Zephaniah prophesied during the years 640-630 B.C. He was one of the few prophets who was immediately successful. His prophecies were part of the great reform of King Josiah of Judah. Zephaniah prophesied the day of destruction for Judah and the nations because of their idolatry. However, a remnant of Judah would be spared. The Lord will rejoice over this remnant and even sing joyfully because of it. Eventually, even the nations will join the remnant in adoring the Lord.

Key word    THE DAY OF THE LORD
 
Key verse    "Hark, the day of the Lord! bitter, then, the warrior's cry. A day of wrath is that day a day of anguish and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick black clouds, a day of trumpet blasts and battle alarm." —1:14-16
 
Command verse    "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth, who have observed His law; seek justice, seek humility; perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger." —2:3
 
Promise verse    "For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, that they all may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord." —3:9
 
Difficult verse    "For in the fire of My jealousy shall all the earth be consumed." —3:8
 
Surprise verse    "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals." —3:17-18
 
Prayer: Father, may I inspire You to break into song.