Get To Know Zephaniah The Lord hides” or “the Lord protects.” A descendant of Hezekiah, in the royal line. (ZEP 1:1) Israel by this time was wiped off the map by Assyria. He was a prophet to Judah, during the time of King Josiah. Setting The Stage: Zephaniah 2 Kings 21-23 – Manasseh’s legacy: Idolatry and violence. Manasseh’s son Amon was despicable and was assassinated after 2 years. King Josiah – One of the few Godly kings. God’s Story In Zephaniah Too Little, Too Late. God’s rage “…burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger. (2 Kings 23:25-27) ZEP 1:14-15. A dark day of wrath… A Spark of Hope. (ZEP 2:1-3, 3:9,14-17) In the middle of grim judgement and pending destruction, Yahweh promises to rescue rebellious, wayward Judah. He truly is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (PS 103:8,10,13) Zephaniah Speaks Today What is idolatry? It’s the worship of anything else instead of the one true God. “kabod”.= “weight” “value” FEAR: Idolatry happens because we become afraid if that person, job or possession was ever taken away we would be ruined. Fear is what moved Israel towards idolatry in the first place. (1 Kings 11:1- 4, 2 Kings 21:10-12) So what are YOU “holding fast” to in your life that is not of God? What are your “kabods”? He has shaped us to be worshippers, but not so we can put our faith in idols… ZEP 3:15 “The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.” Salvation is not found in any idol. The only true salvation is found in the God that cannot fail. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” ZEP 3:17 Discussion Questions: Zephaniah Share a time, as a kid, that you lost your “favorite thing”. Why do you think God is so jealous over his people? Why is Israel (and us) so prone to worshipping other things? Is there a “kabod” in your life that you struggle with letting go?