Who, When, Where

Written by Zephaniah.
Zephaniah is dated around 620BC, during the reign of Joshiah (who became king of Judah in 631BC when he was only 8 years old.
This is also around the time of Jeremiah.
In Judah, most likely in Jerusalem.
Although Zephaniah says he is the son of Cushi, which means “Ethiopian” and some of his prophecy is “coincidentally” against Ethiopia.

Summary

Another prophecy about the coming Day of Yahweh when he will again destroy everything on the planet because of their constant rebellion against him. Their constant idolatry and their refusal to repent and to turn to him, no matter how many chances he has given them.

Before You Read

Interestingly Yahweh says that a remnant of Israel who have sought him will survive. And so will the rejects and outcasts.

If you were God who would you save? Who would you happily destroy?

How long would you wait after you warned people?

Key Verses

Zephaniah 1:2

I will utterly sweep away everything from the surface of the earth, says Yahweh.

Like he did with the flood, but this time by some other means.
Do you think there will be a third time?

Zephaniah 3:5

Yahweh, within her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame.

Even though Yahweh always does the right thing, always treats us justly, day after day after day… Yet we still turn away and follow our own man made idols, pursue our own goals, dig our own wells.
Why do we do that!

After You Read

What verses really stood out to you?

How would you summarize this book in a sentence or two? What is it about? What is God trying to say to us?

Why do you think God always leaves some survivors?
Why do you think he is going to save the rejected and the outcasts?

When do you think the Day of Yahweh will be?
What will happen to you on that day?