Zephaniah

Queering The Book of Zephaniah

Who is Zephaniah? Zephaniah was the son of Cushi, a descendant from the tribe of Judah, the ninth of the minor prophets. In the Old Testament and particularly the Prophets, they are often descendants from generations of Prophets. Zephaniah had the command of prophetic language and his serious warnings were given to the people.[ii]The book of Zephaniah spoke directly, intensely and unequivocally about the justice of God and yet gave hope to those marginalised and any who will repent.

Under the rule of King Josiah, the trend for the worship of other gods, insecurity, corruption and violence throughout the land escalated. There was the need to bring Israel back in relationship with God.

Zephaniah, warned the Israelites and all the many nations of the impending day of judgement, the dangers of veering too far away from God. There was a distinctive warning for Jerusalem as the superior of nations and then warning for all other nations. The prophet in his warning also gave hope for redemption, and he encouraged the journey of repentance, reconciliation and a departure from all that is evil and violent.

Zephaniah’s prophecy of the destruction of the world due to darkness disorder was literally like a reversal of the good fortunes from creation enjoyed by the Israelites before this moment. A vivid description of the end of the world, total devastation of the human race, the end to greed and destruction of the corrupt economic infrastructures.

There is no escape for anyone, it seems: the wealthy, the builders, the inhabitant, planters of vineyards, everyone will suffer a loss. Zephaniah highlighted especially that the destruction relates to the role of God in the rise and fall of the cities. With this in mind the prophet called on anyone that will seek the Lord and humble themselves towards repentance.

In order to understand and bring to perspective the prophecy of Zephaniah, we must look keenly at the experiences of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) people in the world today.

Zephaniah spoke about a God whose intention is to sweep away the entire world. Are we to conclude that something catastrophic has happened or about to take place? Why is Zephaniah presenting this prophecy in light of human behaviour? I feel strongly that this is a message to the religious rights who have made life unbearable for marginalised folks. The chaotic world then and now is corrupt and full of violence.

The prophecies of Zephaniah may equally speak for other groups of people who have experienced ostracism and marginalisation. This is open to interpretation depending on the issues or circumstances.

Queer people in today’s understanding are faced with many of these realities according to the words of Zephaniah. The sound of homophobia is like a day of distress, anguish, ruins, devastation, darkness and gloom. 

The greatest challenge for Jerusalem was disobedience, they “have turned back from following the Lord.” This was not enough, there is a measure for those, “who have not sought the Lord or inquired of him.” [iii]

It is inconceivable with the idea of punishing those who have turned away from the Lord. Queer people don’t turn away from God; they turn away from abusive religious communities.  

This is a judgement on Jerusalem, like the church, societies, nations that refuses to understand, welcome and protect queer people. 

When I think of Zephaniah, I couldn’t miss out on the reference to the human rights for LGBTIQ+ people to have a right to religion and assembly and never to be threatened by religious violence.[iv]

For many queer folks, who have been part of the faith and religious communities, this is a serious matter. For many were faithful, loyal, obedient and thus remain so. But there has been religious violence against many that could cause them not to pay interest nor to inquire of the Lord.

There is no doubt that apathy and exhaustion may interfere, such that it will take the renewing of the Holy Spirit to get as many LGBTQ+ people to return and keep their faith in the institutions of the church.

People are misguided on the value of the prophecies of Zephaniah, unless for those experiencing some of the descriptive effects and or reality of life. Queer people of faith too often find their realities are minimised by the lack of spiritual guidance, compassion and understanding. The thickness of the cloud and battle cry against peacefulness of queer folks, who are victims of devastating outcomes of violence, against trans people and gender base abuse of lesbians justified by corrective rapes.

The pain and tears of the LGBTIQ+ folks are a distress for any society, for families and more so for the church.

The determination has been made, judgement to punish the iniquities, the devastation which extended as far as Ethiopia, Assyria, Nineveh, etc. Zephaniah identified the problem, they listened to no one, beyond reproach, and do not trust in or drawn nearer to God.[v]

Zephaniah spoke about regrets, because an entire society that seeks to destroy marginalised people, “they have sinned against the Lord.”[vi] 

• When will religious homophobia cease?
• What are the reasons religious people hate differences?
• When will LGBTQ people fully enjoy peace, safety and joy?

There is so many questions about God’s intention and whether or not Zephaniah got this right. The focus was on the tribe of Israel which for many represents a community of God’s favorite but also stubborn people. We must understand that riches are not an escape from God’s punishment. You cannot bribe your way out of the wrath of God for the injustices of any society. We must then wonder how this has shifted to, “all the inhabitants of the earth.”[vii]

Can we argue that this prophecy was never fulfilled, due to the mercifulness of God, who enjoy the grace and forgiveness of God? Why has such kindness not been extended to those marginalised?

The call for hope towards repentance was extended beyond Jerusalem, to other cities, the prophet was direct and intentional.

In the compassion of God, we hear the Prophet Zephaniah call the people ‘of the shameless nations’ to gather. There is no doubt about the importance and access to protection and liberty with God. There is an opportunity for redemption through the redeeming grace of God. Zephaniah called out to the people, “seek the Lord, all you humble (people) of the Land, who do his commands, seek righteousness, seek humility.”[viii] No one, or cities were exempted from the path of corruption but a great need to repent.

We are now seeing a pattern that tells us that there was so much arrogance and abuse.  The world is clearly unrecognizable, when we catalogue the extreme violence towards vulnerable and marginalized communities. With these prophecies proclaimed, Zephaniah talked about God transforming the nations, a caring God whose intention is to transform and heal the rebellious nations, unite the people and they will call upon the name of the Lord.

Queer folks can recognize the challenges of living in hostile environments, in these nations, and want so desperately for the prophecy of hope emanating from the words of God through the prophet. For those marginalised, hope cannot come sooner. If we look at the experiences and contexts of discrimination, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, toxic masculinity, patriarchy, etc. Zephaniah’s prophecy was most needed, for hope and reassurances.

In conclusion, the book contains some of the most intense images of justice and love, which is most lacking in the world today. God’s passion was central to the prophecy to rescue rather than destroy for its evil and violence. With all good intentions and purpose, queer people of faith experience societal and religious violence, aggravated by religious arrogance, corruption and failure. However, regardless of how terrible nations become or are alienated from God, God continues to keep up the promise to bless them.

Notwithstanding the destruction of lives, there is always the opportunity for restoration. Many queer folks, their families and societies pray and hope for restoration and peace.

God restoring Jerusalem is about humility, joy, mercy and peace for all people. The LGBTQ+ community and those dedicated to their faith and relationship to God are like the nation of Israel determined to stay in the place of loyalty and grace. They have been troubled for centuries and often judged fiercely.  

Zephaniah concludes with a song of joy, a victory unexpected. The power of reconciliation and assurances is the only indication of the grace and love of God for the LGBTQ+ community.

Reverend Jide Macaulay is the Founder and CEO of House Of Rainbow CIC. Openly gay British-Nigerian born in London, a Christian minister since 1998, Anglican Priest, inspirational speaker, author, poet, pastor and preacher, HIV Positive Activist, holds a degree in Law, masters degree in Theology and Post-graduate certificate in Pastoral Theology. Jide focuses his ministry on inclusion and reconciliation of sexuality, spirituality and human rights. Served previously as Board of Trustee at Kaleidoscope Trust UK, Trustee Global Interfaith Network. Currently Chairperson INERELA+ Europe, Patron at ReportOut, Vice Chair One Voice Network, HIV – Mentor at Positive East and George House Trust. Judge at British LGBT Award 2023, nOSCARS Award winner 2014, 2017, 2018, Volunteer Chaplain at Mildmay HIV Hospital and Volunteer Champion at Afruca Children’s Charity.