The Book of Zephaniah Zephaniah

zephaniah addressing people (france, 16th century).

the book of zephaniah contains fundamental ideas of preaching of zephaniah. scheme of book in present form follows:

a) 1:2-2:3. warnings day of lord , dies irae, dies illa of old testament. judgment of lord descend on judah , jerusalem punishment awful degeneracy in religious life (1:4-7a); extend classes of people (1:7b-13), , attended horrors of frightful catastrophe (1:14-18); therefore, repent , seek lord (2:1-3).

b) 2:4-15. not jerusalem, entire world subject judgment, including philistines, (4-7) moabites, ammonites, (8-11) ethiopians, (12) assyrians , ninevites (13-15).

c) 3:1-8. prophet focuses once again on jerusalem: woe provoking, , redeemed city ... hath not hearkened voice, neither hath received discipline. severest reckoning required of leading classes of civil community, , of prophets , priests directors of public worship.

d) 3:9-20. prophetic glance @ kingdom of god of future, in world unites , turns god, prosperity of messianic kingdom enjoyed.

e) 3:9-20. last message of zephaniah has messianic coloring, although not extent comparable may found in book of isaiah.