How We Relate - Not How We Are Related

by Lance Ponder⁽⁸⁴⁾
http://fkiprofessor.xanga.com

Zeph 2:8-11 “I have heard the taunts of Moab and the revilings of the Ammonites, how they have taunted my people and made boasts against their territory. Therefore, as I live,” declares the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Moab shall become like Sodom, and the Ammonites like Gomorrah, a land possessed by nettles and salt pits, and a waste forever. The remnant of my people shall plunder them, and the survivors of my nation shall possess them.” This shall be their lot in return for their pride, because they taunted and boasted against the people of the Lord of hosts. The Lord will be awesome against them; for he will famish all the gods of the earth, and to him shall bow down, each in its place, all the lands of the nations.

Moab lies east of Dead Sea. Ammon lies to north of Moab, east of the Jordan River. Moab and Ammon were fathered by Lot through his own daughters when they got him drunk shortly after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:30-38). Moab and Ammon were of the same generation as Jacob, but were only third-cousins through Terah, Abraham’s and Haran’s father.

God judges Moab and Ammon because of their treatment of Israel, not because of their questionable lineage. It was sinful behavior, particularly opposing the righteous, that drew God’s wrath against Sodom and Gomorrah and it was sinful behavior, kicking Israel when they were down that drew God’s wrath in this prophecy.

The prophecy is that Moab and Ammon would become wastelands like Sodom and Gomorrah and that a remnant of Israel would plunder and possess them. Philistia was to the west and Moab and Ammon were to the east, yet Zephaniah said a remnant of Israel would eventually possess lands in both directions. This did not happen during the second temple period. One could argue that it has, at least in part, taken place in recent history. It has not been completely fulfilled, though. It is reasonable to suggest that this remnant is eschatological. Regardless of how you might interpret the remnant or the overall fulfillment, the reason for judgment cannot escape the reader. Idolatry and pride against God and God’s people rouses the wrath of God.

Article submitted Sunday, August 07, 2011 & read 123 times.

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» left by Teresa Ortiz (284 days 1 hour ago.)

Very insightful and thought provoking. I appreciate your words in that we are not to get caught up in the "when" of it all, but learn from the "why" of it all. Blessings to you! Thank you for your faithfulness! T

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