Lifespan

Probably the latter half of the seventh century B.C.

Ministry

Zephaniah was a prophet in the land of Judah.

Preparation and Calling

Zephaniah was the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah. He was probably familiar with the royal courts and also the spiritual leadership of the country. He likely also came from a family that had some wealth and social standing.

Interaction with God

If the book’s literary format is indicative of Zephaniah’s actual experience, he had a series of dialogues with the Lord Himself. Each of the seven parts of the book includes both a speech by the Lord and one by Zephaniah, except the last one, which includes only the Lord’s.

Social Situation

The people of Judah were being significantly influenced by the powerful Assyrians. They had begun dressing like the Assyrians and worshiping their gods. Zephaniah saw the errors of their ways and taught against this trend.

Key Teachings

Zephaniah instructed the people to become humble, obey God, and worship only the one true God. He also taught of God’s desire to bring home those who had been driven away from Jerusalem.

Living with the Prophet

Zephaniah taught that while it is tempting to become a real fan of shopping beyond one’s means and then showing off the purchases, it is far more important to become humble and worship God. How can you show your devotion to your Father in Heaven more than your devotion to the clothing god or other forms of false worship?

Sources

Learning Bible, the book of Zephaniah

Holy Bible, the book of Zephaniah

Oxford Companion to the Bible, s.v. “Zephaniah, the Book of”