The Day of the Lord is near. That is Zephaniah's opening word, and it is good news for the nations.
In his commentary on the Book of Zephaniah, Joseph A. Thacker shows how the Day of the Lord is both a terror to evildoers and a cause for rejoicing for the righteous seeking comfort: from the sweeping judgment that unmakes a world of idols, through oracles against the nations at the four corners of the earth, to the startling promise that Yahweh will gather a humble remnant, purify the speech of the peoples, and rejoice over Zion with loud singing.
Among many modern readers, Zephaniah is often treated as a minor prophet of gloom. Thacker describes the prophet as one whose message still offers hope to the Church. Drawing on the work of biblical theologian James B. Jordan in observing God's patterns in Scripture, like creation and de-creation, circumcision and covering, Babel and Pentecost, the Lord's Day as the Day of the Lord, Thacker traces how God judges proud cities and false worship while also covering the meek, shepherding the lame, and restoring fortunes.
Written for layman and bible teachers alike, Gather the Nations conveys Zephaniah's warning and invitation: repent, seek righteousness, and come to the feast. The same God who sweeps away the wicked is the Mighty One in our midst: the Savior who sings.
About the Through New Eyes Bible Commentary Series:
Bible-reading is more of an art than a science. The Bible is a story, not a lexicon of systematic theological definitions. With this in mind, the Through New Eyes Bible Commentary Series builds on the foundational biblical theology of James B. Jordan and other likeminded scholars in bringing you a set of commentaries that will help you read, teach, and preach through the Bible while picking up on the rich symphonic themes and the literary symbolism of the Scriptures. Because they are written for thoughtful Christians without being overly academic, these commentaries will serve as valuable resources for family worship, Sunday school or Bible studies. Pick up a copy and prepare to read the Bible through new eyes.