Zephaniah- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Zephaniah
• Audience: The people of Jerusalem
• Original Hebrew Name: צפניה
• Translated Greek Name: Σοφονίας
• Common English Name: Zephaniah
• Transliteration: Tz'fanyah
• Meaning: Hidden of Yah
• Date Created: c 640-621 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 640-621 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Zephaniah
  • The people of Jerusalem
• Key Themes:
  • The day of judgment (Zephaniah 1:1-3:7)
  • The day of hope (Zephaniah 3:8-20)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The historical and prophetic book of Zephaniah relates events from the reign of Josiah, king of Judah.  Josiah enacted laws to bring about religious revival after the spiritual degradation that occurred during the reign of his predecessor, Manasseh.  Much like the prophet Amos' message to Israel, Zephaniah delivers G-d's stinging rebuke to Judah for the nation's apostasy and corruption, but at the same time, he announces G-d's plan to restore Judah.  Like Amos, Zephaniah sounds a call to repentance and warns of the coming "day of the Lord" when G-d would judge the nation, punish sin, and save a faithful remnant.

• Location Created: in or near Jerusalem
• Content Location: Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • There will be a day of judgment.
  • Indifference to G-d has severe consequences.
  • There is hope.
• Chapters: 3
• Verses: 53