Introduction to Zephaniah

Name

The book of Zephaniah is named for its author, Zephaniah, son of Cushi. Zephaniah means “Jehovah hides,” or “Jehovah protects,” or “Jehovah treasures.”

Author

Zephaniah, son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, received the word of the Lord (v. 1). Zephaniah was the only prophet to mention four generations back to Hezekiah, which indicates his royal lineage.

Genre

Prophecy (ninth of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”).

Literary Form

Poetic prophecy except for a prose introduction in verse 1.

Time Frame

Zephaniah’s prophecy came during the days of Josiah king of Judah (640-609 B.C.). The most probable date for the book is between 621-612 B.C. Because Zephaniah 2:13 says, Nineveh is still standing; it had to have been written before the city’s fall in 612 B.C.

Emphasis

The emphasis of Zephaniah’s book was to warn the people of Judah of God’s imminent judgment in the Day of the Lord (used seven times in the book), the preservation of a remnant of God’s people, and His promise to restore the remnant to their land.

Outline

1. Zephaniah’s prophecy of God’s judgment (1:1-1:18)
2. Zephaniah’s call to Judah to repent (2:1-3)
3. God’s judgment upon the Gentile nations (2:4-2:15)
4. God’s judgment upon Jerusalem (3:1-7)
5. God’s promised blessings: salvation and deliverance (3:8-3:20)