18 verses
Zephaniah 1 foretells the Lord’s wrathful judgment upon Judah, Jerusalem, and the worshipers of false gods, warning of imminent destruction and urging repentance.
The chapter begins with Zephaniah’s prophetic declaration of the Lord’s intent to consume all beings and bring judgment upon the land. He lists those who will be punished: the wicked, idol worshipers, and the unrighteous. The text emphasizes the imminence of the Lord’s day, describing it as a time of sacrifice and divine decree. Violent imagery—fire, curses, and plundering—illustrates the severity of judgment upon the cities and the people of Judah. Even those who claim faith yet act unjustly are condemned, and material wealth is declared ineffective against divine wrath. The chapter ends with a vivid description of darkness, destruction, and the futility of earthly treasures in the face of God’s justice.
negative
The passage is dominated by ominous, judgmental language and vivid descriptions of destruction.