"Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem" (Zeph- aniah 3:14).

The last seven verses of the prophecy of Zephaniah contain a message of future hope and restoration far beyond the nation of Israel's present-day experience.

Since 1948, the nation has experienced constant threats of war and destruction. There are bombings and assassinations, sorrow and death. Peace is proclaimed, but there is no lasting peace.

Yet, Zephaniah predicted that there is coming a day when singing, shouting, and rejoicing will characterize the daily life of all in Israel.

This dramatic turn-around will occur because the King of Israel (Messiah, LORD) will be in their midst (v.15). This King is none other than the King of kings and Lord of lords: Christ Himself. This is the millennium: the 1000 year reign of Christ from Jerusalem.

This King is called "The LORD thy God" (v.17). Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt |tabernacled| among us" (John 1:14). He will come again to the earth to set up His kingdom. At which time the nation of Israel will receive Him as Messiah and Lord. "And so all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:26).

Zephaniah lists the following blessings that will come on Israel: God's judgment on unbelieving Israel will cease; all enemies will be cast out and the unspeakable evils that have come upon them in the past will come to an end (v.15). They will no longer live in fear (v.16) of all who have tried to undo them, because Israel's oppressors will instead give them praise (v.19). Their name will be spread abroad; praise will be given them from the ends of the earth (v.20). It will come to pass. Israel will see it happen before their eyes. NPS