The son of Husiah, grandson of Godoliah, great-grandson of Amoriah, and great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, came from the tribe of Simeon. He lived during the reign of the Judean king Josiah, 600 years before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his time, King Josiah was restoring true worship of God and eradicating idolatry. Despite his efforts, the people remained devoted to paganism, which provoked God's wrath.
Zephaniah, as the watchman of the Lord, prayed for the salvation of his people and was chosen as a prophet. He proclaimed to the Judeans the terrible punishments for their wickedness, predicting the destruction of the pagan nations. The prophet spoke of the day of wrath, sorrow, and turmoil, when the wicked would be destroyed.
However, he also foretold of gracious times when only a remnant of Israel would remain, serving the Lord. The prophet cried out for joy for Zion when the Lord would reign among the people and deliver them from their enemies.
Zephaniah passed away in anticipation of the universal resurrection and, according to tradition, was buried in his own house.
