In the Book of Zephaniah, a powerful message is shared using potent imagery. The prophet had been warning the Israelites for years about obeying their covenant with God but to no avail. In the book, Prophet Zephaniah foretold the destruction of Jerusalem during the days of King Josiah. Amid the transgressions of the Jews, the king had made reformations for the people to return to God, but in vain. The people refused to let go of their waywardness and worshipped idols, promoted debt-slavery, and propagated injustice toward the poor, among others. Zephaniah narrates how a great judgment is coming and all of the lands will fall and be destroyed. He says God will send an army to destroy Jerusalem and all the lands surrounding it like a fire to rid it of the corruption that has engulfed it. In the final section of the book, Zephaniah speaks of God’s mercy and favor upon those who follow God’s law and do righteous deeds.
