Zephaniah

1.       First Impressions

Zephaniah was a prophet to Judah just before the exile in the time of King Josiah. His lineage is given and he is shown to be the great-great grandson of King Hezekiah (1:1) thus a relative to the current king who will be receiving his message from God. Zephaniah prophecy’s judgment on more than just the kingdom Judah. He begins with the whole earth then also speaks against Jerusalem, Judah and the nations surrounding Judah. According to Nelson’s Complete Book of Maps and Charts (pg262) the book of Zephaniah can be dated from around 635-625 B.C. 

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Despite the fierce destruction from judgment we see God’s compassion shine through the book of Zephaniah. Zephaniah clearly shows God’s wrath poured out in judgment because of sin, in Zephaniah 2:2b it says, “Act now, before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger begins.” In 3:8 we see that God is a jealous God. Zephaniah 2:7 shows that God is kind and he restores us. Zephaniah shows us that despite destruction God is righteous, trustworthy and loving. There is a lot about God’s character also revealed in Zephaniah 3:17.

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Out of everything in this book this verse has stood out to me as such a picture of what God wants to redeem us to. Just think about this for a second… God wants to calm our fears with His unfailing love and He wants to rejoice over you. That is amazing! God living among us is a key part of the plan He has. This verse is God’s heart and shows quite a bit of His redemptive plan for mankind.