Zephaniah

Category: A group of biblical books that have a similar literary genre or main themes and have been placed together as a major section of the Bible.
Prophets
Prophets: The books of Israel’s prophets who announced the downfall of Israel’s kingdom and the hope of its restoration after the exile.
Literary Style: A unique style of writing that follows recognized literary conventions and language patterns.
Poetry
Poetry: A condensed form of writing that uses metaphorical imagery and creative language to engage the reader’s imagination and emotions.
,  Prophetic
Prophetic: A type of Israelite poetry employed by the prophets to warn and accuse Israel of covenant violation, and to announce future hope.

Contents

    Read Scripture

    Zephaniah

    Watch our Read Scripture video on the book of Zephaniah, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. There is one Read Scripture video dedicated to the book of Zephaniah, which aims to help you see its unique contribution to the story of Jesus, but also how they work within the Bible’s overall framework.

    About Zephaniah

    The book of Zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of God's justice and love found in the prophetic books. Zephaniah warns Israel and the surrounding nations that the day of the Lord is near. God will judge the nations with a burning fire as He purifies them from sin, evil and violence.

    God performs this act of justice because He's passionate about protecting and rescuing His world from evil. He loves us so much that He must purify us. Only then can He bring restoration where He removes evil forever and creates a New Jerusalem for His faithful remnant from all nations to gather and flourish in peace and praise Him. Together, God's justice and love give the world future hope.

    Milestones

    Judah Judged
    God's good, ordered world is descending into disorder. A great army will judge, devastate and ruin corrupt, violent and arrogant Jerusalem, Israel and surrounding nations.
    Faithful Remnant
    Anyone in Jerusalem who seeks the Lord, repents from sin, obeys Him and humbles themselves before Him will be spared. They are God's faithful remnant.
    God's Burning Fire
    God's final judgment is a consuming fire that devours evil from Jerusalem and all the nations. The burning fire of God's judgment purifies the world.
    Hope for All
    After God purifies the world, the people will repent and call on Him. They are transformed into a unified family, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
    Remnant Restored
    The book of Zephaniah concludes with a picture of restored Jerusalem where God's mercy transforms the faithful remnant, and He celebrates them with joyful songs.

    Related Resources

    Resource
    Zephaniah Read Scripture Poster
    Illustrated Poster of the Respective Book. Contains highlights and major story/literary milestones. ...
    Video
    Isaiah 1-39 (RS)
    Watch our Read Scripture video on the book of Isaiah, which breaks down the literary design of the b...
    Video
    Jeremiah (RS)
    Watch our Read Scripture video on the book of Jeremiah, which breaks down the literary design of the...
    Blog Post
    Jerusalem Has Fallen: Despair & Hope
    For followers of Jesus, the story of his life, death, and resurrection is the absolute center of our...

    Suggested Reading

    popular
    Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by David W. Baker
    academic
    The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by O. Palmer Robertson
    Previous Habakkuk Next Haggai