Advent prophets

By Patricia Kasten
Compass Associate Editor

Zephaniah

	An Advent series on Catholic Social Teaching

When: Zephaniah was a contemporary of Jeremiah, though probably older, since he worked during the reign of King Josiah, (640-609 B.C.), the last "good" king of Judah.

Background: Zephaniah (also called Sophonias), supported the reforms of King Josiah, who restored the ancient worship of God when Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel) was worshiping idols, like its neighbors. Josiah's grandfather, Mannesah, had even adapted Solomon's Temple for the worship of gods such as Baal and Astarte, and sacrificed his own children to Molech.

Name means: "Yahweh hides or protects"

	A d v e n t
	• Other Everyday People, Everyday Faith articles
	• Other Advent articles

Message: Zephaniah supported King Josiah's reforms and preached about the destruction of Jerusalem that would come about if God was not worshiped properly. Since Josiah was only eight when he took the throne, Zephaniah - probably a descendant of King Hezekiah, Josiah's great grandfather - was an important figure in the young king's life.

Writing: Zephaniah is ninth of the 12 minor prophets - "minor" based on the length of their writings. Zephaniah is only three chapters and some bible authorities think the third may be a later edition. The book is divided into three parts: The Day of the Lord - a prophecy of doom; The Day of Judgment - rulings against the enemy nations of God's people; Reproach and Promise - spoken to Jerusalem to promise that, despite her impending doom, God would visit her again.

This Sunday's reading: Zeph 3:14-18a. This prophecy is a promise of the Messianic kingdom, which will be established on Mount Zion, the site of Jerusalem.