Zephaniah starts like most of his contemporaries casting judgment on the

wicked, especially the wicked nations. His words of passionate exhortation

changes to compassion towards the “remnant.” This word is used three times

between chapters 2 and 3. It is clear Zephaniah sees that God’s wrath will

not be for all people. A small, remnant will ‘take refuge in the Lord’s

name.’ This remnant is a hopeful reminder that even in the worst of things,

there is still hope.