ZEPHANIAH

Zephaniah prophesied in the days of Josiah (1:1). He was a great-great grandson of Hezekiah, thus of royal blood, and kin to Josiah. Josiah (619-608 B.C.), preceded by the long wicked reign of Manasseh. Therefore the prophecy was delivered only a few years before Judah's Day of Doom struck.

Chapters 1:1-2:3
It is called The Great Day of God, mentioned over and over in these 2 chapter and in Chapter 3:8. A day of terror, about to break on Judah and surrounding nations. There is an unmistakable reference to Babylon invading and taking Judah captive which did happen 20 years later.

Chapters 2:4-3:8
Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, cities of Philistines. "Cherethites," another name for Philistines. Ethiopia, was south Egypt, whose rulers at that time controlled all Egypt. Assyria, with Nineveh, its proud capital, terror of the World. Within 20 years these lands all lay desolate under the heel of Babylon. In Zephaniah 2:13-15 this is what is said about Nineveh: And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.
And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern (porcupine) shall lodge in the upper lintels (columns) of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss (sneer), and wag his hand.

Chapter 3:9-20
The calm after the storm. Three times the prophet speaks of a remnant being saved and twice of their return from captivity, with the introduction into the earth of pure language, that is a Correct System of Thought about God. Language is the vehicle and expression of Truth. It is the prediction of a complete and perfect revelation of God to man ( the Gospel of Christ), as a result of which converts from among all nations would be brought to God, joyful with glad songs of redemption, all the earth resounding with the praise of God's people.

God's blessings to each of you,
LJG

SOURCES: King James Bible, Halley's Bible Handbook