Zephaniah

About Zephaniah

Zephaniah warns that the great Day of the LORD is coming, a day of judgment on Judah's idolatry and on the proud nations around her. Yet the book does not end in darkness: God promises to preserve a humble remnant and, in one of the warmest scenes in the prophets, to rejoice over His restored people with singing. In the Bible's story, Zephaniah gathers up the themes of judgment and hope and points ahead to a purified people from every nation who call on the LORD together.

Written by

The book names Zephaniah as its author and traces his family line back four generations to Hezekiah, likely the king of Judah.

When

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, around 640 to 609 BC, probably before Josiah's reforms took full effect.

Themes

• The Day of the LORD
• Judgment on pride and idolatry
• A humble remnant
• God rejoicing over His people

Key verses

• Zephaniah 1:14The great Day of the LORD is near— near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter.
• Zephaniah 2:3Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.
• Zephaniah 3:17The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing.”