“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. “The Day of the Lord is near!” Zephaniah proclaims, listing the nations who will be subject to God’s wrath — but the remnant of Israel who will ultimately be restored.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Zephaniah’s theme focuses on the coming “Day of the Lord” — a time when God will punish the nations for their sin, including Judah. He ends his pronouncement of doom on the positive note that Judah will one day be restored.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Remnant
- Timeline: Written between 640-627 BC
- Written: Attributed to Zephaniah
Key Verse
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
The Mighty Warrior Who Saves
Zephaniah’s encouraging conclusion expressed hope based not on the moral uprightness of the people but on the power of God. He is “the Mighty Warrior” who would save a remnant of his people.
Within oracles of divine wrath, Zephaniah exhorted the people to seek the Lord, offering a shelter in the midst of judgment, and proclaiming the promise of eventual salvation for His believing remnant.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here is a seven-day guide to the prophets Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai.
(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.)
- Day 1: Micah 1-2
- Day 2: Micah 3-4
- Day 3: Micah 5-7
- Day 4: Nahum
- Day 5: Habakkuk
- Day 6: Zephaniah
- Day 7: Haggai
The Might of Love
In the person and work of Jesus, God’s mighty power and tender affections meet. Jesus proves that God is mighty to save his people through the sacrifice of his Son.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
