served as a prophet to Judah from 640–621 B.C.
| Climate of the times | Josiah was the last good king in Judah. His bold attempts to reform the nation and turn it back to God were probably influenced by Zephaniah. |
| Main message | A day will come when God, as judge, will severely punish all nations. But after judgment, he will show mercy to all who have been faithful to him. |
| Importance of message | We will all be judged for our disobedience to God; but if we remain faithful to him, he will show us mercy. |
| Contemporary prophet | Jeremiah (627–586 B.C.) |