Matthew Henry Commentary Zephaniah 2:1-3

"Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation that hath no shame; before the decree bring forth, [before] the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah`s anger come upon you. Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah`s anger." — Zephaniah 2:1-3 (ASV)

The prophet calls for national repentance as the only way to prevent national ruin. A nation not desiring (that is, one that has no desires toward God) is not desirous of his favor and grace and has no mind to repent and reform. Or, such a nation is not desirable, having nothing to recommend them to God. To them God might justly say, Depart from me; but he says, Gather together to me that you may seek my face.

We know what God's decree will bring against impenitent sinners; therefore, it is crucial for everyone to repent in the accepted time. How careful we should all be to seek peace with God before the Holy Spirit withdraws from us or ceases to strive with us; before the day of grace is over, or the day of life is over; before our everlasting state is determined! Let the poor, despised, and afflicted seek the Lord, and seek to understand and keep his commandments better, so that they may be more humbled for their sins.

The chief hope of deliverance from national judgments rests upon prayer.