Zefanya

Zefanya, also known as Zephaniah, is a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, whose book is the 12th in the Hebrew canon and the 3rd in the Christian Old Testament. The book is named after him, and it is traditionally attributed to him. The book is dated to the late 7th century BCE, during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. Zefanya's prophecies are known for their apocalyptic nature, warning of God's judgment on Judah and Jerusalem for their idolatry and moral corruption. The book is notable for its vivid imagery and its emphasis on God's sovereignty and justice. It is divided into three main sections: a call to repentance (1:1-2:3), a description of God's judgment (2:4-3:20), and a message of hope and restoration (3:1-20). The book concludes with a prophecy of the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (3:20). Zefanya's prophecies have been interpreted in various ways throughout history, and they continue to be a subject of scholarly debate and theological reflection.