Zephaniah

served as a prophet to Judah from 640-621 b.c.

Climate of the times

Josiah was the last good king in Judah. His bold attempts to reform the nation and turn it back to God were probably influenced by Zephaniah.

Main message

A day will come when God, as judge, will severely punish all nations. But after judgment, he will show mercy to all who have been faithful to him.

Importance of message

We will all be judged for our disobedience to God; but if we remain faithful to him, he will show us mercy.

Contemporary prophet

Jeremiah (627-586 b.c.)