At a Glance
Zephaniah at a Glance
Zephaniah is the clearest Old Testament sermon on the day of the LORD. It begins with some of the darkest words in the prophets and ends with one of the brightest promises.
- Author. Zephaniah, whose name means “the LORD hides” or “the LORD has hidden.” His family line is traced back four generations to Hizkiah (Zephaniah 1:1). Many think this is King Hezekiah, which would make the prophet a royal descendant, though the book does not say so.
- Date. During the reign of Josiah, who ruled Judah from 640 to 609 BC. The Baal worship named in the book suggests the early years, about 635 to 625 BC, before Josiah's reforms took hold (Zephaniah 1:4; 2 Chronicles 34:3).
- Written To. Judah and Jerusalem, with warnings for the nations around them.
- Setting. The long, evil reigns of Manasseh and Amon had filled the land with idols. Many people no longer feared God or expected anything from Him (Zephaniah 1:12).
- Key Verse. The great day of the LORD is near (Zephaniah 1:14).
- Key Word or Theme. The day of the LORD: a time when God steps into history to judge, and then to restore.
Loading the rest of this article
Further reading
For Deeper Study
- The Minor ProphetsAmazon Charles Lee FeinbergA careful conservative commentary that reads the prophets' promises to Israel plainly.
- Exploring the Minor ProphetsAmazon John PhillipsA readable expository commentary from a dispensational teacher, strong on prophecy and application.
- The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and ZephaniahAmazon O. Palmer RobertsonA scholarly commentary (NICOT). Reformed; we differ on God's future for Israel and on some points of salvation doctrine.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
As an Amazon Associate, Theologica earns from qualifying purchases.
Continue exploring
Habakkuk
Habakkuk argues honestly with God about violence and injustice, hears that the just shall live by faith, and ends by rejoicing in the God of his salvation.
Open Doctrine