Author
Zephaniah (lit. “the Lord has hidden”) may refer to Zephaniah’s protection by God from the oppressive and idolatrous reign of Manasseh (686–642 BC) or to the message of God’s protection, in the midst of his punishment, for those who repent.
Date
Zephaniah probably proclaimed his message between the first reform (about 628 BC) and the second more sweeping reform of King Josiah six years later. His prophecies can be dated roughly between 628 BC and 622 BC, overlapping the ministry of Jeremiah.
Background
Setting
When Josiah became king of Judah, the international political relationships of the surrounding powers—Assyria, Babylon and Egypt—gradually allowed a period of peace and expansion in the southern kingdom. Judah was suffering the effects of the idolatrous and wicked practices of her former kings—Ahaz, Manasseh and Amon. After the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, at least a half century of prophetic silence occurred during the reigns of Manasseh and Amon. This silence was broken by Zephaniah’s message.
Purpose
Zephaniah preached the need to seek the Lord in view of the approaching judgment of Judah referred to as the day of the Lord. He also delivered God’s promise to establish a purified remnant of his people.
Audience
The prophecies were delivered to the nation of Judah.
Literary Characteristics
The book is a prophetic declaration, mostly in poetic form.
Themes
The theme is the coming “day of the LORD” (Zep 1:7). In the Old Testament, this theme involved God’s intervention in history to bring both punishment for the wicked and peace to the righteous. In the New Testament, this theme will culminate in the return of Jesus Christ, who will destroy sin and death and establish a new heaven and a new earth.
Outline
Introduction (1:1)
I. Messages of Judgment (1:2–2:15)
A. The cosmic scope of the judgment (1:2–3)
B. The judgment on Judah (1:4–2:3)
1. The pronouncement of the judgment (1:4–18)
2. The protection from the judgment for the repentant (2:1–3)
C. The judgment on neighboring nations (2:4–15)
II. The Sins of Jerusalem (3:1–7)
A. The sins of disobedience and rebellion (3:1–2)
B. The sins of the leaders (3:3–5)
C. The sin of unrepentant hearts (3:6–7)
III. The Promise of Restoration (3:8–20)
A. The worshiping nations (3:8–9)
B. The faithful remnant (3:10–20)
1. The purification of a remnant (3:10–13)
2. The joy of the remnant (3:14–17)
3. The return of the remnant (3:18–20)