Zephaniah 1 Bible Commentary

Zephaniah 1 contains a proclamation of judgement on Judah as well as upon the entire earth. What will transpire in Judah when Babylon conquers and exiles its inhabitants will also take place at the end of this age, when Jesus returns to earth. This prophecy took place during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, who led Judah to return to God. As a result, God stayed the day of judgement until Josiah's sons ascended to the throne, at which time the judgement was implemented through the agent of the kingdom of Babylon.

An outline for Chapter 1 is as follows:

1. The LORD gives a message to the prophet Zephaniah during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah (v. 1).
2. The LORD announces that He will sweep away all living creatures on the face of the earth because of man's idolatry and rebellion. If He will thus judge the earth, then most certainly He will judge His own people who have violated their covenant agreement to follow His ways (vv. 2–6).
3. Zephaniah admonishes the people of Judah to be silent before the LORD because the day of His judgment is imminent (v. 7).
4. The LORD announces judgment on the people of Judah for their exploitation and spiritual arrogance. He invites the commercial interests and possessors of property to mourn, as their wealth will be pilfered and expropriated by invaders ( 8–13).
5. Zephaniah announces the imminent day of the LORD's wrath. His prophecy applies both to Judah, and its imminent invasion by Babylon, as well as the ultimate conquering of earth by Jesus, when He will cleanse the earth of sin and restore it to its original, harmonious design ( 14-18).