Minor Prophets LXXVII: Zephaniah Superscription

"The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah"  Zephaniah 1:1
We can glean quite a few historical facts about the prophet and his times from verse 1. We know the word of the Lord comes to Zephaniah during the reign of Josiah king of Judah. If the naming of the sons is sequential and linear we know that Zephaniah is the great-great-grandson of Hezekiah (yes, the king). It is interesting that Zephaniah’s lineage is traced back four generations. We also can determine from other sources that Josiah became king at the age of eight. His father was Amon who was assassinated. We know then that both Zephaniah and Josiah have a common ancestor in Hezekiah, who ironically was a good king. Josiah and Zephaniah were both good at least initially. It is not surprising that we see a sort of mini-revival when there is good secular and good spiritual leadership in Judah. Some references even goe as far to assume Zephaniah’s royalty.

"I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. “I will sweep away both man and beast; I will sweep away the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea-and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” “When I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth,” declares the LORD" Zephaniah 1:2-3

We then confront a judgment statement to nearly dwarf all other judgement statements. No hem and no haw. in verses 2-3. There is a bold declaration right off the bat. It is clear in its scope also. The Lord “will sweep away both man and beast; sweep away the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea…and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” Even more boldly we hear: “I destroy all mankind on the face of the earth”. This is a universal judgment “all mankind”. Zephaniah uses the words “sweep away” three times in two verses. We see total and abrupt judgment on men/animals then air/birds and finally sea/marine life. We see the reversal of creation. God will destroy what he created. This is essentially what man would consider a death penalty. It should be understood that this is a penalty on the wicked.

Hannah, John D. "Micah: Micah’s Confidence In The Lord ." The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition Of The Scriptures. Ed John Walvoord & Roy Zuck. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1985. 1490-1492. Print.

Laetsch, Theodore Ferdinand Karl. "Zephaniah." Bible commentary: the minor prophets.. Saint Louis: Concordia Pub. House, 1956. 354-382