He Will Joy over Thee with Singing

The Story

Zephaniah was a prophet in the days of King Josiah. Most of his short book is a warning. God saw the idolatry and injustice in Jerusalem, and judgment was coming.

But in the last few verses, the tone completely changes. Zephaniah looks past the judgment to a day of restoration, and it sounds like a celebration.

“Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart.”

God has taken away your punishment. He has driven out your enemy. “The king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.”

And then comes one of the most surprising verses in the Bible.

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

God would gather the outcasts, heal the lame, and turn their shame into praise. “At that time will I bring you again.”

Reflection