The books of the “minor” prophets all refer to the Messiah in some way. I call these books the Messianic Prophets. The writings of Zephaniah, the great-grandson of King Hezekiah, follow this theme.
The Book of Zephaniah is frighteningly apocalyptic. The Lord speaks of the day when He cuts man off of the earth (adama – Strong’s H127). (Zephaniah 1:3) In chapter one, He foretells the destruction of Judah while pointing to the three features of Mystery Babylon found there; Spiritual Babylon (vss. 4-6), Political Babylon (vss. 8-9), Commercial Babylon (vss. 10-11). Please click HERE for more information on Mystery Babylon.
Because Zephaniah lived before the defeat of Judah by Babylon, verses 4 through 13 of chapter one may refer to the condition of Jerusalem before the Babylonian Captivity, but it also clearly is apocalyptic. Chapter one concludes with the statement of the Lord that the whole land (or earth eres – Strong’s H776) will be destroyed by the fire of His jealousy, and He will rid Himself of all that dwell on the land or earth. (Zephaniah 1:18)
In the New Testament, the word translated as “church” is ekklesia (Strong’s G1577), which means “assembly.” Chapter two begins with an interesting statement from the Lord. Through the prophet He said for Gentiles to gather together, or assemble, before the day of the Lord’s fierce anger. The Lord said that perhaps these Gentiles will be hid, or sheltered, in the day of the Lord’s anger. I believe that this is a hint from the Lord regarding the “snatching up” or rapture of the church before the Tribulation.
Chapter two continues with declarations of destruction and ruin for the Philistines (whom modern Palestinians emulate), and other nearby pagan nations. The Lord condemns Nineveh, who said, “I am, and there is none beside me” (Zephaniah 2:15). This sounds like New York City, which proclaims that there is no place like them. New York City clearly fits the definition of Commercial Babylon. The Prophet Isaiah draws a parallel between the city that says “there is nobody like them” and Babylon, and promises their sudden destruction. (Isaiah 47:10-11).
In chapter three the Lord continues His condemnation of the wickedness of the leaders of Israel in Jerusalem. Again, this is a prophecy against the leaders before the Babylonian Captivity, but it is also an End Time prophecy. The Lord says that He has decided to gather the nations to pour out His wrath on them. This sounds very much like the Lord gathering the nations for destruction (Revelation 16:16). There will be terrible destruction of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2).
But the Lord will preserve a remnant of Israel (Zephaniah 3:12-13). He promises them that they “will not see evil anymore.” The Lord concludes this prophecy with the statement that “before their eyes” He will bring them back from the nations where they were scattered. Even though Jesus Messiah is not directly mentioned in the Book of Zephaniah, He is clearly found throughout. O, Praise His name forever!