Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

DAY OF WRATH Zephaniah is a difficult book for some to accept because of its heavy emphasis on judgment. In fact, the first chapter is the section from which the Latin hymn of medieval times, Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) came. This hymn, written by an associate of Saint Frances of Assisi, is preoccupied with judgment. The book of Zephaniah is considered the classic pronouncement of judgment in the Old Testament. The language of the book is stern and rugged. Little is known of Zephaniah's personal life. He is thought to be of royal blood, a descendant of Hezekiah. Some scholars think this Hezekiah was the king of Judah by that name who reigned in the late eighth century during the ministry of Isaiah. If so, Zephaniah would have belonged to the royal line. That would perhaps explain why he did not condemn the king when he blamed most of Judah's upper classes for their sins. Other scholars note that the name Hezekiah was quite common and that the ancestor is not identified as king. Further, Zephaniah's father was named Cushi, which could mean "Cushite" or "Ethiopian." They suggest that Zephaniah's ancestry was traced four generations to demonstrate that he was indeed Israelite. Judgment is always coupled with mercy in the Bible books. There is always a bright hope for those who turn to God. Perhaps the most comforting truth in this book is that God will save all who repent. However, His final judgment will be poured out unrelentingly upon those who reject His mercy and continue in their sins. A day of reckoning is coming for the unrepentant.