We don’t very often read Zephaniah, and I have never heard a sermon on it. However, I happened upon a booklet on this minor prophet, written by my grandfather, which was very interesting. Zephaniah, ninth in order of the minor prophets, prophesied "in the days of Josiah" (Zep 1:1), that is, between 642 and 611 BC, according to A.R. Faussett who states in summary:

"The prophecy begins with the nation’s sin and the fearful retribution coming at the hands of the Chaldeans. These are not mentioned by name, as in Jeremiah; for the prophecies of the latter, being nearer the fulfilment, become more explicit than those of an earlier date. The second chapter dooms the persecuting states in the neighbourhood as well as Judea itself. The third chapter denounces Jerusalem, but concludes with the promise of her joyful re-establishment in the theocracy."

Although Jewish in nature the final verses have some comfort for Christians – God’s dealings with his people, whether Old Testament or New is never inconsistent. Jesus Christ has taken away our judgement as God will Israel (3:15) when she repents, and accepts Christ has her Messiah. There is a reminder that God should be in our midst, but this relationship was destroyed by Adam. Our place is heavenly, where Jesus Christ will be in our midst – at the marriage supper. However, this can be experienced here on earth in a congregation (For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 NKJV). Christ’s saving grace is sufficient for all, and with His love "He will quiet you" (3:18). Revenge belongs to God, and as Zephaniah reminds Israel, so will Christ Jesus deal with his (and hence our) enemies (3:19).