Zephaniah God has concealed

To Judah. Zephaniah prophesied in the days of good King Josiah. His message was a somber warning of impending doom. But this cloud’s silver lining is the hope that Judah’s repentance will bring blessing, not punishment. Josiah heeded the warning and initiated reforms, sparing Judah from destruction— temporarily.

After King Josiah died the people returned to their evil ways. Fifty years later they were exiled to Babylon. Zephaniah knows that the Lord is sovereign. He had already destroyed many other nations, so Judah should fear Him since He is capable of destroying them, too. The Day of the Lord will be a time of dread for evildoers, but a time of rejoicing for those who worship Him.