Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022)
Article: The Day Of The Lord In Zephaniah: An Exegetical And Theological Survey
Author: John M. Wiley

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 197

The Day Of The Lord In Zephaniah: An Exegetical And Theological Survey

John M. Wiley

* John M. Wiley, M.A., M.A., D.Min. candidate, associate pastor in youth and music ministries, Colonial Baptist Church, Blue Ridge, Virginia

If there is one theme that a student of Scripture should know from the book of Zephaniah in order to adequately understand this prophetic writing, then it would almost certainly be the concept of the “Day of the Lord.” C. F. Pfeiffer aptly noted, “Zephaniah . . . made the Day of Yahweh his central message.”1 Despite the fact that Zephaniah is merely three chapters long, John D. Hannah indicated, “‘The day of the Lord’ is an expression used more frequently in this prophecy than in any other Old Testament book.”2 The concept, however, is a tremendously common feature throughout the Old Testament prophets, even if the precise language may differ from use to use. When all the Bible is considered for understanding the “Day of the Lord,” there are precise nuances that can be summarized as to what is included in this coming “Day.” David Olander explained, “The day of the Lord is used in several ways in Scripture, but as a general term it views the entire period beginning with the rapture and terminating at the end of the millennium; thus, the day of the Lord involves judgment upon unbelievers but blessing for believers.”3

Zephaniah, thus, is a significant contribution to this biblical doctrine that has been progressively revealed throughout the Scriptures. Understanding the context of Zephaniah and then drawing exegetical insights from this prophetic book will provide the student of the Bible with a strong foundation for likewise comprehending what the whole of Scripture is conveying when the “Day of the Lord” is being addressed. Therefore, analyzing Zephaniah as a case study for understanding the

JODT 26:73 (Autumn 2022) p. 198

predicted “Day of the Lord” will demonstrate that eschatological wrath is due to the wicked, but a restoration is promised to believers, and this is still to be accomplished in the eschaton following the rapture of the church and concluding with the end of the millennial kingdom.

Context Of Zephaniah

The internal evidence of the book of Zephaniah allows for the context of the original writing to be identified rather precisely. Zephaniah 1:1 says, “The word of the You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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