Yes, we’re going to notice the book of Zephaniah, small as it is. Forgotten as it is. Uninteresting (apparently) to many as it is. But still in the Bible, Old Testament, a so-called Minor Prophet.

The Prophecy of Zephaniah (as a Body of Literature, divinely inspired Scripture) contains only 3 chapters, just 53 verses total. He is not as emotional as Hosea. Nor as thorough as Isaiah. Nor as personal as Jeremiah, not by any stretch! Nor as cryptic as Ezekiel or Daniel, either. Nor as apocalyptic as Zechariah, with whom he is often confused.

BUT HE IS WHAT GOD INTENDED HIM TO BE!

Unique, blending (as does all preaching) a human personality with an eternal God-given Message!

Today of course we merely begin our series of studies. Zephaniah chapter 1, verse 1. “The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah.”

The “formula” (a fact as well) “The Word of the Lord came …” is an introductory remark of much Old Testament preaching. In a casual search I just located the string 92 times! From Genesis 15:1 where “The word of the LORD came unto Abram …” all the way to Zechariah 7:8 (near the end of the Old Testament) where “The word of the Lord came to Zechariah ….”

Then I can unequivocally state … God is the True Spokesman behind the Truth declared in Zephaniah, all the Truth!

Next in verse 1 something amazing happens. The Forefathers of Zephaniah are listed … back 4 generations! “Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hizkiah.” Wow, very unusual!

Why so?

Maybe so that we can be informed that this Prophet is a relative of a former King of Judah, a great King in fact. The “Hizkiah” of our Text is “Hezekiah” of Old Testament fame, most scholars agree. (The great Isaiah was a “friend” of several Kings … but not related to any of them!)

Zephaniah, here’s a Prophet with royal blood in his veins, of the Tribe of Judah!

The same Tribe from which Jesus was born.

Then, lastly today, we lean the “time” of Zephaniah’s ministry, “in the days of JOSIAH the son of Amon, king of Judah.” This dates to around 600 BC, to make things easier … for memory purposes. More exactly, beginning in 640 and reigning through 608 BC.

Now tomorrow, the Lord willing, we shall wade into the first paragraph of Zephaniah’s great prophecy.

The days ahead should be quite interesting, time in the Word of God!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell