READ: Zeph. 1:1–3: ‘I will utterly consume everything …’
Zephaniah ministered during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, probably before the prophet Jeremiah began his ministry. The ten-tribe kingdom had already been carried away into exile. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin still dwelt in their own land, with Jerusalem as their capital.
These were difficult times for the people, for the king of Babylon was already a threat. Zephaniah announces God’s judgment to them, probably before the godly King Josiah initiated his great reformation in the eighteenth year of his reign (2 Kin. 22–23).
During Josiah’s reign the Book of the Law of Moses, probably Deuteronomy, was rediscovered. King and people humbled themselves before the LORD. An impressive renewal of the covenant followed, during which they confessed the sins of idolatry and neglect of the LORD’s service. The law of the covenant was once again exalted as the rule for life. The Baals were removed, and even the high places where idolatry had flourished were destroyed. After a long interruption the Passover was again celebrated. Thus there was renewed hope for Judah.
Yet this reformation did not produce lasting fruit. After Josiah’s death little remained of it (Jer. 11:10). Nevertheless, the people had first been solemnly warned, first by Zephaniah and later by Jeremiah.
Immediately from Zephaniah’s lips comes the threat of God’s judgment upon those who forsake the LORD. Verses 2 and 3 even speak of a universal judgment upon both mankind and creation. This is the covenant vengeance of the LORD upon His people. It is His response when His love is despised. .
Yet, just as in Jonah’s proclamation against Nineveh, repentance remains possible. For Josiah, the announcement of judgment proved not discouraging but salutary. In the eighteenth year of his reign he carried out his great reformation and the entire country participated.
How do obedience and impending judgment belong together?
Sing: Ps. 90:5,7.