"I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the people of Ammon, with which they have reproached My people, and made arrogant threats against their borders. Therefore, as I live, says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, and the people of Ammon like Gomorrah-overrun with weeds and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.’" (Zephaniah 2:8,9)

Moab and Ammon were two countries contemporary with Old-Testament Israel. They originated with a man named Lot, Abraham's nephew. Lot had two sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, who were born shortly after God destroyed the immoral cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30-38). The history of the relationship of Israel, Moab, and Ammon was filled with distrust, violence, and hatred.

In Zephaniah's day, Moab and Ammon were headed toward a fate they had long known and feared—the same fate that befell their forefathers in Sodom. Previously, Lot had resided in Sodom (Genesis 14:12). In fact, at one time Abraham rescued him when he and others from Sodom were captured by a confederacy of foreign kings. Subsequent to that, two angels rescued Lot and his family by leading them out of the wicked city. Following their escape, God rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and completely destroyed it (Genesis 19). The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as an example of God's vengeance on a sinful society (Jude 7). God promised that Moab would be like Sodom; so, where is Moab today?

In the New Testament, the apostle Peter spoke of Lot's deliverance, saying, "and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)." (2 Peter 2:7, 8) Yet, in the seventh century B.C., Zephaniah wrote to Lot's descendents warning against their lawless deeds.

Zephaniah’s warning emphasizes several profound points.

1. Cities and nations may begin with a righteous element, but over time, they can become thoroughly corrupt. However, God still reigns despite such corruption.

2. Children do not inherit the righteousness or the wickedness of their forefathers. Lot was righteous, but his descendants were wicked. In accordance with this, Ezekiel wrote, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.” (Ezekiel 18:20)

3. God hears what we say. God heard the reproach and insults that the nations of Moab and Ammon uttered against His people. Some people today do not know how to disagree with each other in an honorable way. Many succumb to the temptation to reduce controversy to merely hurling insults. I ask, "Does God not also hear our insults?"

4. The way we talk can bring major consequences. These two nations were doomed because of what they were saying. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

We sometimes minimize sins of the tongue; yet, where are Moab and Ammon today among the lot of nations? We will also be judged by our words (Matthew 12:26). What does the Lord hear from your lips? What do you say about the Lord’s church? What do you say about God's people? Is your speech any better than the speech of the Moabites?

Be careful what you say and do; begin to honor God with your life, your tongue, and your deeds. God destroyed these nations because they spoke and acted arrogantly. What will He do to us on judgment day? "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31) "Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD'S anger." (Zephaniah 2:3)

Brother Wallace reminds us of Paul’s words concerning the value of the things recorded long ago. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11) Allow me to offer some other lessons from the past. We would do well to learn from them:

• It’s not wise to trust the devil’s words over God’s. (Genesis 3:1-4)

• God will not accept a sacrifice that is different from what He commanded. (Genesis 4:6-8)

• We must worship according to God’s instructions and not our own. (Leviticus 10:1,2)

• It is foolish to fear people rather than God. (1 Samuel 15:8,9)

• When God speaks, we should listen and fear. (Exodus 20:19)

• We are never alone as long as God is with us. (1 Kings 19:18)

• People can do great things when they have a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6)

• We need to prepare our hearts, study, and teach God’s words to others. (Ezra 7:10)

• Good intentions are not sufficient reason for disobeying God. (2 Chronicles 26:18,19)

• Sin’s consequences can sometimes be very great. (Ezra 10:10,11)

• Suffering is not a reason to quit God. (Job 13:15)

• No one is immune to the lust of the eyes and of the flesh. (2 Samuel 12)

• Committing a second wrong can never correct the first wrong. (2 Samuel 13:24ff)

• Having wisdom and using it are two different things. (1 Kings 3:9-12)

• It takes courage to step up and do the right thing. (Esther 4:16,17)

• We cannot come to God on our own terms. (Jeremiah 18:6)

• Man cannot profitably direct his own steps in this life. (Jeremiah 10:23)

• You will not be charged with another person’s sins. (Ezekiel 18:20)

• Lack of knowledge always proves costly. (Hosea 4:6)

• Those who sow to the wind will reap the whirlwind. (Hosea 8:7)

• We should strive to walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)

• We cannot compromise our faithfulness to God—no matter what it costs. (Daniel 6:10)

• The way of the transgressor is hard. (Proverbs 13:15)

• A gentle answer can turn away anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

• When we view the world, we know there is a God. (Psalm 14:1,2)

• We need to be very sure about what we vow to God to pay. (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5)

• Work while you have life—there’s no work in the grave. (Ecclesiastes 9:10) (KMG)