2025 Daily Devotional
June 15-21

1. Who is Zephaniah?

Zephaniah grew up during the reigns of two evil kings, Manasseh and Amon. As a child, he witnessed widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, and violence. However, despite his surroundings, Zephaniah became a man of God.

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah, which was 640-609 B.C. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah. Their ministries were possibly concurrent or, perhaps, Zephaniah prophesied after Jeremiah. Zephaniah used the expression “the Day of the Lord” more than any other Old Testament prophet. He prophesied not only the Babylonian overthrow of Judah but also the eventual judgment of all mankind.

The book of Zephaniah is the last pre-exilic book, meaning it was the last book of the Bible written before the Babylonian exile of Judah.

2. The Setting

Josiah became king of Judah when he was only 8 years old and was one of Judah’s best kings. When his reign began, idolatry was widespread, and even the priests had instituted pagan practices in their worship. King Josiah began to institute reforms to reverse the evil and idolatry caused by the two previous kings. Zephaniah’s and Jeremiah’s prophecies were probably the motivation behind King Josiah’s reforms.

Chronologically, Zephaniah, like Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk, took place before Babylon conquered Judah. 

3. Zephaniah’s Lineage (1:1)

Zephaniah provided a longer lineage than other Old Testament prophets. In fact, he stated he was a fourth-generation descendant of Hezekiah, a godly king. Many biblical scholars believe this was King Hezekiah and that the purpose of providing this royal ancestry was to give more credibility to Zephaniah’s message.

4. Promised Judgment for the Earth (1:2-3)

Verses 2 and 3 refer to God’s coming judgment on the entire world. In contrast to Genesis, in which God created the earth and everything on it, here, God declares He will “sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” including “the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” 

5. Judgment of Judah (1:4-13)

This section prophesied the Babylonian destruction of Judah for their sins; specifically, idolatry.  In verse 7, “For the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice” refers to the destruction of the wicked. “He hath bid his guests…is an allusion to the custom of those who offered sacrifices, which was to invite their friends to partake of the feasts which accompanied them. So here God is said to invite his guests, that is, the Babylonians, who were to reap the spoils of the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem, and of the desolation of Judea; or, as some explain it, the guests may mean ravenous birds, wild beasts and dogs, collected to devour the carcasses of the slain.” (Benson Commentary) 

Verse 8 states that God will punish the officials and “the king’s sons.” This message was given to a godly king (Josiah) who was working to remove idolatry from Judah. This was a warning of what would happen if they failed to remove their idolatry and sin or if they later turned away from God again.  

“God’s day is at hand; the punishment of presumptuous sinners is a sacrifice to the justice of God. The Jewish royal family shall be reckoned with for their pride and vanity; and those that leap on the threshold, invading their neighbors’ rights, and seizing their possessions. The trading people and the rich merchants are called to account. Secure and careless people are reckoned with. They are secure and easy; they say in their heart the Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil; that is, they deny His dispensing rewards and punishments. But in the day of the Lord’s judgment, it will clearly appear that those who perish, fall a sacrifice to Divine justice for breaking God’s law, and because they have no interest by faith in the Redeemer’s atoning sacrifice.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

6. The Intensity and Certainty of Judgment (1:14-18)

The Day of the Lord refers to God’s time. This section foretells the imminent destruction of Judah. Zephaniah provided a powerful description of that time, repeatedly stating it would be “a day of” (wrath, distress, gloom, blackness).  He stated that the cause of this punishment was their sin against the LORD. Just like the final judgment of man, nothing will be able to save them. 

“Those living in Judah had turned the worship of God into a fiasco. Not only had they built their own places of worship to revere other gods (called “high places” in the Old Testament), but they had begun to desecrate the temple, which at that time was the dwelling place of God.

As modern-day believers in Christ, we, too, make a mockery of worship when we live in open sin. Do you come before the Lord with a false face, week in and week out, looking the part without acting it? Allow Zephaniah to remind you how seriously God takes your life and your relationship with Him.” (Charles R. Swindoll)

1. The Setting

Zephaniah had prophesied judgment and destruction for Judah. Judgment was certain because of sin and idolatry. Chapter 2 provides a message of hope for the future for a faithful remnant of Judah.

2. Call to Repentance (2:1-3)

God called the humble who obeyed His commands to gather together. If they sought three things—God Himself, righteousness, and humility—perhaps He would spare them when the wicked were punished.

3. Judgment Against Philistia (2:4-7)

This is a message of hope for Judah. God would destroy Philistia, an enemy of God’s people since the time of Joshua and a nation known for its cruelty. God would keep His covenant with Abraham by preserving a remnant of Judah. The remnant would be the small group who remained faithful to God. This remnant would be restored, and God would care for them.

4. Judgment Against Moab and Ammon (2:8-11)

God had heard the insults and threats of Moab and Ammon against His people. These two nations were then compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, not only because of their sin but also because the people were descendants of the incestuous union between Lot and his two daughters. Again, God promised there would be a remnant of Judah that would possess these nations.

5. Judgment Against Cush (2:12)

At the time this was written, Cush controlled Egypt. Cush was “slain by [God’s] sword” when Egypt was invaded by the Babylonians in 605 B.C. (Life Application Study Bible)

6. Judgment Against Assyria (2:13-15)

Zephaniah accurately prophesied the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, only ten years before it happened. This is evidence that God truly spoke through Zephaniah. It was destroyed so completely that no archeological evidence of its existence was found until the nineteenth century.

God provided ample warning before sending judgment and destroying Judah. God told them exactly what to do, so there was no excuse. They were to come together and seek God and then humbly follow God’s commands. 

Just as God warned Judah, He also warns us today. For us, there is also a day of judgment coming; and as the Bible states in Romans 1:20, we will be without excuse. This judgment is certain, but we don’t know the day or time. God also tells us what we need to do in His Word. We must seek God and ask forgiveness for our sins, commit our life to God and be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  But that is just the beginning. We must continually seek God and read the Bible so we can learn about Him and continue to do what He expects of us. Hebrews 3:14 tell us “We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”

1. The Setting

Following the message of judgment, the final chapter of Zephaniah concludes with a promise of restoration and hope.

2. Judah’s Sins (3:1-4)

Judah’s sins were exposed, including rebelliousness, disobedience, and turning away from God. The leaders and judges were corrupt. The prophets were not godly, and the priests had defiled the house of God. They had violated God’s law.

3. God’s Faithfulness and Righteousness (3:5-7)

Despite Judah’s unfaithfulness, God always was (and always will be) righteous and just; and he never failed His people. Yet, His people were unjust and would be destroyed. Throughout Israel’s history, God had miraculously destroyed nations to protect His people. This should have been a warning to Judah of what would happen if they rejected God and did not serve Him. Instead, they did not fear Him, ignored His instructions and were thoroughly corrupt.

4. Judgment of the Nations (3:8-9)

“In light of the repeated and chronic sin of the nations and of God’s own people, God would bring judgment – and then bring restoration. In this ultimate restoration, God will give the world a common language again (a pure language), and the entire world will worship the LORD, not only Israel. Most Bible scholars see this as fulfilled in the days of the Millennium, when Jesus reigns for 1,000 years over this earth after His return in power and glory. From this passage, many scholars believe that in that day the world will go back to a common language.” (Enduring Word) 

5. The Remnant Gathered (3:10-13)

God’s people, who had been scattered throughout the world, would be gathered together to again serve the LORD. This remnant was described as meek, humble and trusting in the LORD. They will not lie or be deceitful. “They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid” indicates that there will be peace and posterity.

6. Message of Hope and Restoration (14-20)

“The precious promises made to the purified people, were to have full accomplishment in the gospel. These verses appear chiefly to relate to the future conversion and restoration of Israel, and the glorious times which are to follow. They show the abundant peace, comfort, and prosperity of the church, in the happy times yet to come. He will save; he will be Jesus; he will answer the name, for he will save his people from their sins. Before the glorious times foretold, believers would be sorrowful, and objects of reproach. But the Lord will save the weakest believer, and cause true Christians to be greatly honored where they had been treated with contempt. One act of mercy and grace shall serve, both to gather Israel out of their dispersions and to lead them to their own land. Then will God's Israel be made a name and a praise to eternity…If now kept from his ordinances, it is our trial and grief; but in due time we shall be gathered into his temple above. The glory and happiness of the believer will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal, when he is freed from earthly sorrows, and brought to heavenly bliss.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary)

God’s people had hardened their hearts. Then despite warning after warning, they refused to repent and continued to sin. 

When people harden their heart, they justify their sin or convince themselves that they aren’t even sinful. They might even convince themselves that they won’t be punished. And the longer their heart is hard, the more depraved they become. 

God’s judgments are for correction—to turn us back to Him. Unfortunately, many resist this correction and, instead, become rebellious. We must always be vigilant and not harden our hearts like Judah. The sign of a true child of God is that, when they experience His correction, they will turn to God, repent and change, ultimately growing spiritually through God’s guidance. 

1. Who is Jeremiah? 

Jeremiah was known as the “Weeping Prophet.” He was a prophet to the nation of Judah and lived during its final days. God sent him to preach to Judah and Benjamin to stop their idolatry, but despite warning after warning, they would not listen. The Babylonian Empire would conquer Judah and carry everyone away back to Babylon. 

The Bible says Jeremiah began speaking the word of the LORD during the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign (Jeremiah 1:2), around 627 B.C. He preached for forty years, and Babylon conquered Judah around 586 B.C. 

Chronologically, Jeremiah takes place after the Minor Prophets Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah.

2. Jeremiah speaks to Judah concerning all of their sin and idolatry.

The LORD chose Jeremiah to speak; and the Bible says, “Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:9)

In Chapters 2-7, God spoke of the adultery of the people. He warned that there would be a day when He would judge their sin.

While God is a just God, He is also one of hope and mercy. In Jeremiah 3:12-15, we find God telling Israel that He is full of mercy and will prevent His anger from falling, but they have to acknowledge their iniquity and repent. 

God is the same today. If we acknowledge our sins and repent, He is ready to forgive us and restore our relationship with Him. 

1. Chapter 8 

Jeremiah 8:5: Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? They hold fast to deceit, they refuse to return. 

Jeremiah saw the hurt of Israel as they would eventually be taken by Babylon into exile, but he also saw no help for them due to their rejection of God. 

2. Chapters 9-10

Jeremiah cried out for his people for their sin. God let the prophet know that He exercises all His good qualities when people turn to Him and repent of their sins. 

Jeremiah 9:24: “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight,” saith the Lord.

God addressed more sin in Chapter 10. Jeremiah spoke of the greatness and power of God in Jeremiah 10:10-13. The hurt that God felt for His people is shown in verse 19: Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is grievous, but I said, “Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.”

3. Judgment passed

The people continued with idolatry, and due to all of the sin, God passed judgment both on Israel and the neighboring people for their evil influence. 

God stated through Jeremiah how the people should humble themselves, but they refused to repent. There were false prophets who prophesied lies in the name of the LORD, and God passed judgment on them as well. Chapter 14 ends with Jeremiah weeping over Israel because they would not repent and now must endure judgment and famine.

The book of Jeremiah may seem bleak, but there are many things we can learn and apply to our lives:

1. Be aware of those around you. Jeremiah 12:6 says your own brothers dealt treacherously with you. Do not simply believe every word that everyone says. Make sure you are following the truth.

2. There are false prophets in the world (Jeremiah 14). Not everyone speaks the truth. Pray, read, and study so that you are not led away by false doctrine.

3. God reminds us that an end will eventually come, and there will be judgment. May we all seek God with all of our hearts so that we are ready. 

1. The Burden of a Prophet

Jeremiah was burdened in prayer for Israel. The LORD revealed the ways destruction would come, but there would be mercy on the remnant of the people (Chapter 15).

Jeremiah was commanded not to take a wife nor mourn or feast with others due to the amount of destruction.  The people defiled the land; judgment had to come (Chapter 16).

God laid out all the sins of the people to Jeremiah and explained it is folly to trust in one’s own heart, one’s riches, and other men (Chapter 17).

2. Lessons and Hope

Eventually, there will be mercy (Jeremiah 15:5).

One day, the LORD will bring the children of Israel back to their lands (Jeremiah 16:14-15).

The LORD will be glorified among the Gentiles (Jeremiah 16:19). Despite judgment, God always has a greater plan and will make something good out of a bad situation.

God promised a blessing for obedience (Jeremiah 17:24).

Jeremiah was directed to watch a potter create a clay pot, but the pot had a defect and was then fashioned into something different.  God showed that He does the same with nations (Jeremiah 18).

3. Jeremiah prophesied, but he was not received

The LORD had Jeremiah take a potter’s bottle, go to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and tell the inhabitants that there would be judgment and desolation (Jeremiah 19).

The Valley of the Son of Hinnom – Commentaries state that this was a place of child sacrifice and continual fire due to sewage and garbage. 

Jeremiah was struck and taken prisoner by Pashur, the High Priest, after he heard what Jeremiah prophesied. Jeremiah prophesied against Pashur upon his release; and afterward, he desired to stop prophesying due to hardship. But he could not stop because the Word of the LORD was like a fire shut up in his bones (Jeremiah 20).

Jeremiah was renewed by the LORD, despite all of the burdens. He then prophesied desolation to King Zedekiah, the disobedient king of Judah (Chapter 21).

Jeremiah was clearly frustrated that, though he obeyed the LORD, the people would not repent, and he suffered because of it. After being imprisoned, he decided he was done being a prophet. But he could not walk away. He described the Word of the LORD as a fire shut up in his bones.

We must get so full of the Word and the Spirit that in difficult times, we do not walk away from the LORD or our mission. Pray for renewal in your mind and spirit today and ask the LORD what He desires you to do.

1. Jeremiah warned disobedient kings

The LORD told Jeremiah to go to the king of Judah (Jehoiakim), who sat on David's throne. He was told to execute judgment and righteousness, or his house would become a desolation (Jeremiah 22:3, 13-19).

Jeremiah then spoke concerning Jehoahaz (also known as Shallum), that he would die in the place where he was led captive and would not see his homeland any more.

Lastly, Jeremiah 22 ends with a prophecy against future kings from the line of Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin, the son of Jehoiakim). He was referred to as a signet on the LORD’s right hand, but the LORD will take it off and give it to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.

2. Prophesies

There was also a curse on the bloodline of Coniah, that they could not sit upon the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:30). This would present a problem, as this was the bloodline from which Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus, would come.

The solution was that the Messiah had to be born of a virgin. Mary and Joseph were both descendants of David through David’s son, Nathan. They were distant cousins. Therefore, Jesus obtained his legal right to the throne through Joseph, but because Joseph was not the blood father, Jesus escaped the curse.

Jesus received His royal and blood title to the throne through Mary, because she was His blood mother.

Another prophecy of the Messiah is found in Jeremiah 23:5-6. Here, the Messiah is called the righteous Branch.

3. Judah was carried away to Babylon

After the king of Babylon carried away Jerusalem, the LORD showed Jeremiah two baskets of figs, one good and one bad. The people of Judah were sent to the Chaldeans for their own good, and they were later restored in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 24).

From the thirteenth year of Josiah through the time of the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah and other prophets told the people to turn from their evil ways. They did not listen. They were to be in a foreign land for seventy years. After that, the LORD would punish all those lands for their iniquity (Jeremiah 25).

Jeremiah prophesied again against Judah and its king for their evil ways. If they did not listen, God would make the city a curse (Jeremiah 26).

Jeremiah prophesied to Judah and Jerusalem to yield and be subject to the king of Babylon, and they would live. The false prophets at Judah said that the people will not serve Babylon, and God said that it was a lie (Jeremiah 27).

Hananiah, the false prophet, spoke a prophecy that was wrong. He took the yoke off Jeremiah and said the LORD will also break the yoke off the king of Babylon. Later, Jeremiah prophesied that Hananiah will die that year (Jeremiah 28).

Why would the people of Judah not listen to the prophets who knew and heard from God? Surely, they would know who truly heard from Him. 

How often did our parents tell us not to do certain things or we would get in trouble? And yet, we did them anyway. What made things more difficult was that the pastors, shepherds, prophets, princes, and the king himself were all corrupt. How does one discern what is good and evil?  

Today, we have the Word of the LORD to guide us; and we have the Holy Spirit to teach us. Let us be more obedient than the kings of Jeremiah’s day.