- Next book: [[Haggai]] # Author and Historical Context [[Zephaniah]] was written during the reign of [[Josiah]], one of the best kings in the [[Old Testament]] according to [[2 Kings 22]]. The author is descended from [[Hezekiah]], a king mentioned in [[2 Kings 18]], and therefore part of the royal family. The book is set just after a series of bad kings ([[Amon]] and [[Manasseh]]), pretty much just before the [[Babylonian Exile]]. This was a particularly dark period in [[Israel]]'s history—[[Amon]] was killed by conspirators, then the people killed the conspirators and installed his son [[Josiah]]. [[Zephaniah]] himself is stated to be a "son of [[Cushi]]", perhaps making him a [[Cushite]] (i.e. black Africans from ancient [[Ethiopia]] and modern [[Sudan]]) The name literally means "[[Yahweh]] hides" ("Zephan" to hide; "Yah" [[Yahweh]]) # Why the Book Was Written Despite [[Josiah]]'s status as a good king, [[Zephaniah]]'s opening words from the [[Lord]] are all about sweeping away the world and destroying mankind. This is: - Contrary to the hopeful view of [[Josiah]] as a good king - Similar to what was stated to [[Manasseh]] in [[2 Kings 21]] (despite his repentance in [[2 Chronicles]]) **The message is clear: what is needed is more than [[Josiah]]'s reforms.** Political and religious reforms alone are insufficient to address the fundamental problem of idolatry and unfaithfulness. # Sources *This overview is compiled from various studies and materials. I don't take credit for the info, but I do take credit for any mistakes in my summarization* - [[Campbell Patterson]] - [[Zondervan NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible]]