Elsewhere, every morning
(literally, morning by morning
) expresses the daily regularity of sacrifice in Israel (Exodus 30:7; Leviticus 6:12; 2 Chronicles 13:11; Ezekiel 46:13–15), the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:21), and the freewill offerings for the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 36:3). Here in Zephaniah 3:5 the Lord is said to show forth his justice every morning. This was the time of day when the judges of the land normally met (Zephaniah 3:3), but they were corrupt. Thus, the Lord daily displays his justice, as faithfully as he gave manna for his people in the wilderness.1,2
But how exactly did the Lord show his justice every morning? This statement could refer simply to the reality of a testimony to his presence due to the ongoing existence of the sacrificial system; the daily sacrifices were still being offered.
3 But it is worth noting also what is found in Jeremiah 21:12, that the morning was when the king heard cases as the final court of appeal in the land. So it is possible that Zephaniah is referring to the existence of a remnant of faithful judges or rulers showing justice on the Lord’s behalf. Josiah was king of Judah during this time, and was the exception among Judah’s kings in those days in that he sought the Lord and did justice and righteousness (Jeremiah 22:15–16).
Whatever Zephaniah is specifically referring to, it most assuredly points to the fact that all has not yet failed in the Holy City. In the midst of overwhelming wickedness, he has been continually and dependably present among this people.
4
5 The LORD within her is righteous; he does no injustice; every morning he shows forth his justice; each dawn he does not fail; but the unjust knows no shame.