The Writings of Zephaniah

How old is old enough to become king?  Definitely not an 8 year old child yet that was the age of Josiah when he was crowned king of Judah.  And this 8 year old child king is known for the great spiritual reforms he brought to God’s nation.  Josiah reestablished the pure worship of God.  He repaired the Temple of Solomon after years of neglect.  He determined that Jerusalem should be the one true place of worship for God. He reinstituted God’s Law.  How could such a young king grow and make such bold and wise decisions for his people?

He listened to the prophet Zephaniah. 

Zephaniah was probably a prince of the royal house of Judah and descendent of Hezekiah. He was influential and lived during the reign of king Josiah.  Zephaniah convinced Josiah to destroy all idol worship. Zephaniah showed God both in His love for His nation and in His judgment of His nation. Zephaniah prophesies the future day of the Lord – the period of great tribulation and the millennium. 

Zephaniah stated that even the Gentiles would one day worship God.  Zephaniah taught that the spiritual worship depended on the presence of God.  People have always established sacred places and shrines but God’s wants His people to seek His Presence. 

Zephaniah ends with the promise of Israel’s future restoration and the promise that a redeemed remnant will return.  God will be acknowledged by the nations and God’s people will be honored. The joy of God’s people will be so great that even Jerusalem will not be able to contain it.

Zephaniah was a prophet of influence, back when he spoke God’s message and today when we read and apply this message.