The Day of the Lord Judgment as Proclaimed by the Prophet Zephaniah

Introduction

I. Writer

Zephaniah’s name means Jehovah hides or Jehovah protects. For this reason, some have conjectured that he was born in the latter part of Manasseh’s reign (686–642 B.C.; cp. 2 Ki. 21:16). He had social standing in the courts of Judah, being the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah (1:1). He ministered during the reign of King Josiah, a godly ruler and relative of the prophet. Most likely he was from Jerusalem, although that is not stated. The prophet’s occupation is unknown.

II. Recipients

Zephaniah wrote to Judah and Jerusalem (1:4).

III. Background

At eight years of age, Josiah (640–609 B.C.) succeeded his father as ruler in Judah. He began to seek the Lord at the age of 16 (2 Chr. 34:3) and brought about many moral and religious reforms at the age of 20 (2 Chr. 34:3–7). While cleansing the Temple, a copy of the Law was found and read to the king, who then had it read to the people. Josiah later tried to defeat Pharaoh-Neco of Egypt at Megiddo but was unsuccessful and was killed in the battle (2 Chr. 35:20–25).

IV. Date

Zephaniah prophesied just before or during the reign of Josiah (640–609 B.C.) and was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Nahum, and Habakkuk. Since he did not mention the reforms of Josiah (although some commentators believe he did indirectly), but did prophesy Nineveh’s destruction (612 B.C.), many believe his writings should be dated before 622 B.C., probably between 630 and 625 B.C.

V. Theme

The Day of the Lᴏʀᴅ

VI. Key Words

“Day of the Lᴏʀᴅ,” “that day,” “the day” (20 times); “desolation” (7 times); “remnant” (4 times).

VII. Key Verses

1:7; 3:2, 15

Outline

I. Declaration Of Judgment (1:1–6)

  1. Word to Judah (1:1)
  2. Wrath of Jehovah (1:2–3)
  3. Wickedness of Judah (1:4–6)

II. Day Of Judgment (1:7–3:8)

  1. Need for Judgment (1:7–13)
  2. Nearness of Judgment (1:14–2:3)
  3. Nations Judged (2:4–15)
  4. Nature of Judah (3:1–8)

III. Deliverance After Judgment (3:9–20)

  1. Renewed Speech (3:9)
  2. Reinstituting Sacrifices (3:10)
  3. Removal of Shame (3:11)
  4. Reestablishing the Submissive (3:12)
  5. Redemption of Sinners (3:13)
  6. Rejoicing in Song (3:14)
  7. Returning Savior (3:15)
  8. Remnant is Secure (3:16)
  9. Regathering the Sorrowful (3:17)
  10. Retrieving the Scattered (3:18)
  11. Restoration Summary (3:20)

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Features

Communism’s One Good Thing

There’s something compelling about seeing those big wrecking balls swinging from cranes, bashing the walls of obsolete buildings into of rubbish. Even more fascinating is the countdown for the triggering of explosives set against supporting...

Return to Romania

Dr. Ben Abraham, The Friends of Israel’s Eastern European worker, was born in Romania. Memories of his early years are filled with images of persecution and suffering for believers in the Messiah.

Abortion and the Origin of the Human Soul

The Bible contains two facts that bear significantly upon the issue of when the fetus is a complete human being possessing a human soul. The first fact is that man is created in the image...

Judgment Ahead Zephaniah 1:1–16

The 1990s will be a decade of unprecedented changes worldwide. Eastern Europe is swiftly evolving into a Western-style society. Western Europe will be sporting a new look known as the European Economic Community by 1992.

The Shema: How Much of Me Does God Own?

Hear, O Israel: The Lᴏʀᴅ our God is one Lᴏʀᴅ: And thou shalt love the Lᴏʀᴅ thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Joel of Jerusalem Aug/Sep 1990

As you know, we are experiencing a large immigration of people to Israel from Eastern European countries, especially from Russia. Because Israel is a small country, every area is receiving its share of these immigrants...


Share Your Story.
Has God used The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in your life? Share your story with us!
 

Subscription Options

1 Year Digital Subscription

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Download of Current Issue

$9.99 every 1 year

1 Year Digital with Archive Access

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Downloads of Current Issue & select Archives

  • Complete Access to our Growing Archives

$19.99 every 1 year

2 Year Digital Subscription

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Download of Current Issue

$19.99 every 2 years

2 Year Digital with Archive Access

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Downloads of Current Issue & select Archives

  • Complete Access to our Growing Archives

$39.99 every 2 years

3 Year Digital Subscription

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Download of Current Issue

$29.99 every 3 years

3 Year Digital with Archive Access

  • Free PDF Book Download - "What on Earth is God Doing?" by Renald Showers

  • Free Full-Issue Flipbook & PDF Downloads of Current Issue & select Archives

  • Complete Access to our Growing Archives

$59.99 every 3 years