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Zephaniah 3:15

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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.

The LORD {H3068} hath taken away {H5493} thy judgments {H4941}, he hath cast out {H6437} thine enemy {H341}: the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, even the LORD {H3068}, is in the midst {H7130} of thee: thou shalt not see {H7200} evil {H7451} any more.

ADONAI has removed the judgments against you, he has expelled your enemy; the king of Isra'el, ADONAI, is right there with you. You no longer need to fear that anything bad will happen.

The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.

Jehovah hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even Jehovah, is in the midst of thee; thou shalt not fear evil any more.

Commentary

Context

The book of Zephaniah, a minor prophet, primarily delivers a message of impending judgment upon Judah and surrounding nations for their idolatry and unfaithfulness. However, chapter 3 marks a significant shift, transitioning from pronouncements of doom to a glorious vision of future restoration and salvation for Jerusalem and the remnant of Israel. Zephaniah 3:15 stands as a pivotal verse in this prophetic shift, highlighting God's ultimate faithfulness and His plan for His people's redemption after a period of purification.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration and Forgiveness: The opening phrase, "The LORD hath taken away thy judgments," signifies an end to the divine punishment and exile that Judah faced due to their sins. It points to a profound act of grace and forgiveness, where God removes the consequences of their rebellion and offers a new beginning. This echoes God's character of mercy and His desire for His people's ultimate well-being.
  • God's Active Presence as King: The declaration, "the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee," is central to the verse's message of hope. It emphasizes God's direct, sovereign presence among His people, not merely as a distant deity but as their active ruler and protector. This anticipates the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the true King of Israel (e.g., Matthew 2:2), and speaks to the promise of God dwelling with His people forever.
  • Ultimate Deliverance and Peace: The promises "he hath cast out thine enemy" and "thou shalt not see evil any more" assure complete liberation from all adversaries and the cessation of all forms of distress, suffering, and harm. This looks forward to an ideal, messianic age where God's people live in perfect peace and security, a glimpse of the future state of no more tears or pain in the new heaven and new earth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judgments" (mishpatim) in this context refers to the divine decrees of punishment or the consequences of sin that God had brought upon His people. Its removal signifies a reversal of this punitive action, demonstrating God's mercy. The term "evil" (ra'ah) is a broad Hebrew word that encompasses not only moral wrongdoing but also calamity, distress, and misfortune. Here, it promises the absence of any harm or suffering, indicating a comprehensive peace.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 3:15 offers profound hope for believers today. It reminds us that even when we face the consequences of our actions or the attacks of adversaries, God is actively involved in our lives. He is capable of removing the burdens of our past and defending us from spiritual enemies. This verse points to the ultimate reality that through Christ, the King of kings, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins. It encourages us to live with confidence in God's ever-present reign and His unwavering commitment to His people, looking forward to the day when He fully establishes His kingdom and dwells eternally in our midst, bringing an end to all evil.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 51:22 (12 votes)

    Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

  • Ezekiel 39:29 (7 votes)

    Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Zephaniah 3:5 (6 votes)

    The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

  • Joel 3:20 (6 votes)

    But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.

  • Joel 3:21 (6 votes)

    For I will cleanse their blood [that] I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.

  • Ezekiel 37:24 (6 votes)

    And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

  • Ezekiel 37:28 (6 votes)

    And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.