Zephaniah 3:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary on Zephaniah 3:2 (KJV)

Zephaniah 3:2 vividly describes the spiritual state of Jerusalem (referred to as "she" in the preceding verses, Zephaniah 3:1), highlighting its profound rebellion and distance from God. This verse encapsulates the city's stubborn refusal to heed divine warnings and embrace a righteous path, setting the stage for the judgment and eventual restoration prophesied in the book.

Context

The prophet Zephaniah delivered his message during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a time when Judah was experiencing a brief spiritual revival under the king's reforms, but the underlying corruption and idolatry persisted among the people and leaders. Zephaniah's prophecy serves as a stark warning of the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of severe judgment for Judah's sins, particularly its idolatry and injustice. This verse specifically condemns Jerusalem's persistent spiritual apathy and defiance despite God's repeated attempts to call His people back to Himself through His prophets. It portrays a city that has become polluted, oppressive, and utterly unresponsive to God's voice.

Key Themes

  • Disobedience and Rebellion: The phrase "She obeyed not the voice" underscores a deliberate rejection of God's commands and prophetic messages. It signifies a deep-seated rebellion against divine authority.
  • Rejection of Correction: "She received not correction" points to an unwillingness to learn from mistakes, accept discipline, or be guided by God's wisdom. This stubbornness prevents spiritual growth and repentance, a critical theme also found in Proverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and fools despise wisdom and instruction.
  • Lack of Trust in God: "She trusted not in the LORD" reveals a fundamental breakdown in faith. Instead of relying on their covenant God for protection and provision, the people likely placed their trust in political alliances, idols, or their own strength, leading to spiritual insecurity and folly.
  • Spiritual Alienation: "She drew not near to her God" indicates a profound spiritual distance and a lack of desire for intimacy with the Creator. This separation is a consequence of their disobedience, rejection of correction, and distrust. It stands in stark contrast to God's desire for His people to seek Him and have a close relationship with Him.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV accurately translates the Hebrew here, but a deeper look at a few words adds richness:

  • The Hebrew word for "voice" (קול - qol) often refers to the authoritative sound or command of God, whether through His law, His prophets, or divine revelation.
  • "Correction" comes from the Hebrew word מוּסָר (musar), which encompasses discipline, instruction, moral training, and chastisement. It implies God's persistent efforts to guide His people towards righteousness.
  • "Trusted" is בָּטַח (batach), meaning to trust, rely upon, or feel secure in. The negation here highlights a profound failure of faith and dependence on God.
  • "Drew near" is קָרַב (qarab), signifying to approach, come close, or draw nigh, often in a spiritual or worshipful context. Its absence denotes a complete lack of communion or desire for relationship with God.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 3:2 serves as a timeless warning for individuals and communities today. It calls us to self-examine our own relationship with God:

  • Are we listening to God's voice? This means engaging with His Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance.
  • Are we open to correction? True wisdom involves humbly receiving instruction and discipline, whether from Scripture, wise counsel, or life's experiences.
  • Are we truly trusting in the LORD? In times of uncertainty, do we rely on our own resources or truly lean on God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
  • Are we drawing near to God? This involves intentional acts of worship, prayer, and seeking His presence, remembering that James 4:8 promises that if we draw nigh to God, He will draw nigh to us.

This verse reminds us that spiritual decline often stems from a progressive turning away from God's commands, a refusal to learn, a breakdown of trust, and ultimately, a loss of intimacy with Him. It challenges believers to cultivate a responsive, trusting, and intimate relationship with their Creator.

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 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;

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