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"The word of the LORD..."

Text: Zephaniah 1:1

A BRIEF HISTORICAL LOOK

Zephaniah began his book with a brief mention of King Josiah. A brief look at the kings of Judah would prove useful.

“The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah
the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah,
the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah,
in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.”
Zephaniah 1:1

1. “The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah”

a) This was a typical phrase used by all the prophets of God.

b) They identified the LORD as the source of the word they preached.

2. Three kings were mentioned in the latter part of the opening statement

a) Hezekiah- 12th King (2 Kings 18-20)

i) He reigned 29 years.

ii) He was generally regarded as a good king.

iii) He tried to restore true worship during his reign.

b) Manasseh- 13th King (2 Kings 21)

i) He was not mentioned.

ii) He succeeded Hezekiah.

iii) He was one of the most wicked kings Judah ever had.

c) Amon- 14th (2 Kings 21)

i) He reigned for only 2 years.

ii) He was an evil king who followed the footsteps of his father.

d) Josiah- 15th (2 Kings 22-24)

i) He was a boy-king and began his reign when he was 8 years old and reigned for 31 years.

ii) He sought to bring in necessary reforms to the kingdom of Judah.

3. Zephaniah’s ministry

He ministered as God’s prophet in the reign of King Josiah.

4. Zephaniah the son of Cushi

a) This name is of Ethiopian origin.

b) It is possible that Zephaniah had a mixed ancestry.

The ancient kings had multiple wives from different countries (Complex political treaties were formed).