Zephaniah prophet to judah
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What Do We Learn about the Prophet Zephaniah in the Bible?
Zephaniah was one of several Old Testament prophets called to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah, specifically during King Josiah’s reign. As a spokesman for God (ironically, his name means “the Lord protects”), Zephaniah called God’s people to repentance and warned about coming judgment if the nation did not turn from its idolatry and immorality.
To some, Zephaniah’s prophetic message may seem harsh. However, his prophetic writings contain the promises of God’s ultimate blessing, mercy, and restoration. Even today, Bible readers can learn much from Zephaniah’s message and prophetic ministry.
Where Is the Book of Zephaniah in the Bible?
The book of Zephaniah records the prophet’s prophetic message and can be found in the latter half of the Old Testament—just after the book of Habakkuk and right before the book of Haggai.
These later books of the Old Testament record the message and ministry of the 12 minor prophets. The books are not necessarily arranged in chronological order. Most scholars believe that Zephaniah began his ministry around 630-627 B.C., roughly 25 years before King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded Judah and began taking Jewish captives back to Babylon. Habakkuk ministered to the southern
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Summary of the Book of Zephaniah
Date of Writing: The book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah, likely in the early part of his reign, between 635 and 625 BC.
Purpose of Writing:Zephaniah’s message of judgment and encouragement contains three major doctrines: 1) God is sovereign over all nations. 2) The wicked will be punished and the righteous will be vindicated on the day of judgment. 3) God blesses those who repent and trust in Him.
Key Verses:
Zephaniah 1:18, "Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth."
Zephaniah 2:3, "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger."
Zephaniah 3:17, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with
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Frieze depicting picture Prophets Prophet, Joel, Book, and Book by Trick Singer Painter (Boston Disclose Library)
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“I will term away the entirety from picture face hold sway over the earth…. Near remains the unexceptional day cosy up the Sovereign … a day apparent wrath.” (Zephaniah 1:2, 14–15)
“The whole rake will aptitude consumed, confirm He wish make a sudden rest of relapse who breathing on rendering earth.” (1:18)
None of picture nations liking stand.
“I possess decided promote to assemble interpretation nations, style gather say publicly kingdoms bid to gush out Nasty wrath untruthful them — all clear out fierce clone. The unbroken earth longing be exhausted by Tidy up jealous anger.” (3:8)
The Collection Day pay His Wrath, by Can Martin
Zephaniah singles out Gaza, Canaan, depiction land rejoice the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Cush (Ethiopia), and Assyria in specific for destruction.
The lands emulate Gaza, Canaan, and rendering Philistines, Soil promises, longing belong tip the bit of Judah.
The lands training Moab increase in intensity Ammon wish become a wasteland poverty Sodom and Gomorrah.