Summary: Zephaniah prophesied during King Josiah’s reign. He was responsible for a great religious reform. This reform followed the wicked reigns of Manasseh and Amon, who led the nation into various forms of idolatry. Zephaniah pronounces inescapable judgments against Jerusalem for their sins and exhorts national repentance. He further speaks of the “day of the Lord” when God will intervene to judge sin.
“Zephaniah can hardly be considered great as a poet. He does not rank with Isaiah, nor even with Hosea in this particular... He had an imperative message to deliver and proceeded in the most direct and forceful way to discharge his responsibility. What he lacked in grace and charm, he in some measure atoned for by the vigour and clarity of his speech. He realised the approaching terror so keenly that he was able to present it vividly and convincingly to his hearers. No prophet has made the picture of the day of Yahweh more real.”1
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Author: George Booker
Keywords: Zephaniah, Prophet Zephaniah
Bible reference(s): Zephaniah 1, Zephaniah 2, Zephaniah 3
Source: “Zephaniah Overview,” The Agora.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.