Zephaniah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Ṣəfanyāh (“Yahweh has hidden/protected”), reflecting divine safeguarding.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (late 7th century BC, Judah).
• Main References: Zephaniah 1–3; historical note in Zephaniah 1:1.
• Key Connections: Presented as the son of Cushi, traced to Hezekiah (Zeph 1:1); prophesied in Judah during King Josiah’s reign.

Who was Zephaniah?

Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah whose message is preserved in the book that bears his name.
His ministry is dated to the days of King Josiah, placing him before Judah’s exile.
He is introduced with an extended genealogy, distinguishing him among the Minor Prophets.
His oracles address Judah and Jerusalem while also speaking of surrounding nations.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Announced the coming “day of the LORD” as judgment against idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness in Judah (Zeph 1).
• Event 2: Delivered oracles against foreign nations, presenting the LORD’s rule over the wider region (Zeph 2).
• Event 3: Proclaimed both purification and restoration, concluding with promises of regathering and renewed standing for a remnant (Zeph 3).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Zephaniah’s book portrays the LORD’s judgment and restoration as integral themes of prophetic warning to Judah in the Divided Kingdom.

Key Verse

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." — Zephaniah 3:17, ESV