1. Zephaniah 3:19 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why is it that the promise of “praise” and “renown” does not actually cater to the human desire for recognition?

Zephaniah 3:19 (ESV)

19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

Particularly striking is the final expression of this verse. The Lord will give Israel “praise and renown.” These two elements are combined only in Deuteronomy and in Jeremiah outside Zephaniah (Deuteronomy 26:19; Jeremiah 13:11). In light of Judah’s past shame and humiliation, she was going to be so highly exalted that even her oppressors would look at her and stand in awe of her stature. The exalting of the Israelite name was not simply a gratification of the human desire for fame. Rather, the concept of a famous name goes back to God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:2).