2:1
In Zephaniah the focus is alternating between Judah and the nations (ie the rest of the world, though the nations around Israel in the immediate context). We are now back to Judah. God does not speak nicely to her! “You shameful nation”. This was a double insult. First there is the obvious “shameful”, Judah’s behaviour did not merit her any respect. Secondly, there was the use of the word nation. This was usually (though not exclusively) applied to the other nations, ie the pagan nations. Judah would more likely be referred to as “my people” or something like that. Here she is being lumped along with the other nations, no different from them.
2:2,3
Judah is given a final warning, a last chance to repent. The Lord’s judgement is coming, therefore it is imperative that she repents and seeks the Lord. This is the same message that Jesus gave when He was on earth. He called Israel to repent, but most did not, and terrible judgement came in AD66-70. Those who think Jesus is all “love” and no judgement just haven’t read the Bible. This call is for all people. Repentance, humility, seeking the Lord. These are the things that we all desperately need to do.
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