Zephaniah 3:2

KJV

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.

KJV (with Strong's)

She obeyed {H8085} not the voice {H6963}; she received {H3947} not correction {H4148}; she trusted {H982} not in the LORD {H3068}; she drew not near {H7126} to her God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She wouldn't listen to the voice, wouldn't receive correction; she didn't trust in ADONAI, didn't draw close to her God.

Berean Standard Bible

She heeded no voice; she accepted no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God.

American Standard Version

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in Jehovah; she drew not near to her God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 3:2 powerfully indicts Jerusalem, personified as "she," for its profound spiritual apostasy and persistent rebellion against God. This verse encapsulates the city's stubborn refusal to heed divine warnings, accept divine discipline, place its trust in the Lord, or cultivate an intimate relationship with its Creator. It serves as a stark declaration of the moral and spiritual bankruptcy that necessitated the severe judgment prophesied throughout the book, highlighting a deliberate and comprehensive turning away from the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 3:2 stands as a pivotal verse within the prophet's scathing indictment of Jerusalem, immediately following the declaration of woe upon the "oppressive city" in [Zephaniah 3:1](/zephaniah/3-1 "Zephaniah 3:1 - Woe to the Oppressive City"). The preceding chapters have detailed the impending "Day of the Lord," a time of universal judgment for Judah's sins and the nations' idolatry. Chapter 3 specifically narrows the focus to Jerusalem, revealing the deep-seated corruption within its leaders, prophets, and priests. This verse, with its fourfold negation, meticulously itemizes the city's spiritual failures, setting the theological justification for the severe judgment that follows in [Zephaniah 3:3-5](/zephaniah/3-3-5 "Zephaniah 3:3-5 - Jerusalem's Corrupt Leaders"). It paints a picture of a city completely unresponsive to God, thereby underscoring the necessity of divine intervention before the promise of restoration in [Zephaniah 3:9-20](/zephaniah/3-9-20 "Zephaniah 3:9-20 - The Future Restoration of Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period marked by a brief but significant spiritual revival following decades of idolatry under Manasseh and Amon. While Josiah initiated reforms, purging idolatry and restoring the Temple (as detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), the prophet Zephaniah's message reveals that these reforms had not deeply penetrated the hearts of the people or the leadership in Jerusalem. Despite the external changes, a pervasive spiritual apathy, syncretism, and social injustice persisted. The cultural norms of the time included widespread Baal worship, astral cults, and reliance on foreign alliances rather than the Lord, all of which Zephaniah condemns. The city's refusal to "obey the voice" likely refers to the neglected Mosaic Law and the unheeded warnings of prophets like Zephaniah himself, Jeremiah, and others who called for repentance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Zephaniah and the broader prophetic literature. The theme of **Disobedience and Rebellion** is central, highlighting Jerusalem's deliberate turning away from God's covenant demands, echoing the warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The phrase "she received not correction" underscores the theme of **Rejection of Divine Discipline**, a stubborn refusal to learn from God's attempts to guide His people, a concept frequently explored in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 15:32](/proverbs/15-32 "Proverbs 15:32 - Rejecting Instruction"). The indictment "she trusted not in the LORD" speaks to the critical theme of **Lack of Faith and Trust**, revealing a fundamental failure to rely on their covenant God for security and provision, instead placing confidence in human strength or false gods, a recurring lament in the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")). Finally, "she drew not near to her God" emphasizes **Spiritual Alienation and Distance**, a tragic consequence of their apostasy, contrasting sharply with God's desire for intimacy with His people, as expressed in passages like [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "James 4:8 - Draw Near to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, obedience, or consent. In this context, the negation signifies a deliberate and profound refusal not just to hear God's voice, but to act upon it, demonstrating a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority and the covenant stipulations.
* **trusted (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** From H982, this primitive root means "to hide for refuge," or figuratively, "to trust, be confident or sure." The negation here reveals a fundamental breakdown in faith and reliance upon the Lord (Yᵉhôvâh). Instead of finding security and refuge in God, Jerusalem chose to place its confidence elsewhere, likely in political alliances or its own perceived strength, leading to spiritual instability and eventual downfall.
* **drew not near (Hebrew, _qârab'_):** From H7126, this primitive root means "to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose." Its negation indicates a complete lack of desire or effort to cultivate intimacy, communion, or a worshipful relationship with God. This spiritual distance is the culmination of their disobedience and distrust, signifying a profound alienation from the very source of their life and identity as God's people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She obeyed not the voice":** This clause highlights Jerusalem's willful and persistent disobedience. The "voice" (H6963, _qôwl_) refers to the authoritative pronouncements of God, whether through the Mosaic Law, the warnings and instructions of His prophets, or other forms of divine revelation. Jerusalem deliberately chose to ignore these divine directives, demonstrating a profound disrespect for God's authority and a rejection of His covenant demands.
* **"she received not correction":** This phrase emphasizes Jerusalem's stubborn resistance to divine discipline and instruction. The word "correction" (H4148, _mûwçâr_) encompasses chastisement, reproof, warning, and moral training. God, in His mercy, had repeatedly attempted to guide His people back to righteousness through various means, but Jerusalem refused to learn, accept discipline, or be reformed by His wisdom, indicating a hardened heart.
* **"she trusted not in the LORD":** This clause points to a fundamental breach of the covenant relationship, which is predicated on faith and reliance upon God. "The LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal One. Jerusalem's failure to trust in Him meant they were seeking security and deliverance from other sources, whether human alliances, idols, or their own strength, thereby denying God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
* **"she drew not near to her God":** This final clause describes the ultimate consequence of their rebellion: a profound spiritual alienation. "Her God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_) emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship God desired with His people. Jerusalem's refusal to "draw near" (H7126, _qârab_) signifies a complete lack of desire for communion, worship, or intimacy with the Creator, resulting in a state of spiritual estrangement.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 3:2 employs several powerful literary devices to underscore Jerusalem's spiritual depravity. **Personification** is central, as the city of Jerusalem is referred to as "she," endowing it with human agency and responsibility for its actions. This allows the prophet to directly condemn the collective moral and spiritual failures of its inhabitants. The verse also utilizes **Negative Parallelism**, presenting four distinct but related failures, each introduced by a negation ("not"). This repetitive structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Jerusalem's rebellion, showing that its disobedience was not merely a single lapse but a pervasive and multi-faceted rejection of God. The cumulative effect of these negations creates a sense of profound spiritual emptiness and a complete absence of any positive response to God. The phrase "her God" also serves as a poignant **Irony**, highlighting the tragic disconnect between God's rightful claim over Jerusalem as His covenant people and their utter disregard for that relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 3:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of humanity's relationship with God, particularly within a covenant framework. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves active obedience, humble submission to divine correction, unwavering trust, and a fervent desire for intimacy. When these elements are absent, as they were in Jerusalem, the result is spiritual decay and inevitable judgment. The verse illustrates God's persistent efforts to call His people back to Himself, even in their rebellion, through His "voice" and "correction." Yet, it also highlights the tragic reality of human free will and the devastating consequences of choosing to ignore, reject, and distance oneself from the Creator. The four negations paint a comprehensive picture of a people who have severed the vital cords of their spiritual life, rejecting the very source of their blessing and protection.

* [Deuteronomy 11:26-28](/deuteronomy/11-26-28 "Blessings and Curses")
* [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23-24 "Disobedience of Israel")
* [Hosea 4:6](/hosea/4-6 "Lack of Knowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 3:2 offers a timeless and sobering mirror for self-examination, challenging individuals and communities today to assess the true state of their spiritual health. Are we truly listening to God's "voice" as revealed in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit's promptings, or are we selectively deaf to His commands? Do we humbly "receive correction" from His Word, wise counsel, or the refining fires of life's trials, allowing them to shape us, or do we stubbornly resist the very discipline that leads to growth and maturity? In an age of uncertainty and self-reliance, do we genuinely "trust in the LORD" with our whole being, or do we place our ultimate confidence in fleeting resources, human wisdom, or our own abilities? Most critically, are we actively "drawing near to our God" through prayer, worship, and intentional communion, or has busyness, distraction, or apathy led to a spiritual distance that leaves us vulnerable and unfulfilled? This verse calls us to cultivate a responsive, teachable, trusting, and intimate relationship with our Creator, recognizing that spiritual vitality stems from a continuous, intentional engagement with the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's "voice" or His revealed will?**
* **Am I truly open to "correction" from Scripture, spiritual mentors, or the circumstances God allows in my life, or do I find myself defensive or resistant?**
* **When faced with challenges or uncertainties, where do I instinctively place my "trust" – in God, or in something else?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to "draw near to my God" and deepen my intimacy with Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Jerusalem "obeyed not the voice" of the Lord?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a deliberate and profound rejection of God's authoritative commands and prophetic messages. Throughout the Old Testament, God communicated His will through the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:1-3](/deuteronomy/6-1-3 "Hear and Obey")), the teachings of the priests, and the warnings and instructions delivered by His prophets. Jerusalem's failure to obey meant they were actively disregarding these divine directives, choosing to follow their own desires or the ways of surrounding pagan nations instead. It points to a deep-seated spiritual rebellion rather than mere ignorance.

**Why is "not trusting in the LORD" such a significant sin?**

Answer: For Israel, trust in the LORD (Yahweh) was foundational to their covenant relationship. God had demonstrated His faithfulness repeatedly, from delivering them from slavery in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Crossing the Red Sea")) to providing for them in the wilderness. To not trust in Him meant to deny His character, His power, and His covenant promises. It implied seeking security and provision elsewhere, whether in political alliances, idols, or human strength, which was a direct violation of the first commandment (e.g., [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "No Other Gods")). Such a lack of trust undermined the very basis of their identity as God's people and inevitably led to spiritual and national decline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 3:2, with its stark portrayal of Jerusalem's comprehensive failure to obey, receive correction, trust, or draw near to God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where Israel failed at every turn, Jesus perfectly embodied the righteous response to God. He was the perfectly obedient Son, declaring, "I always do the things that are pleasing to Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He perfectly "received correction," even to the point of suffering and death on the cross, demonstrating ultimate submission to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus fully "trusted in the LORD" (His Father) throughout His earthly ministry, even in the face of immense temptation and agony, relying completely on divine provision and purpose ([Hebrews 2:13](/hebrews/2-13 "Jesus' Trust in God")). Most profoundly, Jesus is the one who "drew near to God" perfectly, living in unbroken communion, and through His atoning sacrifice, He has opened the way for all who believe to "draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Drawing Near to God")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for a people who obey, receive, trust, and draw near, making possible the very relationship that Zephaniah's Jerusalem so tragically rejected.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Jeremiah 22:21

I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; [but] thou saidst, I will not hear. This [hath been] thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.

Jeremiah 7:23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Jeremiah 7:28

But thou shalt say unto them, This [is] a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

Jeremiah 32:33

And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them], yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.

Jeremiah 2:30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

Proverbs 5:12

And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;