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"Zephaniah can hardly be considered great as a poet. He does not rank with Isaiah, nor even with Hosea in this particular... He had an imperative message to deliver and proceeded in the most direct and forceful way to discharge his responsibility. What he lacked in grace and charm, he in some measure atoned for by the vigour and clarity of his speech. He realised the approaching terror so keenly that he was able to present it vividly and convincingly to his hearers. No prophet has made the picture of the day of Yahweh more real" (JMP Smith).Key verse: "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger" (Zep 2:3).
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1. |
God's judgments upon Israel: Zep 1:1 -- 2:3 |
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a) |
Announcement of total judgment: Zep 1:1-3 |
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b) |
Judgment on idolaters in Judah: Zep 1:4-9 |
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c) |
Wailing through Jerusalem: Zep 1:10-13 |
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d) |
The inescapable day of the Lord's wrath: Zep 1:14-18;
2:1-3 |
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2. |
God's judgments on the nations: Zep 2:1-15 |
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a) |
Judgment on Philistia: Zep 2:4-7 |
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b) |
Judgment on Moab and Ammon: Zep 2:8-11 |
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c) |
Judgment on Cush: Zep 2:12 |
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d) |
Judgment on Assyria: 2:13-15 |
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3. |
God's future kingdom, after His judgments are finished: Zep
3:1-20 |
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a) |
Judgment on Jerusalem: Zep 3:1-5 |
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b) |
Jerusalem's refusal to repent: Zep 3:6-8 |
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c) |
The nations purified, the remnant restored, Jerusalem purged:
Zep 3:9-13 |
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d) |
Rejoicing in the city: Zep 3:14-17 |
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e) |
The nation restored: Zep 3:18-20 |
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