Theme of the book of zephaniah

Zephaniah refers to this time as the great day of judgment zeph. Yet before we get to that verse, the book, like many prophetic books, is full of alarming brokenness and impending judgement. The purpose of this book was to show that god raised up his prophet zephaniah to proclaim a warning of coming judgment and to encourage repentance. The book of zephaniah niv audio holy bible high quality. Zephaniah challenges us to pursue a godly lifestyle, to acquire a greater willingness to do. A remnant will be saved the humble and lowly through purification by judgment. This is not the only place where this theme occurs, of course, but it is the most concentrated treatment of the judgment of god as the whole book is devoted to this one theme. Although the prophets 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. The immanuel prophecy depicts one whose reigns forever. He prophesied during king josiahs righteous reign followed by the sinful reigns of manasseh and amon, who led the nation into various kinds of idolatry.

The words of zephaniah contain one of my favorite bible verses. The book of zephaniah zephaniah s prophecy of judgment on judah and jerusalem emphasizes, perhaps more than any other prophecy, the devastation and death that divine judgment will bring. The message of zephaniah to the global church of the twentyfirst century is the certainty of the coming day of the lord zeph. The book of zephaniah draws upon several themes from the book of book of genesis and reverses them. Zephaniah probably lived in judah, and possibly jerusalem, since he clearly knew the city so well. God will bless his people when they return to their covenant relationship with him 3. Interesting facts about zephaniah barnes bible charts meaning. Jan 01, 2014 like the book of joel, zephaniah takes a bad news first approach.

Josiah reigned from 640609 bc, and this writing is likely towards the beginning of his reign, somewhere around 630625. As we prepare to study the literal and spiritual senses of the book of zephaniah, lets look at some historical facts that will help us enter into the eternal message of the lords word. The book begins with a preface, which recalls the nations history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present generation. Thus, the name of the book which means the lord remembers, contains in seed form the theme of the prophecy. If its theme were known, i think it would be very much appreciated because it has the same theme as the gospel of john. This is the holy book of zephaniah, known simply as zephaniah. Desolation and discipline on judah zep 1 desolation on the surrounding nations zep 2. Described as the day of the lord, the day of judgment is pictured as a time of darkness, of anguish and distress, of destruction and plunder of cities, and.

This prophecy shall be fulfilled in the kingdom age. Zephaniahs primary target for gods message of judgment, the nation of judah, had fallen into grievous sin under the reign of their king, manasseh. Everett the primary theme of the book of zephaniah the foundational, underlying theme of the book of zephaniah is the central claim of the books of prophecy of the old testament, a claim stating that yhwh is the true and living god in deuteronomy 6. What is the general theme of the book of zephaniah. God often convicts our hearts of the same sinful tendency to leave god. The main message of the first chapter in the book of zephaniah is the day of the lord. The book of zephaniah was inspired by judahs refusal to obey its covenant obligations toward yahweh despite having seen israels exile a generation or two previouslyan exile that zephaniah attributes to yahwehs anger against israels disobedience to his covenant. Zephaniah heard rumblings of this event as judahs enemies closed in around her. Such neglect is not due to the mediocrity or the inferiority of this little book.

God extends blessing and grace to all peoples and nations 3. The book of zephaniah exists because of this dilemma. 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. Then follows a series of eight visions, succeeding one another in one night, which may be regarded as a symbolical history of israel, intended to furnish consolation to the returned exiles and stir. The book of zephaniah draws upon several themes from the book of genesis and reverses them. Gathering before his throne series which highlights gods purpose for the book of zephaniah which is to develop and maintain a relationship with the lord. The new testament on one occasion identifies the day of the lord with the gift of the spirit on the day of pentecost acts 2. The opening verses of the book of zephaniah are reminiscent both of the creation and of noahs flood. This day is one of judgment against those who sin against god, and one of blessing for those who follow him. Apr 28, 2019 the day of the lord is coming, says the book of zephaniah, because gods patience has a limit when it comes to sin. The word of the lord which came to zephaniah son of cushi, son of gedaliah, son of amariah, son of hezekiah, in the days of josiah son of amon, king of judah. Jun 15, 2004 the day of the lord is a major theme in zephaniah occurring 23 times in this short book as well as in obadiah, joel, and ezekiel.

It describes a time when yahweh will come to his people and necessarily destroy evil as a means to delivering them. Zephaniah was a prophet at the same time when jeremiah was a prophet. It was zephaniah s lot to speak on the most unpleasant subject in the bible the judgment of god. There are many people who would like to rule this subject of judgment out of the. Constables notes on zephaniah 2021 edition unity criticism of the unity of zephaniah has not had great influence. Judah was guilty of sin and thereby due gods condemning judgment of fierce anger and wrath zeph. 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. This summary of the book of zephaniah provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of zephaniah. He encouraged the people, still downtrodden by the gentile powers 1. The book of zephaniah center point bible institute. Zephaniah elucidates two major aspects of this central theme, judgment and restoration, and in both of these aspects zephaniah evinces many parallels to the books of the eighthcentury prophets. He prophesied during king josiahs righteous reign followed by the sinful reigns of manasseh. The prophet zephaniah was evidently a person of considerable social standing in judah and was.

The book of zephaniah, the ninth book of the twelve minor prophets, is written in three chapters. The book of the revelation confirms this and places the time as the great tribulation. When his people are gathered from the four corners of the world and god is sitting on the throne. Zephaniah complete bible book chapters and summary new. Like other old testament prophets, zephaniah is a book rich in literary forms and features. Zephaniah does not mention the armies of babylon, but it is babylon that would eventually be the instrument of gods judgment prophesied by zephaniah. The purpose of this book was to show that god raised up his prophet zephaniah to proclaim a warning of. When his people are gathered from the four corners of the world.

The southern kingdom was complacent in their wicked lives. Theme outline, purpose and relevance to our lives is part of zephaniah. The opening verses of the book of zephaniah revealed the prophet zephaniahs lineage that traced back to king hezekiah, which made him of royal blood. The prophets often refer to this day as the future time of global judgment and restoration of gods people unto righteousness and blessedness. The opening verses of the book of zephaniah are reminiscent both of the creation and of noah s flood. The theme of zephaniah is the approaching day of the lord. Summary of the book of zephaniah the story of the bible. Zephaniah may have been a contemporary of other old testament prophets such as jeremiah and nahum and the book of mormon prophet lehi see bible chronology. Despite the fact that zephaniah warns judah of impending doom, the prophecy is dual, and the major fulfillment of his prophecy is yet future. The northern kingdom of israel has already been exiled to assyria for its sin, and judah is following fast in the footsteps of its northern kinsmen. Zephaniah may have been a contemporary of other old testament prophets such as jeremiah and nahum and the book. The book of zephaniah contains no direct messianic prophecies, but the prophets focus on the day of the lord as the time of judgment and blessing connects his message with the work of christ. Book of zephaniah overview insight for living ministries. In the book of zephaniah, gods justice and love offer.

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 gods chosen people. The small book of zephaniah is narrative history and prophetic oracle. This is book number 8 in the summary of the 12 minor prophets of the bible. The book of zephaniah, the ninth book of the twelve minor prophets, is written in the dominant theme of the book is the day of the lord, which the prophet sees approaching as a consequence of the sins of judah. The day of the lord is a major theme in zephaniah occurring 23 times in this short book. The word of the lord which came to zephaniah son of cushi, son of gedaliah, son of amariah, son of hezekiah. A slow unhurried reading of zephaniah is essential. Chapters 78 address the quality of life god wants his renewed people to enjoy, containing many encouraging promises to them. Zephaniah concludes with the wonderful promise of israels future restoration. What kings of judah preceded zephaniah s prophetical work, and what king. Feb 24, 2020 what is the theme of the book of zephaniah. Despite the fact that zephaniah warns judah of impending doom, the prophecy is dual. The dominant theme of the book is the day of the lord, which the prophet sees approaching as a consequence of the sins of judah. Theme of zephaniah zephaniah s primary objective is to awaken judah out of spiritual slumber.

The book of zephaniah in the bible consists of three chapters. The book itself is written as poetry and is a heartfelt plea to repent and seek the lord. The hope of israel the anger of god the cry of salvation the day of the lord 1 points question 20 1. The prophet foresaw the devastating consequences of gods judgment on corruption and wickedness but also announced the lords gracious plan to restore judah. Historically, the book of zephaniah was used in the providence of god to. The book of zephaniah from the holy bible new international version niv book 36please note we have increased the volume and the pitch of the audio.

Even though current circumstances may indicate to the contrary, all sin will be brought to justice. Historically, the book of zephaniah was used in the providence of god to prepare judah for the reforms and revival under king josiah. The book is attributed to a prophet named zephaniah, who prophesied in judah during the seventh century b. I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth, declares the lord. The return from exile is the theological premise of the prophets visions in chapters 16. Overview of the book of zephaniah zionlutheranchurch. Zephaniahs message of judgment and encouragement contains three major doctrines. Book of zephaniah explained discover books of the bible. May 05, 2010 in a nutshell punishment for sin is the main theme.

His theme is the day of the lord, which destroys the false remnant of baal chapter 1, destroys the godrejecting nations chapter 2, and purifies the true remnant. Feb 06, 1996 the central theme of the book of zephaniah is the day of the lord. Reading the chapter before looking at the notes, while working with the notes, and after finishing with the notes. Described as the day of the lord, the day of judgment is pictured as a time of darkness, of anguish and distress, of destruction and plunder of cities, and of threat to all life, human and animal alike.

Themes and structures of the books of the bible can be found in the introductions to each book, and under the subtitles thematic scheme and literary structure. The immanuel prophecy depicts one whose government is from the throne of david. Pdf the book of zephaniah 2018 edition gary everett. The holy bible book 36 zephaniah kjv dramatized audio. The recording is dramatized, from the king james bible. Specifically, actions against gods own people will not escape gods punishment.

The book begins with a preface, which recalls the nations history, for the purpose of presenting a. Rebellious human hearts and the actions that such hearts produce will not escape the punishment of god. The day of the lord is coming, says the book of zephaniah, because gods patience has a limit when it comes to sin. Zephaniah means yahweh has hiddenprotected, or yahweh hides. The two major themes are judgment in the day of the lord 1.