Zephaniah is only a short 3 chapters, and what is it about Zephaniah that adds to the story of God? Why is this a part of the canon of the Old Testament? What do we learn here?

1. People do Evil.
   
   This sounds obvious. But we are in a time of history where actions are not deemed evil but they are considered as choices, they are “my truths” or “your truths” to live by, or they are “love,” or some other title given to them. That’s why people reframe evil with good words. They think they can sanctify evil. It can’t happen.
   
2. Leaders can be evil.
   
   It’s really bad when the leaders become evil. Not just the politicians but the preachers and the priest who do “violence to the law.”
   
3. God desires repentance.
   
   Over and over and over again ad nauseum he invited people to repent. He did NOT want to bring judgment. Nor would he beg them to repent. But he would offer it over and over as his desire was for mercy and forgiveness. Unfortunately they did not repent and they had to discover the realities of their actions the hard way.
   
4. God fights for his people, even when they are in the wrong.
   
   Israel is God’s covenant people. And Israel was doing so much evil that they were being carried off into captivity as a form of judgment. But God would remember the nations around them that mocked them, slandered them, and did all sorts of evil against them. Right or wrong, Israel is God’s people. He will hold the Gentile nations responsible for how they treat Israel.
   
5. God desires restoration.
   
   God allowed Israel to go into captivity for a season. But his heart was clear. It was for restoration. He would remember the people not only in captivity but his children that had been scattered to the nations. He would bring them home.
   
6. God sings.
   
   He actually sings. He sings and rejoices over the righteous. He sings with joy that his children trust Him. He sings over you.