Daily Devotions
Zephaniah
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF ZEPHANIAH
Text: Zephaniah
THE PROPHET ZEPHANIAH
It is interesting to note how Zephaniah introduced himself as the prophetic writer of a book that bore his name.
Very carefully, he noted his ancestry. He traced four generations of his lineage (Zephaniah 1:1).
Of particular interest is his notation that he was the son of Hezekiah. Zephaniah was thus one of the few prophets with royal blood!
THE LINE OF PROPHETS WHO PROPHESIED THE JUDGMENT OF THE LORD
The following prophets prophesied powerfully that the Lord would bring about judgment. In general, the chronological order may be understood thus:
1. Amos
Ca. 760 BC
Focus: Judgment on several nations
2. Jonah
Ca. 750 BC
Focus: Judgment on Nineveh
3. Nahum
Ca. 688 BC
Focus: Judgment on Nineveh
4. Habakkuk
Ca. 625 BC
Focus: The threat of the Judgment on Judah through the Babylonians
5. Zephaniah
Ca. 625 BC
Focus: Judgment on several nations.
(The years are given as rough estimates.)
THE LANGUAGE OF JUDGMENT
It was not easy to proclaim that God would bring about judgment. Nevertheless, it was necessary that the right words be found to warn people about the severity of Divine judgment. The task of the prophets was an unenviable one.
THE PRESERVATION OF A SMALL REMNANT
Amidst the solemn and fierce judgment of God, a small remnant would be preserved. They would be graciously spared by the Lord!
OUR READING OF ZEPHANIAH
Let us read Zephaniah prayerfully and humbly. May our hearts learn “the fear of the Lord!” May we walk with the Lord in humility and in great consciousness of His glory and majesty!