The Soul's Silences Before the Presence of the Lord
Zephaniah 1:7
Hold your peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice…


I. A SILENCE OF ADORATION. As becomes a creature in the presence of his Creator (Zechariah 2:13; Habakkuk 2:20), and a sinner in the presence of the Holy One (Job 40:4).

II. A SILENCE OF CONTEMPLATION. AS befits the soul in those moments in which God reveals himself in nature (Job 37:14) or in grace (Genesis 17:3; Exodus 14:13).

III. A SILENCE OF EXPECTATION. As a praying soul maintains when looking out for a response to his supplications (Psalm 62:1, 5, margin), or a perplexed spirit when waiting for God to clear up the mystery of his providence (Psalm 37:7, margin).

IV. A SILENCE OF SUBMISSION. As they preserve who recognize the ills of life to proceed from the hand of God (Psalm 39:2; Lamentations 3:28, 29).

V. A SILENCE OF APPROBATION. As God's judgments will enforce upon all who behold them (Psalm 46:10). - T.W.



Parallel Verses
KJV: Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

WEB: Be silent at the presence of the Lord Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. He has consecrated his guests.




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