Introduction:
Zephani'ah, a minor prophet in the Old Testament, is the author of the Book of Zephaniah. His name means "Yahweh has hidden" or "Yahweh has treasured." Zephani'ah's prophetic ministry occurred during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (640–609 BC), a time marked by significant religious reform and political upheaval.

Historical Context:
Zephani'ah prophesied in a period when Judah was under threat from the rising power of Babylon. The Assyrian Empire, which had dominated the region, was in decline, and Babylon was emerging as a formidable force. King Josiah's reforms aimed to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry, but Zephani'ah's messages suggest that these reforms were not fully embraced by the people.

Themes and Message:
The central theme of Zephani'ah's prophecy is the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and purification. Zephani'ah warns of impending judgment not only on Judah but also on surrounding nations. His message is both a call to repentance and a promise of restoration for the faithful remnant.

1. Judgment on Judah and Jerusalem:
Zephani'ah begins with a pronouncement of judgment against Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and moral corruption. He condemns the syncretism and complacency of the people, highlighting their failure to seek the Lord. Zephani'ah 1:4-6 states, "I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests—those who bow on the rooftops to worship the host of heaven, those who bow and swear by the LORD but also swear by Milcom."

2. The Day of the Lord:
Zephani'ah vividly describes the Day of the Lord as a time of darkness, distress, and devastation. It is a day of wrath and fierce anger, affecting all creation. Zephani'ah 1:14-15 declares, "The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness."

3. Judgment on the Nations:
Zephani'ah extends his prophecy of judgment to the nations surrounding Judah, including Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. This universal scope underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations and His intention to purify the earth from wickedness.

4. Call to Repentance:
Despite the severe warnings, Zephani'ah offers hope for those who seek the Lord. He calls the humble and righteous to seek refuge in God, promising that they will be sheltered on the Day of the Lord. Zephani'ah 2:3 urges, "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His justice; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden on the Day of the LORD’s anger."

5. Restoration and Hope:
The book concludes with a message of hope and restoration for the remnant of Israel. God promises to purify the lips of the peoples, gather the dispersed, and restore their fortunes. Zephani'ah 3:17 offers a comforting vision: "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."

Significance:
Zephani'ah's prophecy serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and mercy. It calls believers to live in righteousness and humility, trusting in God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. The themes of judgment and hope resonate throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

2 Kings 25:18
And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:36
the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah;
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 21:1
The word that hath been unto Jeremiah from Jehovah, in the king Zedekiah's sending unto him Pashhur son of Malchiah, and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 29:25
Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, saying, Because that thou hast sent in thy name letters unto all the people who 'are' in Jerusalem, and unto Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and unto all the priests, saying,
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 29:29
And Zephaniah the priest readeth this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet.
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 37:3
And Zedekiah the king sendeth Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, unto Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'Pray, we beseech thee, for us unto Jehovah our God.'
(See RSV)

Jeremiah 52:24
And the chief of the executioners taketh Seraiah the head priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the threshold,
(See RSV)

Zephaniah 1:1
A word of Jehovah that hath been unto Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezikiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amoz, king of Judah:
(See RSV)

Zechariah 6:10
to take of the captivity (who came from Babylon) from Heldai, from Tobijah, and from Jedaiah, 'and thou hast come in -- thou, in that day, yea, thou hast come into the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah,
(See RSV)

Zechariah 6:14
And the crown is to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.
(See RSV)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)
Zephani'ah. Zephaniah, Zephani'ah. Zephath . Multi-Version Concordance
Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences). 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain ...
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Zephath (2 Occurrences)

/z/zephath.htm - 7k

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

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