Zephaniah
Zephaniah, a prophet of royal blood in young King Josiah's day, announces the day of the Lord with unmatched intensity: a great and hastening day of wrath sweeping over Judah's idolatry and the complacent who assume God will do nothing, good or ill. The nations around fare no better; judgment circles the compass. Yet the book turns, as the prophets so often do, from fire to song. A humble remnant will shelter in God's name, and the final scene is astonishing: the Lord in Zion's midst, rejoicing over his people with gladness, quieting them with his love, singing.
Zephaniah, tracing his line to King Hezekiah.
Ministry c. 640–625 BC, early in Josiah's reign.
Judah and Jerusalem before Josiah's reforms took hold.
To warn of the day of the Lord against sin and complacency, and to promise joy for the humble remnant.