Prophet
Zephaniah
Prophet of the Day of the Lord
c. 640-609 BCE
Biography
Zephaniah son of Cushi is remarkable for the genealogy given in 1:1 — four generations back, to Hezekiah (the king). He likely prophesied in Jerusalem during Josiah's reign, addressing a Judah still deeply infected with the syncretism of the previous regimes of Manasseh and Amon. The book divides into three sections. Chapters 1-2: oracle of universal judgment, the great Day of the LORD coming against Judah and the surrounding nations. Chapter 3: judgment against Jerusalem itself, followed by a remarkable turn to restoration — the "daughter of Zion" will sing for joy: "The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst" (Zeph 3:15). The closing vision of God rejoicing over his people with singing (3:17) is one of the most tender images in Scripture.
Key Verses
“The great day of the LORD is near”
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness... he will exult over you with loud singing”
Spiritual Significance
Zephaniah concentrates the Day of the Lord theology. His restoration vision — God singing over his people — is one of the most tender OT images.
Typological Connection
The Day of the Lord theme and the "King of Israel in your midst" foreshadow Christ's coming.
Character Profile
- Strengths
- Compact Day-of-the-Lord theology; tender restoration vision.
- Weaknesses
- None recorded.
- Lessons
- God's judgment is universal; his restoration is rich; divine joy over redeemed people is not suppressed.