Zephaniah
“Yahweh has hidden or treasured”
Summary
A name meaning 'Yahweh has hidden,' borne by four Old Testament figures including the prophet who authored the biblical book bearing his name.
☩Zephaniah the Prophet
Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, before the great reformation of 621 BC. His lineage is traced through four generations to Hezekiah, possibly the king of that name. His prophecy denounces Judah's idolatry, social injustice, and complacency, announcing the imminent 'day of the Lord' while also promising future restoration and the gathering of a humble remnant.
☩Zephaniah the Priest
This Zephaniah was the 'second priest' or deputy high priest during King Zedekiah's reign. He served as an intermediary between the king and Jeremiah during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Though appealed to by false prophets to punish Jeremiah, he showed less hostility toward the true prophet than others did. When Jerusalem fell, he was among those executed by Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah.
Related Verses11 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zephaniah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zephaniah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).