Focus Scripture:
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” —Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
Bible Engagement: Week 22, Divided Kingdom
Book of Zephaniah
Author: prophet Zephaniah
Audience: people of Judah during King Josiah, 40 years before Babylonian captivity
Genre: prophecies written in poetry
When: around 625 B.C.
Why: future warning of judgement because of idolatry
Book of Jeremiah
Author: prophet Jeremiah, called the “weeping prophet”
Audience: people of Judah during King Josiah before Babylonian captivity
Genre: prophecy written as poetry and historical narrative, written down
When: around 585 B.C. written for the times around Zephaniah’s message
Why: to declare judgement on Judah yet give hope
Tier 1: Zephaniah 3 Salvation from the Lord; Jeremiah 1
Tier 2: Zephaniah 1-3; Jeremiah 1-2
Tier 3: Zephaniah 1-3; Jeremiah 1-3
**Note: This week, we will pause in the chronology and read from several prophets that gave messages around the same time. Some may have even known each other.
Tier 1 Questions
- Contrast God’s nature with the human leaders in Zephaniah chapter 3.
• What hope does He promise those who choose to serve Him? (see 3:12-20)
2. How does God respond to Jeremiah’s insecurity about being His spokesperson? (see Jeremiah 1:6-8)
Tiers 2-3 Questions
- Zephaniah’s message reveals God’s judgement because of His jealousy of people that followed what idols? (see Zephaniah 1:4-5)
• In Zephaniah 1:6, God describes these people as ones who “turned their
• In verse 12, the people think “the Lord will do
2. What is God’s call to those who choose to humble themselves before Him? (see 2:1-3)
3. Contrast God’s nature with the human leaders in Zephaniah chapter 3.
• What hope does He promise those who choose to serve Him? (see 3:12-20)
4. How does God respond to Jeremiah’s insecurity about being His spokesperson? (see Jeremiah 1:6-8
Application
- What Did you learn about God’s nature and human nature today?
- In what areas of your life can you relate to Jeremiah’s insecurity to live for God? Ask Him to show you how you can trust in Him.