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Author |
Zephaniah |
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Date |
Between 640 and 612 BC |
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Time Span |
Not specified |
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Title |
From the book's author: Zephaniah. This name means “defended by Jehovah.” |
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Background |
Zephaniah ministers to Judah-during the years before total destruction comes-when the young Josiah is king. Josiah begins as a very good king and institutes sweeping reforms, probably influenced by the prophet Zephaniah. But even these efforts are not enough, for Judah falls deeper and deeper into apostasy and sin. Zephaniah, a contemporary of Jeremiah, resides in Jerusalem. His prophecy concerns both Judah's immediate and long-range judgments by God. Zephaniah is probably the great-grandson of a former king of Judah, Hezekiah. |
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Where |
Judah |
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To Whom |
Primarily to Judah. |
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Content |
The book of Zephaniah is a message of judgment. The prophet graphically uses the 53 verses of this book to describe the wrath which will come upon Judah, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria. The sins and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem are given special attention. Future blessings though, are available to all God's people, Jew and Gentile alike, if they will obediently turn to Him. The promised remnant of Israel will be restored, and there will be world-wide rejoicing. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Retribution”; “Day of the Lord”; “Remnant.” Zephaniah emphatically announces that God's vengeance and holiness will lead Him to seek “retribution,” as all nations will be judged for their sins in the coming “Day of the Lord.” But God has promised to exalt a “remnant,” which will be gathered to live with comfort and joy with the Lord. |
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Outline |
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