Zephaniah

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

      Zephaniah is the author according to 1:1. He was a prophet while Josiah was king of Judah. We also know his father was Cushi and his great great grandfather was Hezekiah making him a royal descendant. Much of the book is written to Judah and specifically Jerusalem. The original readers were hearing of the impending doom (captivity by Babylon) that was coming because of their sins (1:4). Some of the main themes in the book were judgment (2:5), restoration (3:15), day of the Lord (1:7) and, sweeping/wiping away (1:3). The book talks a lot about the problems with Judah and other nations, but ends with a prophecy of future restoration. One verse that summarizes the book well is 2:3. It says, “Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord with protect you- protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. God sent a warning, but yet again the people refused to act and God punished Judah for their sin.

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

      In the first few verses of the book God seems to be fed up with His creation. He wants to sweep all that does not worship Him away. We see Him as the great judge in 1:7. He is a righteous judge who always judges correctly 3:4-5). He is merciful in giving warnings before His punishments. This whole book is about God's mercy in giving Judah time to repent before He brings judgment upon them (2:3). He is a might savior (3:17) and saves the weak and the helpless (3:19). The Lord is on the move and He knows all that is going on. He is the righteous judge and will judge sin in due time (1:12-17).

What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

      Part of God's redemptive plan is found in His judgment and destruction of sinful things and people. In 1:4-6 God speaks of destroying idol worship which actually is something that would save Judah. 3:8-13 is all about God redeeming Judah. He talks about bringing His people back together, removing proud and arrogant people, and that they will eat and sleep in safety. The last 3 verses of the book talk about more restoration for Judah. God didn't want to completely destroy His people, but they were so disobedient. They refused to worship Him alone and to listen to His warnings through the prophets. But God has a redeeming message for them. Yes He prophesies destruction and a lot of gloom and doom, but He leaves a place for hope. He has a soft spot for repentance. To God repentance seems to be what He really wants, because that means their hearts have changed. God is after their heart as 2:3 shows, but the people live for themselves and God has to discipline them. The best way God could love and father His people is by discipline.

Personal Application

Point of Passion (Bronx, NYC)

      God has a powerful message for Jerusalem in 3:4-5 when He says, Its priests defile the Temple by disobeying God's instructions. But the Lord is still there in the city, and he does no wrong. Day by day he hands down justice, and he does not fail.” A message of hope for a city like New York where there is lots of injustice, lots of hatred for one another, lots of evil and wickedness among the people, but God is still there. There are still churches and Christians reaching out for justice and for righteousness. God is still there in the city waiting for repentance, waiting for the people to return to Him. It definitely is a city where the “wicked know no shame.” God has sent messengers to the city to preach the good news of His mercy and grace, but first there must be repentance. Zephaniah is speaking to heart of the people by speaking such disgust at their city. God looks at much of what is going on in NYC the very same way. With disgust as sin is rampant and even accepted. How much different does NYC look than did the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and Jerusalem in its days of rampant sin.