Zephaniah
Prophet of the Day of the Lord
Name Information
- Meaning: "The Lord has hidden" or "The Lord protects"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah during the reign of King Josiah. He proclaimed the coming Day of the Lord as a time of judgment on Judah, surrounding nations, and the whole earth — but also as a time of hope for those who seek the Lord. His prophecy urged repentance and promised future restoration and joy for God’s people.
⏰ Late 7th century BC (during Josiah’s reign)
Roles
- Prophet
Relationships
- King: Josiah
Story
Zephaniah, possibly of royal descent, prophesied during Josiah’s reign.
Announced God’s judgment on Judah, neighboring nations, and the whole earth.
Called people to repent and seek the Lord before the Day of the Lord.
Spoke of a purified remnant who would trust in the Lord.
Ended with a vision of God’s joyful restoration of His people.
Spiritual Significance
- Warned Judah of coming judgment because of idolatry and complacency.
- Proclaimed the Day of the Lord as a time of both wrath and salvation.
- Encouraged humility, righteousness, and seeking the Lord.
- Promised a future time when God would rejoice over His people with singing.
Christ Connection
The Day of the Lord finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s return, when He will judge the world and gather His redeemed people.
Zephaniah’s vision of God rejoicing over His people points to the eternal joy believers will share with Christ.
What We Can Learn
- God’s judgment is certain for sin, but His mercy is sure for the repentant.
- The Day of the Lord is both a warning and a promise.
- God takes joy in His people and restores them to Himself.
Memory Verses
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.
— Zephaniah 2:3The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
— Zephaniah 3:17
Key Passages
- Zephaniah 1–3
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