What is Zephaniah in the Bible about?
Zephaniah shows how God's justice and love work together to give the world hope, purifying his people and restoring Jerusalem. Zephaniah shows how God's justice and love work together to give the world hope, purifying his people and restoring Jerusalem. Zephaniah announces God's purifying judgment on Israel.
What happened to Zephaniah the prophet?
He, along with some other captive Jews, was put to death by Nebuchadnezzar II "at Riblah in the land of Hamath" (2 Kings 25:21).
Who did Zephaniah prophesy to?
The prophecies of Zephaniah seem to refer to the apostacies of Manasseh's reign ( 2 Kings 21). He predicts the down fall of the Assyrian empire but, unlike Isaiah, he does not anticipate the resurgence of peace and righteousness in Jerusalem.
What was God's message to Zephaniah?
Beyond his message for Judah, Zephaniah asserted God's right and power to judge the whole earth. His design in cataloging all the various forms of life was to stress the complete scope of judgment. The reference to the wicked focuses attention on the main issue: sin and its inevitable consequences.
Which prophet in the Bible was black?
He appears in numerous stories and references in the Haggadah and rabbinic literature, including the Babylonian Talmud. According to the Hebrew Bible, Elijah will return during the End of Times....ElijahDiedc. 849 BCE near JerichoVenerated inJudaism Christianity Islam Druze faith5 more rows
What race was Zephaniah?
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.
What does the word Zephaniah mean?
God has hiddenFrom Hebrew Ṣəphanyāh “God has hidden”
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
God has hiddenName is Hebrew origin and it means "God has hidden". Notable people with the name include: Zephaniah Webster Bunce (1787–1889), American businessman. Zephaniah Kingsley Sr.
What is the meaning of Zephaniah Chapter 3?
This chapter contains further indictments against the Jerusalem community, a prophecy of salvation for Judah and the Nations with Yahweh reigning victoriously as king in Jerusalem. Zephaniah 3.
Who wrote Zechariah?
Who wrote this book? The prophet Zechariah wrote this book. He was the son of Berechiah, who was the son of Iddo (see Zechariah 1:1). Iddo was a priest who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, the first Jewish governor of Jerusalem after the Jews' return from the Babylonian exile (see Nehemiah 12:1–7).
When did the prophet Zechariah live?
According to dates mentioned in chapters 1–8, Zechariah was active from 520 to 518 bc. A contemporary of the prophet Haggai in the early years of the Persian period, Zechariah shared Haggai's concern that the Temple of Jerusalem be rebuilt.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
God has hiddenName is Hebrew origin and it means "God has hidden". Notable people with the name include: Zephaniah Webster Bunce (1787–1889), American businessman. Zephaniah Kingsley Sr.
What does the word Zephaniah mean?
God has hiddenFrom Hebrew Ṣəphanyāh “God has hidden”
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.
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 is the theme of Zephaniah?
The book isn’t exactly like curling up with a comforting Psalm or an inspirational Parable of Jesus. But still the themes of comfort, hope, and faith are present if we expectantly and faithfully linger in its pages.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
What is the unique source containing the minimal knowledge of his personality and rhetorical and literary qualities?
The unique source containing the minimal knowledge of his personality and rhetorical and literary qualities is the short, three chapter book of the Old Testament which bears his name. The scene of his activity was the city of Jerusalem, which he seems to know well.
What is Zephaniah's role in the Bible?
Zephaniah’s role in the Bible. Zephaniah is the ninth of the Minor Prophets, the last 12 books of the Old Testament. When God had a message for the people, He spoke through the prophets. His word came in visions, oracles, dreams, parables, and the like.
What does Zephaniah tell the people?
Zephaniah tells the people that the nations of the world cannot stand: Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and especially Assyria. All nations will know that He is God, and “He will make a complete end, indeed a terrifying one, of all the inhabitants of the earth” ( Zep 1:18 ). But Zephaniah doesn’t end the message there.
How long did Josiah's sons take the throne?
His warnings seem to better resonate with the next generation of Judah. After Josiah dies in battle, his sons take the throne for 22 years. They disobey the Lord, they stir up trouble with Babylon, and they disregard the prophet Jeremiah ( Jer 36:27–29; 37:1–2 ).
What books does Zephaniah play out in?
In light of this, Zephaniah’s message makes sense. The punishment that he foretells plays out in the books of Kings , Chronicles and Jeremiah.
Did God show mercy to Judah?
God had shown mercy during those days, but although He is slow to anger, He does not let the guilty go unpunished. Judah is enjoying some peace, though. The good king Josiah reigns, and he has directed people back to God. It’s about this time that God sends the prophet Zephaniah with a startling message for Judah:
Who is Zephaniah's lineage?
The man Zephaniah has an interesting pedigree: he traces his lineage back to a man named Hezekiah. We’re not sure whether or not this is the same person as King Hezekiah, who initiated reform, transcribed much of the Proverbs, and was remembered long afterward for following God ( 2 Ki 19:5 ).
Does Zephaniah end the message?
But Zephaniah doesn’t end the message there. God has bigger plans than the end of the world. God will remove all things, yes, but then He will restore all things. And the restoration doesn’t stop at Judah. God will bring about a time when all the nations will call on the name of the Lord.
Why is Zephaniah so important?
In this case, it refers primarily to God’s impending time of judgment on the nation of Judah. Zephaniah saw in the day of the Lord the destruction of his country , his neighbors, and eventually the whole earth ( Zephaniah 1:2, 4; 2:10 ). Zephaniah wrote that the day of the Lord was near (1:14), that it would be a time of wrath (1:15), that it would come as judgment on sin (1:17), and that ultimately it would result in the blessing of God’s presence among His people (3:17).
What did Zephaniah see in the day of the Lord?
Zephaniah saw in the day of the Lord the destruction of his country, his neighbors, and eventually the whole earth ( Zephaniah 1:2, 4; 2:10 ). Zephaniah wrote that the day of the Lord was near (1:14), that it would be a time of wrath (1:15), that it would come as judgment on sin (1:17), and that ultimately it would result in the blessing ...
When did Zephaniah predict the fall of Nineveh?
First, in 2:13 the prophet predicted the fall of Nineveh, an event which occurred in 612 BC. Further, Zephaniah made frequent quotations from the Law (for example, compare 1:13 to Deuteronomy 28:30, 39 ), a document that remained lost in Judah for much of Josiah’s reign.
Who was Zephaniah's primary target for God's message of judgment?
Zephaniah’s primary target for God’s message of judgment, the nation of Judah, had fallen into grievous sin under the reign of their king, Manasseh. Zephaniah’s prophecy shouted out for godliness and purity in a nation sinful to its core.
Why did Judah turn their back on God?
The people of Judah had long since turned their backs on God, not only in their personal lives but also in their worship. This reflected the depth of their sin and the deep need for God’s people to be purged on their path to restoration.
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.
What is the sin of the people?
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 rather than a human king may be referred to here), and turn away from following YHWH.
Is the assumption that all passages of hope and eschatological statements must be postexilic ten?
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 period in question, nor is there serious internal inconsistency.
What is the meaning of Zephaniah 1:1?
Zephaniah 1:1. The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah. New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible, New King James Version ©1982 by Thomas Nelson Zephaniah 1:2-3.
What is the theme of the book of Zephaniah?
The theme of the book is the Day of the Lord. Despite the fact that Zephaniah warns Judah of impending doom, the prophecy is dual, and the major fulfillment of his prophecy is yet future. Although the prophet’s pronouncements focus on Jerusalem, nations nearby (Assyria, Ethiopia, Moab and Ammon) and all other nations of the earth are included in the warnings ( Zephaniah 1:2-3; 3:6, 8, 20 ).
Why does God punish the nations?
There is a very good reason God will punish the nations. Lawlessness, iniquity and ungodly human conduct will abound. We are encouraged to take heed to this warning: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
When did Zephaniah's revelations occur?
Zephaniah’s prophetic revelations and stern warnings occurred during Josiah’s reign ( Zephaniah 1:1 ), and this would place his writings between 640 and 609 B.C. Josiah led Judah to religious and social reform, but Zephaniah declared that these spiritual changes would not last. The people of Judah would return to wickedness ...
Who were the prophets of God who warned Judah?
God had determined that the Babylonians would be His instrument to punish the nation of Judah. Zephaniah and his contemporaries, Jeremiah and Habakkuk, were some of the prophets God used to pronounce this warning message.
When these major prophecies come to pass, will it be better to be hidden in the day of the Lord?
When these major prophecies come to pass, it will be better to be “ hidden in the day of the Lord’s anger” (2:3) than to be in the midst of what occurs when God intervenes and brings righteous judgment on mankind.
Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God?
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Those who seek and trust God will become a part of the remnant who will be examples of righteous conduct to the nations.
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
The name Zephaniah means "defended by God.". Date of Writing: The book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah, likely in the early part of his reign, between 635 and 625 BC. Purpose of Writing: Zephaniah’s message of judgment and encouragement contains three major doctrines: 1) God is sovereign over all nations.
Where does Zephaniah pronounce the judgment?
Brief Summary: Zephaniah pronounces the Lord’s judgment on the whole earth, on Judah, on the surrounding nations, on Jerusalem, and on all nations. This is followed by proclamations of the Lord’s blessing on all nations and especially on the faithful remnant of His people in Judah.
Can God's people escape punishment?
God’s people will not escape punishment when they sin willfully. Punishment may be painful, but its purpose may be redemptive rather than punitive. The inevitability of the punishment of wickedness gives comfort in a time when it seems that evil is unbridled and victorious.
What does Zephaniah warn the people of?
This book warns the people of a comprehensive judgement not only on Assyria-the old enemy- but also on all the nations surrounding Judah and ultimately on Judah itself !
What does the name Zephaniah mean?
What’s in a name?….Zephaniah, who’s name means ‘the Lord Hides – or conceals.’
What is the pattern of the book of Zephaniah?
The book of Zephaniah follows the pattern of the Four R’s Rebellion, Retribution, Repentance, Restoration. So often found in the teachings of the prophets of Israel. Rebellion: The people rebel against the teachings of the Lord or his servants the Prophets. Retribution: The Lord exacts retribution or judgement against them.
How long did it take for the Babylonians to destroy Nineveh?
Final countdown – Only 11 years to the destruction of Nineveh in 614; under 40 years to the loss of Jerusalem to the Babylonians in 586.
Why did Josiah die?
Josiah met his death whilst trying to hinder the Pharaoh Neco 11 from lending aid to Assyrian forces at Harran.
Who was the evil king of Judah?
Historic info / background. Zephaniah (Contemporary of Jeremiah) preached around 625 bc – King Manasseh is dead after a reign of 55 years – the most evil King in Judah he was the exact opposite of his father King Hezekiah. Manasseh’s son Amon is also dead after a reign of only 2 years he was assassinated by his own servants.
Who was the king of Manasseh's son?
Manasseh’s son Amon is also dead after a reign of only 2 years he was assassinated by his own servants. We are now in the reign of ‘good’ King Josiah.. 640-609 who took the throne at the ripe old age of 8 years!
Overview
Zephaniah 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 of Josiah, king of Judah (640–609 BCE) and is attributed a book bearing his name among the Twelve Minor Prophets. His name is commonly transliterated Sophonias in Bibles translated from the Vulgate or Septuagint. The name might mean "Yah ha…
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
Who Wrote The Book?
Where Are We?
- The book tells us that Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah, the king of Judah from 640 to 609 BC (Zephaniah 1:1). We can begin to pinpoint exactly when Zephaniah prophesied by accounting for a few details in the text. First, in 2:13 the prophet predicted the fall of Nineveh, an event which occurred in 612 BC. Further, Zephaniah madefrequent quotations from the Law (for …
Why Is Zephaniah So Important?
- This book mentions the day of the Lord more than does any other book in the Old Testament, clarifying the picture of Judah’s fall to Babylon and the eventual judgment and restoration of all humanity in the future. In this case, it refers primarily to God’s impending time of judgment on the nation of Judah. Zephaniah saw in the day of the Lord the destruction of his country, his neighbo…
What's The Big Idea?
- Like the writings of many of the prophets, the book of Zephaniah follows a pattern of judgment on all people for their sin followed by the restoration of God’s chosen people. Zephaniah’s primary target for God’s message of judgment, the nation of Judah, had fallen into grievous sin under the reign of their king, Manasseh. Zephaniah’s prophecy shout...
How Do I Apply this?
- Those living in Judah had turned the worship of God into a fiasco. Not only had they built their own places of worship to revere other gods (called “high places” in the Old Testament), but they had begun to desecrate the temple, which at that time was the dwelling place of God(Zephaniah 1:9). As modern-day believers in Christ, we, too, make a mockery of worship when we live in ope…