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Introduction to Zephaniah

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Zephaniah

  1. Yahweh will judge Judah on "the Day of Yahweh"
    • Judgment on Baal worshipers (1:2–6)
    • Yahweh will cause the destruction of Judah (1:7–13)
    • Judgment is coming soon (1:14–18)
    • Invitation to "seek Yahweh" and escape the Day of Yahweh (2:1–3)
  2. Yahweh's judgment on the nations
    • Philistia (2:4–7)
    • Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)
    • Egypt (2:12)
    • Assyria (2:13–15)
  3. Judgment on Jerusalem, the city of oppressors (3:1–8)
  4. The promise that Yahweh will purify, restore, gather, and bless his people (3:9–20)

=== What is the Book of Zephaniah about?===

This book is about Yahweh's coming punishment on the southern kingdom, the kingdom of Judah. It is also about the future restoration of Judah in the day of the Lord (the day of Yahweh). (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/dayofthelord)

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may decide to translate this traditional title "The Book of Zephaniah" in a way that is more clear to the readers. They may decide to call it, "The sayings of Zephaniah." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)

Who wrote the Book of Zephaniah?

Zephaniah is the author of this book, but there are four different individuals in the Old Testament named Zephaniah. This Zephaniah was probably the great-grandson of King Hezekiah and a cousin to King Josiah (who lived at the same time as Zephaniah). Zephaniah lived in the city of Jerusalem and began his ministry about seventy years after the prophets Isaiah and Micah. Zephaniah did his work of bringing Yahweh's messages during the reign of King Josiah (about 640–621 BC), and just before the prophet Jeremiah began his own work.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What was the religious environment of Judah during Zephaniah's ministry?

Manasseh, the grandfather of Josiah, had been one of the worst kings of Judah; he encouraged the people to worship other gods. After his death, his son Amon ruled for only two years before he was assassinated. Amon's son Josiah became king when he was eight years old and learned to worship and honor Yahweh. It is likely that Zephaniah began his work after Josiah had destroyed most of the idols and shrines of Baal and the other false gods that the people had been worshiping. (See: rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod)

What country is coming to invade Judah?

Zephaniah frequently mentions a foreign nation who will come to invade the kingdom of Judah. The name of this nation is never mentioned. Babylon is probably the nation referenced in Zephaniah.