Historical context of Zephaniah

Who wrote Zephaniah, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Zephaniah

Date written

c. 640-609 BC

Original audience

Judah.

Genre

Prophecy

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

3

Background and setting

Reign of Josiah.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Zephaniah was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Zephaniah or jump into chapter 1.