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Also known as: Book of Sophonias
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Book of Zephaniah, the ninth of 12 Old Testament books that bear the names of the Minor Prophets, collected in one book, The Twelve, in the Jewish canon. The book consists of a series of independent sayings, many of which are rightly attributed to Zephaniah, written probably about 640–630 bc. The actual compilation and the expansion of the sayings is the work of a later editor.
The dominant theme of the book is the “day of the Lord,” which the prophet sees approaching as a consequence of the sins of Judah. A remnant will be saved (the “humble and lowly”) through purification by judgment. It is not clear whether the day of judgment is conceived of as historical or eschatological. In any case, the conception was originally developed by Amos and Isaiah, and Zephaniah’s resumption of the theme may have influenced his younger contemporary Jeremiah. His description of the “day of the Lord,” however, has entered deeply into the popular conception of the judgment day through the great medieval hymn Dies irae (“Day of Wrath”), which apparently was inspired by the selections from Zephaniah employed in the responses of the Office of the Dead.
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biblical literature: Zephaniah
FAQs
The book of Zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of God's justice and hope found in the prophetic books. Zephaniah warns Israel and the surrounding nations that the Day of the Lord is near. God will judge the nations with a burning fire as he purifies them from sin, evil, and violence.
What is the theme of the message of Zephaniah to the people of Judah? ›
The dominant theme of the book is the “day of the Lord,” which the prophet sees approaching as a consequence of the sins of Judah. A remnant will be saved (the “humble and lowly”) through purification by judgment. It is not clear whether the day of judgment is conceived of as historical or eschatological.
What is the main lesson from Zephaniah? ›
Zephaniah explains that the Lord will pour out judgment on all nations. Zephaniah reveals that the Lord will give His people a pure language, renew His relationship with them, and reign in the midst of Zion.
What are the three sins of Judah? ›
Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Israel, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes— they that pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and ...
What is the main purpose of the book of Zephaniah? ›
The little book of Zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of God's justice and love that you find anywhere in the Prophets. God's justice comes from his passion to protect and rescue his world from the horror of human evil and violence.
What is the big idea of the book of Zephaniah? ›
The central theme of the book of Zephaniah is the Day of the Lord. ' Zephaniah elucidates two major aspects of this central theme, judgment and restoration, and in both of these aspects Zephaniah evinces many parallels to the books of the eighth-century prophets.
Who is Jesus in the book of Zephaniah? ›
Jesus is revealed in Zephaniah as the Restorer of the Remnant. MESSAGE BIBLE INTRODUCTION: We humans keep looking for a religion that will give us access to God without having to bother with people…
What is Zephaniah short summary? ›
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? The book announces the destructive “Day of the Lord” (Heb: yom adonai) directed against both Judah and the nations followed by God's transformation of the people into a faithful and rejoicing community in harmony with God.
What is the prophecy in Zephaniah? ›
He predicts the down fall of the Assyrian empire but, unlike Isaiah, he does not anticipate the resurgence of peace and righteousness in Jerusalem. He predicts a day of judgment that will sweep across the face of the entire earth (1:2, 14-18) like a fire-storm and purge it of evil.
What is the deadliest sin in the Bible? ›
Pride (superbia), also known as hubris (from Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility. It is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins on almost every list, the most demonic.
According to the text, he refused to “give seed to his brother.” He went in to lie with his brother's widow, but evidently he was not committed to marry the woman or have children with her. For selfishness and the senseless violation of a woman, God killed the man.
What is the biggest sin in the Bible? ›
One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.
What is the main message of Zechariah? ›
Zechariah emphasizes that unparalleled salvation will come with the rebuilding of the temple. Two leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, are described as instruments through which YHWH realizes the salvation.
What is the famous Zephaniah verse? ›
“The LORD's day of judging is coming soon; it is near and coming fast. The cry will be very sad on the day of the LORD; even soldiers will cry. Be silent before the Lord GOD, because the LORD's day for judging people is coming soon. The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; he has made holy his invited guests.
What was Zephaniah famous for? ›
“Poet, writer, lyricist, musician and naughty boy,” is how Benjamin Zephaniah, who died today aged 65, described himself on his website. He was the author of 30 books of poetry, stories for adults, teens and children, and nonfiction, as well as several plays. Then there was his work as a musician and sometime actor.
