Aspect Details
Date of Writing The book of Zephaniah was likely written during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, which places it around 640-609 BC.
Political Context Zephaniah prophesied during a period of political turmoil. The Assyrian Empire was in decline, and the Babylonian Empire was on the rise. This was a time of great instability for the kingdom of Judah.
Religious Context Judah had fallen into idolatry and syncretism, partly under the influence of previous kings such as Manasseh. The religious reforms initiated by King Josiah aimed to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh.
Social Context Social injustice, corruption, and moral decay were prevalent in Judah. Zephaniah condemned the leaders and people for their ethical and religious failures.
Geopolitical Context The neighboring nations, including Assyria, Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, and Cush, also faced criticism in Zephaniah's prophecies. Judah’s geopolitical standing was delicate, surrounded by such powerful and often hostile neighbors.
Theological Themes The book emphasizes the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and restoration. Zephaniah calls for repentance and warns of impending judgment while also offering hope for a faithful remnant and a future restoration.
Major Events Zephaniah's ministry may have overlapped with the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy) in the temple, which sparked Josiah's reforms around 622 BC.
Zephaniah's Role Zephaniah was a prophet who came from a royal lineage, being a descendant of King Hezekiah. His prophecies aimed to warn Judah of its impending destruction due to idolatry and to urge the people to repent.


Chapter Key Themes Summary
Zephaniah 1 - Day of the Lord
- Judgment on Judah
- Condemnation of Idolatry 		This chapter warns of the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem due to their idol worship and sinful practices. Zephaniah describes the Day of the Lord as a day of darkness, wrath, and destruction, targeting idolatry and complacency.
Zephaniah 2 - Call to Repentance
- Judgment on Surrounding Nations 		Zephaniah calls for repentance, urging the humble and obedient to seek the Lord. He also prophesizes judgment on the surrounding nations including Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria, emphasizing God's universal sovereignty and justice.
Zephaniah 3 - Judgment and Restoration of Jerusalem
- Promise of Restoration 		The prophet condemns Jerusalem for its corruption and rebellious leaders. The chapter shifts to a message of hope, promising that God will purify the nations, restore the people, and bring joy and peace to a renewed Jerusalem.