Minor Prophets 09 - Zephaniah: Prophet of God's Day of Doom and Hope

Zephaniah: Prophet of God's Day of Doom and Hope – Cory Collins

(Sources include The Wiersbe Bible Commentary and the ESV Study Bible.)

Name: “Yahweh has hidden / protected.” A statement of his parents’ faith and the prophet’s message (2:3). Possibly the great-great grandson of the righteous king Hezekiah (1:1).

Date and setting: during the reforms of King Josiah (640–609 BC). Declared God’s judgment on corruption and wickedness but also God’s plan to restore Judah. He spoke of the coming “day of the Lord,” when sin would be punished, justice would prevail, and a “remnant” of the faithful would be saved. Though Zephaniah did not give details about this day, he spoke of its fearsome consequences (1:18) and called people to seek the Lord (2:3). After King Josiah died, his successors led the people back to their wicked ways. The result was the Babylonian exile in 586.

Outline:

1:1 – 3:8     The Day of the Lord - Judgment to Come

1:1-3            On the whole earth

Sweep away everything utterly … reminiscent of Creation and the Flood.

1:4 – 2:3       On Judah

Stretch out my hand … because of idolatry, violence, complacency, defiance.

2:4-15          On the surrounding nations

Philistia (4-7), Moab and Ammon (8-11), Cush (12), and Assyria (13-15).

Because of their arrogance. “He will famish all the gods of the earth” (2:11).

3:1-7            On Jerusalem

A sinful city (1-2), a godless leadership (3-4), and a righteous God (5-8).

3:8               On the whole earth

3:9-20                   The Day of the Lord - Deliverance to Follow

Gentiles to be purified and included. Judah to be cleansed and exalted.

3:9-13          Conversion

Purified lips, a humble and lowly people, and honest and secure remnant.

3:14-20         Restoration

Freedom from judgment, enemies, and fear.

Key verses from Zephaniah:

Zeph 2:3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord.

Zeph 3:19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the Lord.