I love the antiphonal and musical nature of this passage from Zephaniah: God restores a pure language to His people, instructs them to sing and shout, and He responds by singing over them.
A similar pattern takes place on the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The children’s praises and hosannas are followed by Jesus’ proclamation that His house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. High praise brings heaven to earth.
Zephaniah 3:9, 12b, 14-17 (New King James Version)
“ For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord. And they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“ Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
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