Zephaniah

Zephaniah

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Zephaniah was written by the prophet, Zephaniah, whose name means "the LORD hides" or "the LORD protects".   This book was written during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (640 - 609 BC) sometime before the city of Nineveh was destroyed (in 612 BC).   In this book, the prophet Zephaniah warned the people of Judah of God's impending judgment for their sins (e.g. idolatry, hypocrisy, corruption, etc).  He had hoped that the people of Judah would heed his warnings and repent of their sins.  The prophet, Zephaniah, also assured them that God and His justice will ultimately prevail.  In response to the question, "What was happening at the time [of Zephaniah]?, the introduction to the book of Zephaniah in the Sourceview Bible (page 1202) states, "Despite King Josiah's well-intentioned civil and religious reforms, many leaders were corrupt and idolatry was still widespread.  The Assyrian empire that had pressured Judah for more than a century was disintegrating.  Shortly after Josiah died and Zephaniah's ministry concluded, the Babylonians conquered Judah, destroyed the temple and took many into exile."  The purpose of the book of Zephaniah was to warn the people of Judah of God's impending judgment of them for their sins in hopes that they would repent from their sins and return to the LORD and His ways. 

Character and Nature of God

God is Judge and God will judge people for their words and their actions.  God will punish those who persist in their sinful ways.  For example, God hates idolatry.  Zephaniah 1:4 states, "I [God] will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship.  I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear."  God said, "Because you have sinned against the LORD, I will make you grope around like the blind. Your blood will be poured into the dust, and your bodies will lie rotting on the ground" (Zephaniah 1:17).  God hates sin and God will punish those who persist in their sins.  However, God is also merciful and He encourages people to humble themselves before Him and do what is right.  Zephaniah 2:3 states, "Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands.  Seek to do what is right and to live humbly." 

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

God will indeed punish His people for their sins.  However, God will then restore His people.  Zephaniah 3:14-17 states, "Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy.  And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster.  On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, 'Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! 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.'"  God will live among HIs people!