1. Zephaniah 3:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the meaning of “draw near”?

Zephaniah 3:2 (ESV)

2 She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.

The verb draw near refers to coming physically closer. It is used in Scripture of approaching God (Exodus 3:5; Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 5:23, Deuteronomy 5:27; Isaiah 48:16). Motyer defines it as the heart of biblical religion: peaceful enjoyment in the presence of the Holy God.1 Here, however, it indicates that whatever outward acts of worship Judah was engaged in, there was no true reverence for God or fellowship with him.