Who Wrote Zephaniah?
Quick Summary
The book of Zephaniah is attributed to the prophet Zephaniah, who ministered during the reign of King Josiah of Judah in the late seventh century BCE. The book combines sharp judgment against Judah and the nations with a surprising promise of restoration. Most scholars agree that Zephaniah represents a historical prophetic voice whose words were preserved and shaped for Israel’s faith during a moment of profound religious reform.
Introduction
Zephaniah stands at a crossroads in Israel’s prophetic tradition. The book announces sweeping judgment, speaks of the coming “day of the Lord,” and yet closes with one of the most tender promises of divine restoration in the Old Testament. This tension makes authorship especially important. Zephaniah’s authority depends on his location within a specific historical and theological moment.
Understanding who wrote Zephaniah helps readers grasp how prophetic judgment and hope function together rather than canceling each other out.
Zephaniah and His Lineage
The superscription provides unusually detailed information: “The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi son of Gedaliah son of Amariah son of Hezekiah, in the days of King Josiah son of Amon of Judah” (Zephaniah 1:1, NRSV).
This extended genealogy is unique among the Minor Prophets. Many scholars believe the reference to Hezekiah points to King Hezekiah of Judah, suggesting Zephaniah may have come from a royal lineage. John J. Collins notes that this possibility helps explain Zephaniah’s familiarity with Jerusalem’s inner life and leadership (Introduction to the Hebrew Bible).
Historical Setting: The Reign of Josiah
Zephaniah’s ministry is dated to the reign of King Josiah (640–609 BCE), likely before the king’s major reforms in 622 BCE. The book condemns idolatry, syncretism, and complacency within Judah, conditions that align closely with what is known of Judah prior to reform.
The prophet’s warnings suggest that judgment remains imminent despite the promise of renewal. O. Palmer Robertson places Zephaniah shortly before or during the early stages of Josiah’s reform movement (Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, NICOT).
Literary Structure and Unity
Zephaniah unfolds in three broad movements: judgment against Judah (Zephaniah 1), judgment against the nations (Zephaniah 2), and restoration and renewal (Zephaniah 3). This progression from warning to hope is deliberate.
Scholars generally affirm the book’s literary unity. While some propose minor editorial shaping, the consistent theological emphasis and stylistic coherence support a single prophetic voice preserved in canonical form. Marvin A. Sweeney argues that the book’s structure reflects intentional composition rather than later patchwork (The Twelve Prophets, Berit Olam).
The Day of the Lord
Zephaniah is one of the clearest articulations of the “day of the Lord” in the Old Testament. This day is not limited to foreign enemies but includes judgment upon Judah itself.
The universality of judgment distinguishes Zephaniah from prophets who focus primarily on external threats. Brevard Childs observes that Zephaniah’s vision reframes election as responsibility rather than immunity (Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture).
Editing and Preservation
Like other prophetic books, Zephaniah’s oracles were preserved and transmitted within Israel’s faith community. The presence of liturgical language and hymnic elements in the final chapter suggests the book functioned in worship as well as instruction.
There is little evidence for extensive later expansion. The book’s brevity and cohesion argue for faithful preservation of an original prophetic core.
Judgment, Humility, and Hope
Zephaniah calls the people to humility in the face of impending judgment: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land” (Zephaniah 2:3). Yet the book ends not with destruction but with restoration, joy, and divine presence.
This movement from warning to hope reflects Zephaniah’s theological depth. Judgment clears the ground for renewal rather than annihilation.
Conclusion
The book of Zephaniah preserves the voice of a historical prophet active during the reign of King Josiah. Its message reflects a unified prophetic vision shaped by a moment of crisis and reform.
Zephaniah endures because it insists that judgment and hope belong together, and that renewal begins with humility before God.
FAQ
Who was Zephaniah?
Zephaniah was a prophet active in Judah during the reign of King Josiah, possibly of royal descent.
When was Zephaniah written?
Most scholars date the book to the late seventh century BCE, likely before Josiah’s major religious reforms.
Why does Zephaniah emphasize the day of the Lord?
The theme underscores that divine judgment applies universally, including to God’s own people.
