See it coming

We are studying Zephaniah this week preparing to teach the lesson, “Humility” out of the LifeWay Explore the Bible series on the Minor Prophets. What circumstances prompted the prophet to write the book?

The NetBible dictionary commentary on Zephaniah fixes the date of its writing around 630-625BC, and during that time, it suggests that an advancing Scythian army threatened Judah. The resulting destruction was described as a judgment, or "day of the Lord".

To help members relate, you might consider sharing a modern day story, “Razing leaves workers saddened”, which describes the destruction of a once great company (that even encouraged its employees to attend church). A corporate takeover attack failed (like the Scythian attacks on Judah), but crippled the leadership of the company. The story mentions pride, greed, shame, poor leadership and the ultimate demise of the company. Workers could “see it coming.”

What is God showing you out of Zephaniah that you want to teach to your class?