Reading:
Zephaniah 3:12-20
April 10, 2004
The Rev. Mary B. Blessing
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
The Book of Zephania stands in the ninth position of the collection of Hebrew prophetic literature known as the Book of the Twelve. The Prophet Zephania ben Cushi, the one whose inspired sermon we hear this evening, was a temple prophet in the 7th C. B.C.E. It is believed he followed closely on the heals of Isaiah, perhaps even as a disciple of Isaiah. He is a Temple prophet in Jerusalem with connections to the royal court of young King Josiah, prior to the days of Josiah's righteous reforms. The association with the term "Cushi" indicates in Hebrew that Zephania was of African descent.(1)
Zephania's orations move from warnings against Jerusalem, proclaiming the "day of the Lord" when judgement will be pronounced, to the announcement of salvation for the remnant of Jerusalem who renew their covenant with God. Zephania serves as a remider of the need for religious renewal-not otherworldly renewal, but one where this world will come to reflect God's vision of a world without violence, injustice and oppression. (2)
Tonight's selection from Zephania encourages listeners to rejoice at the vision of righteousness to come. It is a call to sing with joy at the fulfillment of this vision of a world in peace. It is a call for all to rejoice with singing. Even God will sing in response to human singing.
(1) The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary, p. 659.
(2) Harper Collins Study Bible, p. 1402.
| Updated 4/13/04 |
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