INTRODUCTION

Zephaniah a descendant of Hezekiah. He begins during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah around 640BC (2Kgs. 22-23) final decades of the Southern Kingdom. Assyria had already invaded Israel in 743 about a hundred yrs ago and ends at 621BC. Perhaps it was the prophesy that Josiah sought to remove the idols and restore temple worship. But his pride let to his death when he was engaged in warfare with Egypt.

Main message revolves around the day of the Lord", i.e., God is settling the account with the people. Three main parts:

First judgment on Jerusalem. Foreign Religion (1:4- 2:3) The judgment deserved (:4-6), declared (:7-9) described (:10-17) deflected (2:1-3), He foretells the general destruction of Judah and Jerusalem. He sets their sins in order before them. They have provoked God to bring their ruin upon them. He calls them to repentance to God (Zephaniah 2:1-3) as there is hope for the remnants. The purpose of the prophet's message is to shake the people of Judah out of complacency. "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden (sheltered) on the day of the anger of the LORD." (2:3)

Second, judgment on other nations. Foredoomed Region (2:4-15) West - Philistia (:4-7), East - Moab, Ammon (:8-11) South - Egypt, Ethiopia (:12) North - Assyria (13-15) Final group is Jerusalem - divine justice judge her national obstinacy in rebelling and resisting (:1-7) international obliteration (:8)

Finally hope for the nations and Jerusalem. Future Redemption (:9-20) This consuming fire was purifying instead of Gods wrath. When these terrible punishments happen, God will protect the people who trust Him (Zephaniah 3:9-13). God will rescue them. He loves them. He will make them glad. God's presence is in the midst of the restored city He promises the joyful return out of captivity in due time. (Zephaniah 3:14-20). Two aspects of God: Justice (3:1-8) and Mercy (:9-20). Justice because of His passion to rescue His world from human evil and violence in order to bring Mercy.

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