Earlier we stated that ancient Nineveh is in ruins today, as prophesied by Nahum. The following is a link that you might find interesting.

http://www.bible-history.com/archaeology/assyria/2-assyria-mound-bb.html

Zephaniah is an excellent example of the layering of Biblical prophecies. There is an immediate literal fulfillment of the prophecy, which is symbolic of a future fulfillment of that same prophecy. These prophecies are spread throughout the book of Zephaniah. For example, the judgments of Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria were literally fulfilled when the Babylonians invaded the entire area in the 580s BC. The future fulfillment will take place during the wrath of God when God pours out His condemnation on these same countries (See Chapters 18-21 of the book THESE LAST DAYS - Second Edition ). God’s people will then inherit this land during the millennium (See Chapters 22-26 of the book THESE LAST DAYS - Second Edition). It’s ironic (at least from the human point of view) that God uses Ammon and Moab as places of safety for His people during the time of His wrath.

Zephaniah 2:10
This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the LORD Almighty.

Chapter 1 of Zephaniah relates God's judgment against Judah.  He mentions "those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him".  

Many times we as Believers turn back from following the Lord, and go our own way or the way of the world.  But even when we don't turn back from following Him, are we guilty of not seeking Him?  And how about when we pray, do we ask God or do we tell God.  We (Phil and Patti) are guilty many times of making plans and then asking God to bless them instead of asking God what plans He has for us.  He's already blessed those plans!  

Also in Chapter 1, God says He "will punish all who avoid stepping on the threshold."
This is a reference to the Philistine custom of stepping over the threshold.  Because of their paganism and superstition, they avoid the threshold. See the following:

1Samuel 5:1-5
After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.   They brought it into the temple of Dagon and placed it beside Dagon.   Early the next day the people of Ashdod saw that Dagon had fallen forward on the ground in front of the LORD'S ark. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place.   But the next morning they saw that Dagon had again fallen forward on the ground in front of the LORD'S ark. Dagon's head and his two hands were cut off and were lying on the temple's threshold. The rest of Dagon's body was intact. This is why the priests of Dagon and everyone else who comes into Dagon's temple in Ashdod still don't step on the temple's threshold.  

Zephaniah 3:4
Her priests profane the sanctuary and do violence to the law.
Many spiritual leaders today profane the sanctuary by bringing in unholy pagan rituals.  They change the commands of God to make them more palatable to the masses ("cotton candy" preaching).  And because God's laws are made palatable, the people are eager to act corruptly(verse 7 - see also Ezekiel Chapter 8).  An example of profaning the sanctuary and doing violence to God's law would be when spiritual leaders are quick to support laws concerning gay marriage, abortions, etc.

Zephaniah 3:13
The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies..."
This is how conditions will be in the Millennium without the influence of Satan (who is temporarily confined to the abyss).  On a regular daily basis people will speak no lies.  What would happen today if everyone in the whole world told the truth for even 24 hours?  Would there be a godly spiritual renewal or would world society collapse?

Zephaniah 3:18 
The sorrows for the appointed feasts I will remove from you, they are a burden and a reproach to you.

For us as Believers there is no sorrow attached to the appointed feasts and festivals (the Holy Days).  There is only joy in our remembrance that Jesus is the fulfillment of those days.

There is an unbelievably wonderful verse in today’s reading.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Can you even begin to imagine God singing??? Yet Zephaniah tells us that He does! He takes great delight in us and rejoices over us. AMAZING!