The prophet Zephaniah was a Jew with both royal Davidic and black African heritage. The Lord commissioned him to assist the reformation efforts of King Josiah around 622 B.C. The book’s message is direct: In light of the impending day of his wrath, the Lord summons his faithful remnant to patiently pursue him together in order avoid punishment and to enjoy satisfying salvation, all for God’s joy and glory. I love this book in light of the way it crushes pride, celebrates our savior, and heightens both delight in God and desire for consummation. Below are a number of links to messages I have given on this book.
Audio Messages with PowerPoint Slides
- The Book of Zephaniah in 5 Lectures (A Conference for Church Leaders in NW Wisconsin, Spring 2014)
- The Book of Zephaniah in 15 Lectures (Bethlehem Baptist Church Adult Sunday School, Fall 2015)
- A Walk through the Book of the Twelve (Bethlehem Baptist Church Adult Sunday School)
Rejoicing in Hope: 3 Lectures on Zephaniah (W. H. Griffith Memorial Lectures at DTS, Winter 2023)
Revering God: Punishment on the Day of the Lord (Zeph 1:2–18) (Lecture 1): Audio / Video
Seeking God and Waiting: Hope on the Day of the Lord (Zeph 2:1–4; 3:8–10) (Lecture 2): Audio / Video
Rejoicing Then and Now: Pleasures on the Day of the Lord (Zeph 3:11–20) (Lecture 3): Audio / Video
Publications
- “Zephaniah” Notes in the NIV Zondervan Study Bible
- “Zephaniah.” Pages 561–604 in Daniel–Malachi. Vol. 7 of ESV Expository Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018.
- “YHWH’s Future Ingathering in Zephaniah 1:2: Interpreting אָסֹף אָסֵף.” Hebrew Studies 59 (2018): 173–91.
- “The Addressees in Zephaniah 2:1, 3: Who Should Seek YHWH Together?” Bulletin for Biblical Research 30.2 (2020): 183–207.
- “YHWH’s Judgment Is New Every Morning: Zephaniah 3:5 And The Light of The World.” Trinity Journal 43 NS (2022): 131-146.
- “Perspectives on Zephaniah’s Macrostructure: Critiques and a Proposal,” Midwestern Journal of Theology 23.1 (2024): 20–51.
- “Zephaniah” in the Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary (forthcoming)
- Zephaniah in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament (forthcoming)
