Zephaniah 1-3

The 1st verse of Zephaniah is our source for where this book fits in context to the Old Testament Canon. Zephaniah's ancestors are given (a more complete list than any other prophet, perhaps to avoid mis-associating him with Ethiopian heritage since his father's name was Cushi) and link him to the good King Hezekiah. Josiah is a prophet during the reign of Josiah. Most all scholars seem to agree that he prophesied during the early reign of Josiah (Josiah became King at 8 years old). It is even possible that Zephaniah had an influential role in Josiah's reformation project, especially considering he prophesied at a time when the book of the Law had not yet been re-discovered (2 Kings 22:8).

Outline

1:1-3 Introduction
1:4-13 God against Judah
1:14-18 God against whole area
2:1-3 The Only Hope
2:4-15 God against the Neighbors
3:1-8 God against the whole area
3:9-20 The Only Hope

Introduction
God's message through Zephaniah was a sweeping judgment against the peoples of the earth (I will sweep away everything). It is as if God is reversing his original creation with a soon coming catastrophe (men, animals, birds, fish will be swept away). The focus is on the wicked. It is like the flood without the water.

God against Judah
Judah is included in the judgment b/c of their breaking of the 1st 3 commandments (Specifically). They were involved in idolatry and with false gods (v. 4-5). Some had turned back from the Lord completely and were not seeking or inquiring of Him anymore (v. 6). And so the Lord was going to hold a great sacrifice, but this time Judah itself would be the sacrifice and the Babylonians would be the audience (v. 7-8). Verse 9 is likely a reference to 1 Samuel 5:1-5 and shows Israel's assimilation into Philistine religion. Those closest to Babylon will be the first to cry out at the impending judgment (v. 10). The greed and materialism of Judah seems to have been a further reason for judgment (v. 11-13) along with the idea that God was indifferent or incapable of taking action against them (v. 12)

God against the whole area
Verse 14, it seems to me, gets a little bigger in perspective and speaks of the day of the LORD in general. It will be a day of great trouble (v. 14-16) in response to sin (v. 17). Trust in silver & gold is especially spoken of as a motivation for God's judgment on 'the whole world' (v. 18).

The Only Hope
The only hope for the nation was to gather together and seek the LORD. Perhaps God will shelter these humble and obedient gatherers on that day (2:1-3).

God against the Neighbors
a. Philistia (West, 2:4-7)
They will be destroyed. No particular sins are mentioned in their case, only that God is against them. Their land will ultimately be given to the Remnant of Judah (mentioned in 2:3).
b. Moab & Ammon (East, 2:8-11)
They will be destroyed. Specific reference is made to their mockery of God's people & their pride. Their land will ultimately be given to the Remnant of God's people.
c. Cush (South, 2:12)
They will be destroyed. No particular sins are mentioned in their case. No other details are given here.
d. Assyria (North, 2:13-15)
They will be destroyed. Specific reference is made to their lack of care and concern for their safety. They felt protected in and of themselves (v. 15).

God against the whole area
This seems to get back to the focus on wickedness in general with Judah as the center of the coming judgment. The rebellion is thorough (officers, prophets & priests all involved, vs. 3-4). Despite the Lord's attempts at redeeming all the above cities, the rebellion stubbornly refused (vs. 2, 7).

The Only Hope
Verse 8 seems to speak of a coming collective judgment against the nations of the world. But even here, the goal is the restoration of the peoples (v. 9). Through the scattering (perhaps referring to the exile), God's true worshipers would worship. The wicked could not look forward to the day of the Lord, but the meek and humble will be exalted in that day. They will be holy. God will bring them home.