NOTES for Zep 2:1-15
National conceit probably arose as soon as the building of the Tower of Babel was left unfinished, and it has never disappeared since. This form of pride and self-exaltation becomes especially acute now during football World Cups. Yet the prophet Zephaniah names several peoples who boasted of their strength in his day, and where are they now? They are gone and have been for many centuries. Conceit does not save; it walls people off from God, and then the Day of the Lord, the day of wrath, comes. But salvation is possible on that day as well; it is given to those who are humble or at least seek humility. We must not confuse humility with despondency, joylessness, or dejection. Humility is the opposite of pride: it is openness to God and joyful acceptance of His will.