Zephaniah - Summary

Title:	Zephaniah is named after it's author.
Author:	Zephaniah was a prophet in Judah just before the period of captivity.  He was of royal blood and it appears he was the great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah.  The name Zephaniah mean 'God Protects'.
Date:	Zephaniah served as a prophet during the reign of Josiah, King of Judah.  This places him in the time of 640 to 609 BC.
Main Theme	The primary theme of the prophecy of Zephaniah is the coming 'Day of the Lord'.  Zephaniah also calls for the people of Israel to rise above their religious apathy/complacency.  He states that God promises there is still a possibility of restoration.
Location:	Jerusalem of Judea during the reign of Josiah prior to the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple
History	Josiah was a decent king who was trying to restore the people of Israel.  His reign followed that of Manasseh who had served as king from 697 - 642 BC.  Manasseh had led the people of Israel into idolatry and worshiping of false gods.  The people had been led far from God.  King Josiah along with the prophet Zephaniah were attempting to reverse the trends of Israel set by Menasseh.
Major Characters:	Zephaniah
	King Josiah