A look at Bible Book of Zephaniah

Book of Zephaniah - Prophet of universal judgment

Date

- Prophesied during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah.

- 630-615 B.C.

Situation in Judah

- God has judged Judah because of the sins of the nation during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon.

- Josiah's good reign brings a reprieve but Judah is doomed. Although reforms were extensive apparently the people's hearts were not changed significantly.

Message

- The Prophet's message is gloom and doom. All classes of people and all nations including Judah, Moab, Assyria and Babylon will be judged.

- Judgment, however, will lead to hope. The Day of the Lord will rid the world of evil people. God will one day rule through a faithful remnant.

Audience

- Judah, the Southern Kingdom

Return to Old Testament from Zephaniah