Title and Author: The book of Zephaniah is named after its author, the prophet Zephaniah. The name "Zephaniah" means "Yahweh has hidden" or "Yahweh has treasured." Zephaniah is identified as the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, suggesting a royal lineage (Zephaniah 1:1).

Historical Context: Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (640–609 BC), a time of significant religious reform. The nation was recovering from the idolatrous practices of previous kings, and Zephaniah's ministry likely contributed to Josiah's reforms.

Audience: The primary audience was the people of Judah, particularly those in Jerusalem. Zephaniah also addresses surrounding nations, indicating a broader scope of judgment and restoration.

Purpose: The purpose of Zephaniah is to announce the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of judgment for Judah and the nations, and to call for repentance. It also offers hope for restoration and blessing for the faithful remnant.

Genre and Style: Zephaniah is a prophetic book, characterized by poetic and apocalyptic language, with vivid imagery and oracles of judgment and hope.1. Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1)
- Zephaniah is the prophet and author of the book. He is introduced as "Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah." His lineage suggests he may be of royal descent, possibly related to King Hezekiah.

2. Hezekiah (Zephaniah 1:1)
- Hezekiah is mentioned as an ancestor of Zephaniah. He was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem.

3. Josiah (Zephaniah 1:1)
- Josiah is the king of Judah during whose reign Zephaniah prophesied. He is known for his significant religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh.1. Judah (Zephaniah 1:1)
- Judah is the southern kingdom of the Israelites, where Zephaniah prophesied. It is the primary focus of his prophecies, particularly concerning its impending judgment due to idolatry and corruption.

2. Jerusalem (Zephaniah 1:4)
- Jerusalem is the capital city of Judah and a central location in Zephaniah's prophecies. It is depicted as a place of significant religious and moral decline, facing divine judgment.

3. Philistia (Zephaniah 2:5)
- Philistia refers to the region inhabited by the Philistines, located along the southwestern coast of Canaan. Zephaniah prophesies against it, predicting its destruction.

4. Gaza (Zephaniah 2:4)
- Gaza is one of the principal cities of the Philistines. It is mentioned as part of the judgment against Philistia, where it will be abandoned.

5. Ashkelon (Zephaniah 2:4)
- Ashkelon is another major Philistine city. Zephaniah predicts it will become desolate and uninhabited.

6. Ashdod (Zephaniah 2:4)
- Ashdod is a Philistine city mentioned in the context of judgment, where its inhabitants will be driven out at noon.

7. Ekron (Zephaniah 2:4)
- Ekron is one of the five cities of the Philistines. It is prophesied to be uprooted as part of the divine judgment.

8. Canaan (Zephaniah 2:5)
- Canaan is the land promised to the Israelites, often used to refer to the broader region. In Zephaniah, it is associated with the Philistines, who are called "the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites."

9. Moab (Zephaniah 2:8)
- Moab is a region east of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the Moabites. Zephaniah prophesies against Moab for its arrogance and taunting of God's people.

10. Ammon (Zephaniah 2:8)
- Ammon is a territory east of the Jordan River, inhabited by the Ammonites. Like Moab, it is condemned for its pride and hostility towards Israel.

11. Cush (Zephaniah 2:12)
- Cush refers to a region in Africa, often associated with modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. Zephaniah mentions it briefly in the context of judgment.

12. Assyria (Zephaniah 2:13)
- Assyria was a powerful empire known for its military might and conquests. Zephaniah prophesies its downfall, highlighting the fall of its capital, Nineveh.

13. Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:13)
- Nineveh is the capital city of Assyria, renowned for its grandeur and strength. Zephaniah predicts its desolation and ruin.1. Introduction and Genealogy of Zephaniah (Zephaniah 1:1)
- The book begins with an introduction of the prophet Zephaniah, who traces his lineage back to Hezekiah. This establishes his authority and context during the reign of King Josiah of Judah.

2. The Coming Judgment on Judah (Zephaniah 1:2-6)
- Zephaniah proclaims a sweeping judgment from the Lord, stating that He will "utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth." This includes a specific focus on Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and turning away from God.

3. The Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7-18)
- The prophet describes the "Day of the Lord" as a time of great wrath and distress. It is a day of darkness and gloom, where God will punish the nations for their sins, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the coming judgment.

4. Call to Repentance (Zephaniah 2:1-3)
- Zephaniah urges the people to gather together and seek the Lord, righteousness, and humility. This call to repentance offers a glimmer of hope that they might be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger.

5. Judgment Against Surrounding Nations (Zephaniah 2:4-15)
- The prophecy extends to the surrounding nations, including Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. Each is warned of impending destruction due to their pride and hostility towards God's people.

6. Woe to Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:1-7)
- The focus returns to Jerusalem, described as rebellious and defiled. Despite God's presence and past interventions, the city remains unrepentant, leading to further warnings of judgment.

7. Promise of Restoration for the Remnant (Zephaniah 3:8-13)
- God promises to purify the lips of the peoples, allowing them to call on His name. A remnant of Israel will be saved, characterized by humility and righteousness, living in peace and security.

8. Joyful Restoration and Rejoicing (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
- The book concludes with a message of hope and joy. God will remove judgments against His people, be present among them, and restore their fortunes. The people are called to rejoice as God gathers them and brings them home.1. The Day of the LORD (Zephaniah 1:7)
- This theme is central to Zephaniah's message, emphasizing a future time of divine judgment and intervention. The "Day of the LORD" is depicted as a day of wrath, distress, and devastation for those who have turned away from God. It serves as a warning to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations about the impending consequences of their actions.

2. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (Zephaniah 1:4)
- Zephaniah prophesies specific judgments against Judah and Jerusalem due to their idolatry and rebellion against God. The prophet condemns the worship of false gods and the syncretism that has infiltrated the religious practices of the people. This judgment is portrayed as both inevitable and comprehensive.

3. Judgment on the Nations (Zephaniah 2:4)
- Beyond Judah, Zephaniah extends the scope of divine judgment to include surrounding nations such as Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. This theme underscores the universal nature of God's sovereignty and justice, indicating that no nation is exempt from accountability.

4. Call to Repentance (Zephaniah 2:1)
- Despite the dire warnings, Zephaniah calls the people to repentance, urging them to seek the LORD and righteousness. This theme highlights the possibility of redemption and the hope that God may relent from sending disaster if the people turn back to Him with humility and sincerity.

5. The Remnant (Zephaniah 3:12)
- The concept of a faithful remnant is introduced, referring to those who remain true to God amidst widespread unfaithfulness. This remnant is characterized by humility and trust in the LORD, and they are promised protection and restoration.

6. Restoration and Joy (Zephaniah 3:14)
- The book concludes with a message of hope and restoration. Zephaniah envisions a future where God will gather His people, remove their shame, and restore their fortunes. This theme is marked by joy and celebration, as God dwells among His people and grants them peace and security.

7. God's Sovereignty and Justice (Zephaniah 1:2)
- Throughout the book, the sovereignty and justice of God are emphasized. Zephaniah portrays God as the ultimate judge who will execute justice on both His people and the nations. This theme reinforces the idea that God is in control and that His judgments are righteous and fair.1. The LORD (Yahweh) as the Righteous Judge
- Description: Zephaniah portrays the LORD as a righteous judge who will bring judgment upon the nations for their wickedness. This role foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate judge of the living and the dead.
- Reference: "The great day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. The sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; there the mighty warrior shouts his battle cry." (Zephaniah 1:14)

2. The LORD as the Mighty Warrior
- Description: The LORD is depicted as a mighty warrior who saves and protects His people. This imagery is fulfilled in Jesus, who conquers sin and death.
- Reference: "The LORD your God is among you; He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

3. The LORD as the Restorer of the Remnant
- Description: Zephaniah speaks of a remnant that will be purified and restored, a theme that resonates with Jesus' role in gathering and restoring His people.
- Reference: "I will leave within you a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the LORD." (Zephaniah 3:12)

4. The LORD as the King of Israel
- Description: The LORD is acknowledged as the King of Israel, a title that is directly associated with Jesus as the King of Kings.
- Reference: "The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm." (Zephaniah 3:15)

5. The LORD as the Gatherer of Nations
- Description: The prophecy includes the gathering of nations to witness the LORD's power and justice, prefiguring Jesus' role in uniting all nations under His reign.
- Reference: "Therefore wait for Me, declares the LORD, until the day I rise up for plunder. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out My indignation—all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy." (Zephaniah 3:8)1. Prophecy of Judgment on Judah
- Prophecy: Zephaniah prophesies the coming judgment on Judah for their idolatry and wickedness.
- Reference: Zephaniah 1:4-6
- Fulfillment: This prophecy was fulfilled with the Babylonian invasion and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

2. Prophecy of the Day of the Lord
- Prophecy: Zephaniah describes the "Day of the Lord" as a time of great distress and devastation.
- Reference: Zephaniah 1:14-18
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is often seen as having both an immediate fulfillment in the Babylonian conquest and a future eschatological fulfillment.

3. Prophecy of Judgment on Philistia
- Prophecy: The cities of Philistia will be destroyed.
- Reference: Zephaniah 2:4-7
- Fulfillment: The Philistine cities were eventually conquered by various empires, including the Babylonians and later the Greeks.

4. Prophecy of Judgment on Moab and Ammon
- Prophecy: Moab and Ammon will be like Sodom and Gomorrah, a wasteland.
- Reference: Zephaniah 2:8-11
- Fulfillment: These regions were devastated by the Babylonians and later absorbed into other empires.

5. Prophecy of Judgment on Cush (Ethiopia)
- Prophecy: The people of Cush will be slain by the sword.
- Reference: Zephaniah 2:12
- Fulfillment: The Cushites faced invasions and were eventually subdued by various powers, including the Assyrians and later the Persians.

6. Prophecy of Judgment on Assyria
- Prophecy: Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, will be desolate.
- Reference: Zephaniah 2:13-15
- Fulfillment: Nineveh was destroyed in 612 B.C. by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and others.

7. Prophecy of Restoration of Israel
- Prophecy: A remnant of Israel will be restored, and they will rejoice in the Lord.
- Reference: Zephaniah 3:9-20
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as having a partial fulfillment in the return of the exiles from Babylon and a future fulfillment in the Messianic age.

1. Judgment on Jerusalem  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:3 )

a. Zephaniah Prophesies Judgment on Judah  ( 1:1⁠–⁠6 )

b. The Day of the LORD  ( 1:7⁠–⁠18 )

c. A Call to Repentance  ( 2:1⁠–⁠3 )

2. Judgment on the Nations (and Jerusalem)  ( 2:4⁠–⁠3:8 )

a. Judgment on the Philistines  ( 2:4⁠–⁠7 )

b. Judgment on Moab and Ammon  ( 2:8⁠–⁠11 )

c. Judgment on Cush and Assyria  ( 2:12⁠–⁠15 )

d. Judgment on Jerusalem  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

e. Purification of the Nations  ( 3:6⁠–⁠8 )

3. Hope for the Nations and Jerusalem  ( 3:9⁠–⁠20 )

a. A Faithful Remnant  ( 3:9⁠–⁠13 )

b. Israel’s Restoration  ( 3:14⁠–⁠20 )