Zephaniah 1:6

And them that are turned back from the LORD; and [those] that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.

And them that are turned back {H5472} from {H310} the LORD {H3068}; and those that have not sought {H1245} the LORD {H3068}, nor enquired {H1875} for him.

those who turned away from following ADONAI, and those who haven't sought ADONAI or consulted him at all."

and those who turn back from following the LORD, neither seeking the LORD nor inquiring of Him.”

and them that are turned back from following Jehovah; and those that have not sought Jehovah, nor inquired after him.

Zephaniah 1:6 is part of a prophetic declaration of God's impending judgment on Judah, often referred to as the "Day of the Lord." This verse specifically identifies two categories of people who will face divine wrath due to their unfaithfulness to the covenant with the LORD.

Context

The prophet Zephaniah ministered during the reign of King Josiah (circa 640-609 BC), a time when Judah was steeped in idolatry and syncretism despite Josiah's later reforms. Zephaniah’s message was a stark warning of the coming judgment, aimed at rousing the people to repentance. Verse 6 pinpoints those whose spiritual condition warranted this judgment: those who had actively abandoned God and those who had passively neglected Him. This comes after verses describing the purging of idolaters and those who worshiped both the LORD and pagan gods, highlighting the deep spiritual decay within Judah.

Key Themes

  • Apostasy and Backsliding: The phrase "them that are turned back from the LORD" refers to those who once knew or acknowledged God but have deliberately departed from Him. This is a serious offense, representing a betrayal of the covenant relationship.
  • Spiritual Indifference and Neglect: "Those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him" describes individuals characterized by apathy and spiritual laziness. They haven't actively rebelled, but their lack of pursuit of God or interest in His will is equally condemned. This highlights that a passive disregard for God is as perilous as active rebellion.
  • Divine Judgment for Unfaithfulness: These groups are singled out as targets for the "Day of the Lord," emphasizing that God holds His people accountable for their spiritual allegiance and diligence. This judgment is a consequence of their forsaking the fountain of living waters.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used convey distinct nuances:

  • "turned back" (Hebrew: shavim - שָׁבִים): This implies a deliberate turning away, a reversal of direction from God, indicating a conscious choice to abandon the path of faith.
  • "sought" (Hebrew: bikshu - בִקְשׁוּ): This verb suggests an active, diligent pursuit or searching for God's presence, favor, or will. Its negation here points to a complete lack of such effort.
  • "enquired for him" (Hebrew: darshu - דָרְשׁוּ): This word often refers to consulting God, seeking His guidance, or inquiring of Him through prophets or priests. Its absence signifies a profound indifference to divine instruction and communion.

Reflection and Application

Zephaniah 1:6 serves as a timeless warning. It teaches that both active abandonment of God and passive spiritual apathy are serious in God's eyes. In contemporary terms, this could mean individuals who once followed Christ but have drifted away, or those who claim faith but show no genuine interest in prayer, reading the Bible, or seeking God's will in their lives. The verse calls believers to a vibrant, active relationship with God, continually seeking Him with all their heart and inquiring of His ways. Ignoring God, whether deliberately or through neglect, invites spiritual consequences, just as it did for Judah on the coming Day of the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 2:13

    For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

  • Isaiah 1:4

    Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

  • Jeremiah 15:6

    Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

  • Jeremiah 2:17

    Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, when he led thee by the way?

  • Hebrews 10:38

    Now the just shall live by faith: but if [any man] draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

  • Hebrews 10:39

    But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

  • Isaiah 9:13

    For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

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