It probably dates from just before king josiahs religious reforms of 621bc see 2 kings 23. Theyre listed in the order they show up in the protestant bible. The chief characteristics of this book are the unity and harmony of the composition, the grace, energy and dignity of its style, and the rapid and effective alternations of threats and promises. Zephaniah observed the political development of israel the kingdom of the north, judah the kingdom of the south, and all the neighboring nations, from the perspective that the people must recognize that god governed history. The prophet foresaw the devastating consequences of gods judgment on corruption and wickedness but also announced the lords gracious plan to restore judah. Zephaniah synonyms, zephaniah pronunciation, zephaniah translation, english dictionary definition of zephaniah. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of josiah 640609 b. Zephaniah, book of definition and meaning bible dictionary. Zephaniah a book of the old testament and the hebrew tanakh. One day the lords faithful ones will experience an everlasting world of righteousness, peace, prosperity, and joy. Zephaniah s message of judgment and encouragement contains three major doctrines. It was zephaniah s lot to speak on the most unpleasant subject in the bible the judgment of god. There are many people who would like to rule this subject of judgment out of the.
Zephaniah, ninth in order of the minor prophets, prophesied in the days of josiah zephaniah 1. The northern ten tribes had already been carried into assyria nearly a century before, c. Click the play button below to hear how to pronounce zephaniah. Ive written a onesentence overview of every book of the bible. Book of zephaniah, also called sophonias, 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. If these were not prophets, as the jewish doctors make them, yet it is probable they were persons of some note in judah. The first known use of zephaniah was in the 14th century. May 14, 2016 watch our overview video on the book of zephaniah, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Many would date the book prior to josiahs reforms 622621 b. The bible journey introduction to the book of zephaniah. The theme of zephaniah is the approaching day of the lord. The book of zephaniah was written during the reign of king josiah, likely in the early part of his reign, between 635 and 625 bc.
By studying the book of zephaniah, students can learn that they do not need to follow the sinful customs of the societies in which they live and that they can seek the lord regardless of what others around them choose to do. The book of zephaniah contains some of the most intense images of gods justice and love found in the prophetic books. Haggai ministered among the jews who had returned to judea after some 70 years of exile in babylon. There is also a phonetic guide to use to see the proper pronunciation of zephaniah. Micah, nahum, habakkuk, zephaniah, haggai, zechariah, and. Outline of the book of zephaniah woe to her that is rebellious and polluted.
Zephaniah definition and meaning collins english dictionary. The specific mention of the second year of darius places the book in the year 520 b. Among the prophets, this is a unique introduction with its long list of fathers back to zephaniah s great. Zephaniah explained that on this day god would punish the proud and mighty and reward the righteous. It is probable that their appearance was the occasion of the first utterances of jeremiah, and we may conjecture that zephaniah s call came through the same series of events. Zephaniah, book of the book of zephaniah, only three chapters in length, looks toward the punishment of all sinful nations, including judah, followed by the restoration of judah and the nations as well. The book of haggai contains messages delivered by the prophet haggai, and thus it is reasonable to consider haggai its author. The day of the lord, the lord is in the midst of you author. The small book of zephaniah is narrative history and prophetic oracle. His word came in visions, oracles, dreams, parables, and the like. Introduction to the prophets bible commentary theology. Zephaniah zehf uh ni uhpersonal name meaning, yahweh sheltered or stored up or zaphon god is yahweh. He lives and prophesied during the reign of king josiah, which places his book around 621 b.
By studying the book of zephaniah, students can learn that they do not need to follow the sinful customs of the societies in which they live and that they can. His pedigree is traced to his fourth ancestor, hezekiah, zephaniah 1. If you want more, ive linked to quick, 3minute guides to every book of the bible, too. The book of zephaniah was written before the fall of judah in 587 bc. All 66 books of the bible in easy, onesentence summaries. Like jeremiah, zephaniah prophesies that judah will be punished for following pagan gods. Introduction as we prepare to study the literal and spiritual senses of the book of zephaniah, lets look at some historical facts that will help us enter into the eternal message of the lords word. Bible study guide book of zephaniah saturday, november 3, 2012 background on zephaniah in zephaniah 1. Zephaniah and his contemporaries, jeremiah and habakkuk, were some of the prophets god used to pronounce this warning message. The world wide study bible on the book of zephaniah. Obrien, nahum, habakkuk, zephaniah, haggai, zechariah. What kings of judah preceded zephaniahs prophetical work, and what king.
This day is one of judgment against those who sin against god, and one of blessing for those who follow him. In the book of zephaniah, gods justice and love offer. The prophet zephaniah was evidently a person of considerable social standing in judah and was probably related to the royal line. Video series bible book introduction videos american sign language bible book introduction videos. Josiah came to the throne at the tender age of eight, and in less than a decade, the young king turned to god and instigated a series of reforms that may be either the impetus for or result of zephaniah s preaching. Zephaniah williams zephaniah williams 1795 8 may 1874 was a welsh coal miner and chartist campaigner. Among the minor prophets, we are certainly much more familiar with jonah and hosea. This is a lot to take in, so if you want to start with baby steps, check out this list of the shortest books of the bible. The book of zephaniah center point bible institute. Within this complacent atmosphere, zephaniah s devastating message came as a deafening thunder.
Book of zephaniah overview insight for living ministries. The prophecy opens with a statement of the authors ancestry, which in itself is an unusual feature of the hebrew prophetic tradition. Zephaniah warned of an impending judgment while providing hope for the faithful. This little book written by zephaniah the prophet is talking about the day of the lord. Among the prophets, this is a unique introduction with its long list of fathers back to zephaniahs great. Zephaniah summary we have detailed a brief summary of the book of zephaniah for bible study or sunday school lessons. It is a small book, nestled in the midst of the minor prophets, toward the end of the old testament.
Zephaniah introduction commentary commentary critical and. This summary of the book of zephaniah provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of zephaniah. This subject is whats inside the little scroll in the fathers right hand rev. This is not the only place where this theme occurs, of course, but it is the most concentrated treatment of the judgment of god as the whole book is devoted to this one theme. According to the book itself, zephaniah is descended from king hezekiah. Pronunciation of zephathah with 1 audio pronunciation, 1 translation and more for zephathah.
The name of the book it is named after the prophet. Zephaniah prophesied of the day of the lord zephaniah 1. A summary, synopsis or recap is a shortened version of the original. Audio and phonetic pronunciation how to pronounce the name zephaniah. How to pronounce say habakkuk by bible speak pronunciation. The date of zephaniahs prophecy is given as in the days of josiah the son of amon, king of judah. Conservative notes from dr morris who approaches the text. Intro to zephaniah biblica the international bible society. C zephaniah therefore was a contemporary with habakkuk.
The bible journey introduction to the book of habakkuk. There is also a phonetic guide to use to see the proper pronunciation of habakkuk. Introduction to the book of zephaniah, new american bible. Zephaniah intro to zephaniah biblica the international bible. This free audio bible name pronunciation guide is a valuable tool in your study of gods word. Zephaniah from aaron rittmasters hebrew prophets web. Micah, nahum, habakkuk, zephaniah, haggai, zechariah, and malachi. Book of zephaniah an old testament book telling the prophecies of zephaniah which are concerned mainly with the approaching judgment by god upon. The book of zephaniah consists of a single collection of oracles, mostly short. Interesting facts about zephaniah barnes bible charts meaning. The coming day of the lord will bring judgment on the wicked, both jews and gentiles, and restoration for a righteous remnant which will include both jews and gentiles. How to pronounce benjamin zephaniah pronounceitright.
Jun 20, 2016 this free audio bible name pronunciation guide is a valuable tool in your study of gods word. Video video download options bible book introduction videos share. Zephaniah, ninth in order of the minor prophets, prophesied in the days of josiah zep 1. An introduction to the book of zephaniah page 1 of 1 zephaniah was a prophet of jehovah in judah, and he wrote the book bearing his name. Zephaniah is the ninth of the minor prophets, the last 12 books of the old testament. Weve all struggled to pronounce bible names and places, especially those pesky old testament names. The prophet indicates that he received gods message during the reign of king josiah. Book of zephaniah synonyms, book of zephaniah pronunciation, book of zephaniah translation, english dictionary definition of book of zephaniah. Introduction286 the book of zephaniah is probably best known for being the least known book of the entire bible. In hebrew the book is titled hynpx meaning yahweh hides perhaps reflecting the terror of the days of manasseh when zephaniah. Proper usage and audio pronunciation of the word book of zephaniah.
Zephaniah definition of zephaniah by merriamwebster. The book of zephaniah contains no direct messianic prophecies, but the prophets focus on the day of the lord as the time of judgment and blessing connects his message with the work of christ. The word that came to zephaniah the divine revelation that was made to him. Although god called the prophets to pronounce a terrible message, they also knew that the wrath and judgment of. Described as the day of the lord, the day of judgment is pictured as a time of darkness, of anguish and distress, of destruction and plunder of cities, and. Book of zephaniah the day of the lord is coming learn religions. A new translation with introduction and commentary. The name means jehovah hath guarded, literally, hidden psalms 27. Book of zephaniah englishlearning and pronunciation. The new testament on one occasion identifies the day of the lord with the gift of the spirit on the day of pentecost acts 2.
How to pronounce say zephaniah by bible speak pronunciation. Zephaniah definition of zephaniah by the free dictionary. Among the prophets, this is a unique introduction with its long list of fathers back to zephaniahs greatgreat grandfather, hezekiah. Introduction united states conference of catholic bishops. Despite the fact that zephaniah warns judah of impending doom, the prophecy is dual, and the major fulfillment of his prophecy is yet future. Information about book of zephaniah in the dictionary, synonyms and antonyms.
Josiah was followed by kings whose disastrous political decisions eventually brought the babylonian conqueror nebuchadnezzar ii against jerusalem 2 kgs. Wikisource wiktionary has an appendix listing books of the bible. Zephaniah the one whom jehovah has chosen was a prophet of judah. Zephaniah definition, a minor prophet of the 7th century b.
The purpose of this book was to show that god raised up his prophet zephaniah to proclaim a warning of coming judgment and to encourage repentance. In this book, zephaniah announces gods purifying judgment on israel. Zephaniah means yahweh has hiddenprotected, or yahweh hides. Introduction and outline by david malick at the biblical studies foundation.
Zephaniah williams zephaniah williams 1795 8 may 1874 was a welsh coal miner and chartist campaigner, who was one of the leaders of the newport rising of 1839. He prophesied early in the reign of faithful king josiah. Click the play button below to hear how to pronounce habakkuk. Jeremiah and zephaniah though the high priest turned to a woman prophet, huldah, to interpret the scroll for the king. Learn the proper pronunciation of zephaniah and hundreds of other bible names and words. Among the prophets, this is a unique introduction with its long list of fathers back to zephaniah s greatgreat grandfather, hezekiah. The book consists of a series of independent sayings, many of which are rightly attributed to zephaniah, written probably about 640630 bc. The purpose of this book was to show that god raised up his prophet zephaniah to proclaim a warning. For more information about zephaniah, check out the easton bible dictionary entry as well. Bible book list access the niv cultural backgrounds study bible notes when you upgrade to bible gateway plus.
When god had a message for the people, he spoke through the prophets. In continuing our brief examination of the books comprising the holy scriptures, this article will examine those written by the last seven of what are known as the minor prophets. The book of zephaniah is probably best known for being the least known book of the entire bible. Book of zephaniah definition of book of zephaniah by the. He identified himself much better than any other of the minor prophets, mentioning four generations of ancestors, back to hezekiah, a good.
Zephaniah was a fourthgeneration descendant of hezekiah, a notable king of judah from 715 to 686 b. Video series bible book introduction videos english bible book introduction videos. The structure of the book of zephaniah includes three major sections 1. Zephaniah 2 zephaniah 2 is the second chapter of the book of zephaniah in the hebrew bible or the old testament of the christian bible. He begins his prophecy by tracing his heritage back to hezekiah king of judah. Zephaniah definition is a hebrew prophet of the seventh century b. Zephaniah warns israel and the surrounding nations that the day of the lord is near. As we prepare to study the literal and spiritual senses of the book of zephaniah, lets look at some historical facts that will help us enter into the eternal message of the lords word.
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