Minor Prophets · Old Testament
Zephaniah
c. 640–620 BC
- Section
- Minor Prophets · Old Testament
- Events span
- c. 640–620 BC
- Written
- c. 630 BC critical view: c. 7th century BC, with later editing
- Author
- Zephaniah critical view: Zephaniah, with later editing
Zephaniah warns that “the great day of the LORD is near” — a day of judgment on Judah and the nations for idolatry and complacency. Yet beyond the judgment lies joy: God will gather a humble remnant and rejoice over them with singing.
Chronological placement: Prophesied during Josiah's reign (c. 630 BC), likely helping to spark his reforms.
Key themes
- The day of the LORD
- Judgment on complacency
- Seek the LORD
- A humble remnant
- God rejoices over his people
Key events
- Zephaniah announces the great day of the LORD, a day of wrath on Judah's idolatry
- He calls the nation to "seek the LORD… seek righteousness" before the day comes
- Judgment is pronounced on the surrounding nations
- Woe to rebellious, defiled Jerusalem and its corrupt officials, judges, and prophets
- God will leave a humble remnant and rejoice over them with singing
“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”