Claiming to be a descendant of King Hezekiah and therefore a distant relative of King Josiah against whom he prophesied (639-609 B.C.E.), Zephaniah is called the “Prophet of the Day of the Lord,” warning the rulers of Judah that God will raise a global army of the righteous against them, leaving only a remnant of Judah to inherit God’s grace and be returned to their former glory. In addition to attacking the rulers, Zephaniah also attacks the common people for idol worship. Ultimately, however, his is a prophecy of hope, promising that if the people of Judah repent, they will become the model of justice and peace for the entire world.
