Israel
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Zephaniah · ~630 BC · Status: Future · Confidence: 60% · Payne §Zeph 20
“Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.”
King James Version · the opening — all 7 verses are below
The joyful song of Zion's final restoration with God himself dwelling in their midst, awaiting complete fulfillment.
Read the whole passage — all 7 verses (KJV)
3:14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
3:15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.
3:16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
3:17The 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.
3:18I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.
3:19Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
3:20At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
Fulfillment References
John 1:14 Zechariah 2:10 Revelation 21:3
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal'The king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee.' The King who comes to dwell in Zion's midst is the Lord Jesus — 'the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us' (John 1:14); God Himself in the midst of His people (Zech. 2:10; Rev. 21:3). The King of Israel and the LORD are one, and His name is Jesus.
JewishA jubilant promise that God will remove Israel's judgments, dwell in her midst as King, gather the outcasts, and restore her fortunes — pure consolation and joy.
CatholicGod dwelling in the midst of His people, fulfilled in the Incarnation and the indwelling presence, consummated when God dwells with men (Rev. 21:3).
ProtestantThe LORD as King in Zion's midst, fulfilled in Christ's coming and His presence with His people, and in the gathering of Israel.
AcademicA salvation oracle closing Zephaniah; the 'King in the midst' and the rejoicing-God imagery (v. 17) are striking expressions of divine presence and restoration after judgment.
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