INTRODUCTION TO ZEPHANIAH 

“THE HAVEN IN TRIBULATION” 

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah. He started his prophesy near the beginning of King Josiah’s reign. This was just before the great revival in which Israel turned to the LORD. Zephaniah no doubt encouraged the young king to lead the people back to God. (See 2 Kings chapters 22 and 23) Notice the king was eight years old when he was made king. Then at age 18, they found the book of the law in the house of the LORD.

Zephaniah warns the people of the judgment to come and calls the people to repentance. It is a book of woe for the day of wrath is coming. Note chapter 1:7 “…for the day of the LORD is at hand; . . .” Verse 14 uses the term “The great day of the LORD”. He is warning the king and the people of a day of coming judgment. The people had become corrupt and spiritually blind. Notice 3:8-13; here he prophesies that the LORD will “. . . gather the nations…” “. . . for all the earth shall be devoured . . .”. Therefore Zephaniah’s prophesies were not only to Israel, but looked forward to “the day of the LORD” when all the world will be judged. But praise the LORD it ends with prophesy of a restoration; a blessing. (3:14-20; Isaiah 35:4). Praise the LORD for chapter 3 verse 17. If the LORD does this under the law, how much more under grace. When one repents and trusts Jesus as their Savior, they are hidden in Him. Zephaniah’s name means “hidden”; “hidden in the LORD”. See chapter 2:3; Col. 3:3; and Ps. 46:1. Chapter 3:17 is a great verse. He is in the midst, mighty (powerful), will save, will rejoice over you, will rest in His love and (praise the LORD) “he will joy over thee with singing”. I feel it would be safe to say that my LORD sings over me! That hymn, gospel song and spiritual song that touches your heart, bringing peace and joy to your soul. Habakkuk – Zephaniah – Haggai page 4

This world will be judged one day, but the redeemed will be safe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Covered by the BLOOD. It is all in the hands of our God. Amen!