“God will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

We usually think about angels singing. But when was the last time you thought about God singing? That’s right, God singing. And furthermore, when was the last time you thought about Him singing over you? Zephaniah is clear in his message to Jerusalem: “The Lord your God” takes great delight in you, so much so that He “rejoices over you with singing”. although this message speaks directly to Jerusalem, it’s likely God sings over us, those who have received Jesus as Savior, too! What song does He sing? Well, Scripture’s not clear on that. But the song is born out of His love, so we can trust it’s true and noble and right and pure and lovely and admirable.

Daily Questions

1. What feelings are stirred when you consider God singing over you?
2. Is that something unbelievable or something comforting? Why?

Daily Thoughts

Good Father, the thought that You would sing over us in joy is such an assurance and comfort. Thank You.

Zephaniah 3: 14-17

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Bonus Information

While the book of Zephaniah (which means “the Lord hides/conceals”) ends on a note of joy and singing in view of God’s restoration, the bulk of the book records God’s judgment on Judah and the nations. “The day of the Lord” is the primary theme. This term refers to a day when God settles accounts with those who oppose Him (a day of judgment) and rewards the remnant of faithful followers (a day of deliverance/salvation). Indeed, “the Mighty Warrior who saves and will take great delight in you” is also “the Mighty Warrior who shouts his battle cry”. The sovereign God of all the earth has the right to call the nations into account.