The ninth book of the twelve Minor Prophets. The book contains three chapters of the prophecy of Zephaniah ben Cushi, apparently a descendant of King Hezekiah. Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah prior to the latter's religious reforms, his prophecies giving strong support and encouragement for them. The prophet was possessed of an intimate knowledge of the ways and machinations of the royal court, and showed no hesitation in reproving the judges and ministers whom he believed to be the ones chiefly responsible for the religious and moral deterioration of the people. He prophesied the imminent "day of the Lord," a day of judgment when the people would be punished for the idolatry and decadence that had become widespread in his time. He also prophesied concerning the neighboring peoples who, in their great pride, dared to deride "the people of the Lord of hosts" and harm them. When His anger subsides, however, God will extend His hand in mercy to the remnant of Israel who will be a "poor and lowly people" but faithful to His Torah. "But I will leave within you a poor, humble folk, and they shall find refuge in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall do no wrong and speak no falsehood; a deceitful tongue shall not be in their mouths. Only such as these shall graze and lie down, with none to trouble them" (3:12–13).
