p. 17 May Your Hands Not Drop Down *** Fighting Indifference 15 Second, we should be on guard against the debilitating effects of indifference. In many Western countries, unconcern about spiritual matters can become a cause for discouragement among some preachers of the good news. Such indifference existed in Zephaniah s day. Jehovah stated through his prophet: I will give attention to the men who are... saying in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, and he will not do bad. (Zephaniah 1:12) Writing on this passage in the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges, A. B. Davidson stated that it refers to people who have sunk down into unfeeling indifference or even into incredulity regarding any interference of a higher power in the affairs of mankind. (Zephaniah 1:13) Their wealth will be plundered and their houses will be devastated. They will build houses, but they will not occupy them; And they will plant vineyards, but they will not drink wine from them. *** w01 2/15 p. 15 par. 16 Jehovah s Day of Judgment Is Near! *** 16 Judah s apostates were warned that the Babylonians would pillage their wealth, desolate their houses, and take the fruitage of their vineyards. Material things would be valueless when divine judgment was executed upon Judah. The same will be true when Jehovah s day of judgment comes upon the present system of things. May we, therefore,