Who was Zephaniah in the Bible?
The prophet Zephaniah proclaimed his prophecy to the people of Judah during the reign of King Josiah. Little is known of his background except that he was a descendant of King Hezekiah. Coming of such noble stock, he must have been familiar with the life of the nobility in the capital and of the royal house.
Is Zephaniah related to Josiah?
ZEPHANIAH (Heb. צְפַנְיָה), Judean prophet whose activity is dated to the reign of King Josiah (639–609). In addition to the usual mention of his father's name (Cushi), his ancestry is traced back four generations to *Hezekiah, possibly the king of that name. If so, Zephaniah was a distant relative of King *Josiah (cf. Zeph. 1:4).
How many Hezekiah are there in the Bible?
There are three persons named Hezekiah in the Hebrew Bible. In addition to Hezekiah, the King of Judah, and the great-great-grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah, the only other Hezekiah mentioned in the Bible was the leader of a family that returned from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:16).
Who prophesied during Hezekiah's reign in the Bible?
Isaiah and Micah prophesied during his reign. The name Hezekiah means "Yahweh strengthens" in Hebrew. Alternately it may be translated as "Yahweh is my strength". The main biblical accounts of Hezekiah's reign are found in 2 Kings, Isaiah, and 2 Chronicles.
Was the prophet Zephaniah a descendant of King Hezekiah?
The best known Biblical figure bearing the name Zephaniah is the son of Cushi, and great-great grandson of King Hezekiah, ninth in the literary order of the Twelve Minor Prophets.
Who are the descendants of Hezekiah?
Manasseh of JudahAmon of JudahJosiahHezekiah/Descendants
How was Zephaniah related to King Josiah?
Zephaniah, also spelled Sophonias, (flourished 7th century bc), Israelite prophet, said to be the author of one of the shorter Old Testament prophetical books, who proclaimed the approaching divine judgment. The first verse of the Book of Zephaniah makes him a contemporary of Josiah, king of Judah (reigned c.
Was Hezekiah in the lineage of Jesus?
He is considered a very righteous king in both the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles. He is also one of the more prominent kings of Judah mentioned in the Bible and is one of the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
Is Hezekiah David's son?
Hezekiah, Hebrew Ḥizqiyya, Greek Ezekias, (flourished late 8th and early 7th centuries bc), son of Ahaz, and the 13th successor of David as king of Judah at Jerusalem.
Did Hezekiah marry Isaiah's daughter?
Hephzibah was adopted as a child by the prophet Isaiah and went on to marry Prince Hezekiah before becoming queen, and the book depicts her long years of infertility, her capture by enemy soldiers, and the siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians that ended with the miraculous survival of her husband.
Is Zephaniah black?
While some have concluded from this that Zephaniah was dark-skinned and/or African, Ehud Ben Zvi maintains that, based on the context, "Cushi" must be understood as a personal name rather than an indicator of nationality.
Who is the author of the Book of Zephaniah?
Who wrote this book? The book is attributed to a prophet named Zephaniah, who prophesied in Judah during the seventh century B.C. (see Bible Dictionary, “Zephaniah”).
Who was the black prophet?
Kenneth Wilberforce Zonto BossmanBlack Prophet, born Kenneth Wilberforce Zonto Bossman on 3 April 1977 in Accra, Ghana, is a Ghanaian reggae music composer and a member of the Rastafari movement.
What does the name Hezekiah mean?
God strengthensStemming from the ancient Hebrew root chazaq, meaning "strengthen," Hezekiah means "God strengthens." Its enduring acclaim lies in the influential biblical king of Judah, whose exploits undoubtedly inspire its meaning.
What did Manasseh son of Hezekiah do in Jerusalem?
According to Kings, Manasseh reversed the centralizing reforms of his father Hezekiah, and re-established local shrines, possibly for economic reasons. He restored polytheistic worship of Baal and Asherah (2 Kings 21) in the Temple, and sponsored the Assyrian astral cult throughout Judah.
Did Hezekiah write any psalms?
However, the Isaiah 38 historical narrative, alongside the parallel reports in 2 Kings 20, and 2 Chronicles 32, inform us that Hezekiah recovered from his terminal sickness, and that recovery was the setting for his composing his psalm of thanksgiving to God.
What is the meaning of Hezekiah?
God strengthensStemming from the ancient Hebrew root chazaq, meaning "strengthen," Hezekiah means "God strengthens." Its enduring acclaim lies in the influential biblical king of Judah, whose exploits undoubtedly inspire its meaning.
When did Manasseh repent?
In the Chronicler's account, the severity of Manasseh's imprisonment brought him to repentance. Manasseh was restored to the throne, (2 Chronicles 33:11–13) and abandoned idolatry, removing the foreign idols (2 Chronicles 33:15) and enjoining the people to worship the Lord of Israel Yahweh.
Where is Hephzibah in the Bible?
Isaiah 62 1 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah ; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
Who is the prophet Zephaniah?
The prophet Zephaniah. The best known Biblical figure bearing the name Zephaniah is the son of Cushi, and great-great grandson of King Hezekiah, ninth in the literary order of the Twelve Minor Prophets . He prophesied in the days of Josiah, ruler of the Kingdom of Judah (640–609 BCE), but before Josiah's reform in 621 BCE, ...
What is the book of Zephaniah?
The Book of Zephaniah contains the fundamental ideas of the preaching of Zephaniah. The scheme of the book in its present form is as follows: Zephaniah 1:2-2:3. Warnings about the "day of the Lord", a Dies irae, dies illa of the Old Testament.
What does Zephaniah 3:9-20 mean?
Zephaniah 3:9-20. With a prophetic glance at the Kingdom of God of the future, in which all the world unites and turns to God, the prosperity of the Messianic Kingdom will be enjoyed . Zephaniah 3:9-20.
What was the significance of the age of Zephaniah?
The age of Zephaniah was also a key historical period, because the lands of Western Asia were overrun by foreigners due to the migration of the Scythians in the last decades of the seventh century BC, and because Jerusalem was only a few decades before its downfall in 586 BC.
What is the meaning of Zephaniah?
A 17th century icon of Zephaniah. Zephaniah ( / ˌzɛfəˈnaɪ.ə /, Hebrew: צְפַנְיָה, Modern: Tsfanya, Tiberian: Ṣəp̄anyāh, "Concealed of/is YHWH ") is the name of several people in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish Tanakh; the most prominent one being the prophet who prophesied in the days ...
Who was the reformer of Judah?
One of the most zealous champions and advisers of this reform was Zephaniah, and his writing remains one of the most important documents for the understanding of the era of Josiah.
Who is Zephaniah's God?
Zephaniah served and loved his God who is Holy, who would send judgement to the people who acted against His good plans and design, and He is also the God who is always close to those who love Him. And this is our Lord too.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
The name Zephaniah means “the Lord hides” or “the Lord has hidden.” It was rather common for parents to give their child a name that somehow became a prophetic piece of their life (yes, this is the fun part in reading the Biblical genealogies - there are always some meanings to the names and purpose for why they are included in Scripture.) Bible scholars believe perhaps that God hid Zephaniah during the bloodthirsty reign of Manasseh.
What is the first word of Zephaniah?
Zephaniah’s Message. The very first words of the book are: “This is the word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah…”. ( Zephaniah 1:1) The first thing Zephaniah wants his readers to know is that these aren’t his words, they are the Lord’s. Certainly, if God had chosen me to deliver such a message, I would want to shout that out first.
What was Zephaniah's culture?
At some point, after generations of sending prophets to turn people away from harming themselves and one another, He ended the cycle. This is Zephaniah’s culture. One of great darkness. One of violence and pain. God never brings destruction to a place or a people that haven’t already destroyed themselves.
What would happen if Zephaniah's name wasn't a prophecy?
If Zephaniah’s name wasn’t a personal prophecy, it was certainly tied to the message the Lord would bring through his servant. Despite the sifting judgement that would come to the people of Israel, the righteous ones would be hidden and guarded from the destruction to come. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Donald Teel.
Was Zephaniah a contemporary of Josiah?
Zephaniah was a contemporary of King Josiah. So the heart that overflowed with concern over the Lord’s coming judgement was also witness to a most beautiful revival in Judah. While there was an oasis of revival during his adulthood, as a child he would have been witness to human sacrifices and occult practices as commonplace. Despite the stirring revival that occurred under King Josiah, the darkness of pagan practices surrounded them on all sides of their tiny nation.
Is Zephaniah easy to read?
Zephaniah isn’t an easy or quick read. We have homework to do to understand all that God addresses through Zephaniah. It’s a deep book, despite its short word count. Yet for all the wrestling you might encounter in its pages, if you ask, God will meet you there.
Where did Zephaniah live?
If so, Zephaniah was a distant relative of King *Josiah (cf. Zeph. 1:4). He lived in Jerusalem and prophesied there. It has been suggested plausibly that "Cushi" refers to ...
What is the book of Zephaniah?
The Book of Zephaniah is the ninth book of the Latter Prophets. The Qumran sectaries wrote a pesher (a commentary making use of fulfillment exegesis) on the book, relating it to their own times. The name צְפַנְיָה means " YHWH has hidden," or " YHWH has treasured." The genealogy given in Zephaniah 1:1 traces Zephaniah's ancestry back four generations to a certain Hezekiah, who some have identified with Hezekiah, king of Judah (715–687 B.C.E. ), although this identification is sometimes doubted because Hezekiah is not referred to as king (Zephaniah's genealogy was already debated by medieval Jewish commentators). According to the superscription, Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640–609 B.C.E. ). Some scholars would date the work during the reign of Jehoiakim (609–598 B.C.E. ); others prefer postexilic dates or at least significant postexilic additions. Ben Zvi opts for an exilic or postexilic dating but despairs of recovering an original seventh-century Zephaniah, or his sayings. The present author is of the opinion that the basic material in Zephaniah corresponds well enough to the period of Josiah's rule, so that with the exception of some later interpolations, the traditional dating offers the best solution
What does Zephaniah 3:9 mean?
Zephaniah 3:9 makes use of the ancient Near Eastern motif that distant peoples spoke "twisted tongues" ( CAD L, 213), and prophesies that all peoples will have clear speech so that all will call upon the name of YHWH and worship together at His holy mountain.
What is the meaning of chapter 3?
Chapter 3 begins as an oracle of woe against Jerusalem and its leaders. This prophecy might very well have been written after the Deuteronomic reformation (621 B.C.E.) and before Josiah's death (609 B.C.E. ), reflecting doubts concerning the depth of the reform, a view also expressed by Jeremiah.
Who was Zephaniah the prophet?
Zephaniah The Prophet: Son of A Cushite Man. Zephaniah the prophet may have been the son of a Cushite man. We often overlook seemingly boring genealogies in the Bible, but sometimes they can be the most interesting part. One interesting find is located in the first verse of the book of Zephaniah: “The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah ...
Why was Abraham's grandson named Kedar?
Kedar, Abraham’s grandson was also named so, because of his dark skin. His father was actually a Kushite ( Sudan or Ethiopia geographically) that had a child with a Hebrew woman.
What is the origin of the name Kuwsh?
Kuwsh ( Strong’s #3568 ): Probably of foreign origin; Cush (or Ethiopia ), the name of a son of Ham, and of his territory; also of an Israelite — Chush, Cush, Ethiopia.
Was Zephaniah the prophet a Cushite?
Zephaniah the prophet may have been the son of a Cushite man. We often overlook seemingly boring genealogies in the Bible, but sometimes they can be the most interesting part. One interesting find is located in the first verse of the book of Zephaniah: “The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, ...
Who was the prophet Zephaniah?
THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ZEPHANIAH. Zephaniah was a Hebrew Prophet who lived during the time of King Josiah of Judah and predicted the Day of the Lord. THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ZEPHANIAH.
What does Zephaniah 3:9 mean?
Zephaniah in 2:13 also predicted the fall of Nineveh, an event which occurred in 612 BC. The meaning of Verse 3:9 is one of mystery and given to interpretation. The Lord offers love and peace to the faithful remnant, daughter Zion(3:14).
Where did the Philistines come from?
The Sea Peoples from the Aegean Sea colonized the southwestern coast of Israel and became known as the Philistines in the towns of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Gath. The prophet Zephaniah issued a prophetic warning in 2:4 concerning the Philistines, the rivals to the Israelites.
How many books are in the Book of the Twelve Prophets?
The Book of the Twelve Prophets was originally on one parchment roll because of the brevity of the text, and together formed one Book of the 24 Books of Hebrew Scripture . The Twelve include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
Who was Hezekiah in the Bible?
Hezekiah ( / ˌhɛzɪˈkaɪ.ə /; Hebrew: חִזְקִיָּהוּ H̱īzəqīyyahū ), or Ezekias, was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah. He is considered a very righteous king in both the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles.
How long did Hezekiah reign over Judah?
According to the biblical narrative, Hezekiah assumed the throne of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. Some writers have proposed that Hezekiah served as coregent with his father Ahaz for about 14 years.
How much did Hezekiah pay Sennacherib?
The Bible records that Hezekiah paid him three hundred talents of silver and thirty of gold as tribute, even sending the doors of the Temple to produce the promised amount, but, even after the payment was made, Sennacherib renewed his assault on Jerusalem.
What did Sennacherib do to Hezekiah?
According to the biblical record, Sennacherib sent threatening letters warning Hezekiah that he had not desisted from his determination to take the Judean capital. Although they besieged Jerusalem, the biblical accounts state that the Assyrians did not so much as "shoot an arrow there, ... nor cast up a siege rampart against it", and that God sent out an angel who, in one night, struck down "a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians," sending Sennacherib back "with shame of face to his own land".
How long did Hezekiah serve as a coregent?
Some writers have proposed that Hezekiah served as coregent with his father Ahaz for about 14 years. His sole reign is dated by William F. Albright as 715–687 BC, and by Edwin R. Thiele as 716–687 BC (the last ten years being a co-regency with his son Manasseh).
What religion is Abijah?
Abijah (also called Abi) Religion. Judaism. Hezekiah ( / ˌhɛzɪˈkaɪ.ə /; Hebrew: חִזְקִיָּהוּ H̱īzəqīyyahū ), or Ezekias, was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah. He is considered a very righteous king in both the Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles. He is also one of the more prominent ...
When did Sennacherib start?
In 703 BC , Sennacherib began a series of major campaigns to quash opposition to Assyrian rule, starting with cities in the eastern part of the realm. In 701 BCE, Sennacherib turned toward cities in the west. Hezekiah then had to face the invasion of Judah.
Overview
The prophet Zephaniah
The best known Biblical figure bearing the name Zephaniah is the son of Cushi, and great-great grandson of King Hezekiah, ninth in the literary order of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He prophesied in the days of Josiah, ruler of the Kingdom of Judah (640–609 BCE), but before Josiah's reform in 621 BCE, and was contemporary with Jeremiah, with whom he had much in common. The un…
Other Zephaniahs in the Bible
Other individuals named Zephaniah include:
1. The son of Maaseiah, the "second priest" in the reign of Zedekiah, often mentioned in Jeremiah as having been sent from the king to inquire (Jer. 21:1) regarding the coming woes which he had denounced, and to entreat the prophet's intercession that the judgment threatened might be averted (Jer 29:25, 26, 29; 37:3; 52:24). He, along with some other captive Jews, was put to deat…
See also
• Book of Zephaniah
• Twelve Minor Prophets
• Apocalypse of Zephaniah (pseudepigraphic book)
External links
• Jewish translations:
• Christian translations:
• Article in the Catholic Encyclopedia
Date and Historical Background
- The Book of Zephaniah is the ninth book of the Latter Prophets. The Qumran sectaries wrote a pesher (a commentary making use of fulfillment exegesis) on the book, relating it to their own times. The name צְפַנְיָה means "YHWH has hidden," or "YHWH has treasured." The genealogy given in Zephaniah 1:1 traces Zephaniah's ancestry back four generations...
Composition and Style
- Despite recent attempts to fragment and/or rewrite the Book of Zephaniah, the overall structure of large units of the book as well as its rhetorical features argue strongly for the basic integrity of the work. The assumption that all passages of hope and eschatological statements must be postexilic is no longer tenable. In fact, there is little in the book that does not fit the historical per…
Contents and Message
- Chapter 1 begins with a prophecy of total destruction (asof, asef, cf. Jer. 8:13) of all life and of the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem in particular. There is not one word of hope. No one is to be spared. The sin of the people, especially that of the leaders, is pictured in stark and graphic detail: they worship Baal and the host of heaven, they swear by their king (malkam; though a god rathe…