[:en]SCRIPTURE: ZEPHANIAH 1
INTRODUCTION:
Zephaniah was the prophet who preached the message of judgment during the reign of Josiah. He called the Jews to have a true renewal with emphasis on “the day of the Lord” which speaks of a future day of wrath in the end times.
Zephaniah announced that judgment would come to Jerusalem, Judah and to the gentile nations. He promised hope that God would be merciful to the remnant and He will bring His people back.
WARNING OF COMING DESTRUCTION (vs. 2-3)
God’s wrath will sweep away everything from the face of the earth. All men, animals, birds and fish will be swept away.
AGAINST JUDAH (vs. 4-13)
God was against Judah for idolatry. Their princes and king’s son will be punished. Merchants will be wiped out and trade will be ruined.
THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD (vs. 14-18)
The Great Day of the Lord will bring them bitterness, trouble, devastation, darkness and alarm. Their blood will be poured out like dust and filth and neither silver nor gold would be able to save them.[:]