The book Of The Bible Zephaniah

Zephaniah was active as a prophet during the reign of Josiah (640-609 BCE). He preached about the coming Day of the Lord as a day of doom and disaster. The Christian hymn Dies Irae is based upon a passage from Zephaniah (1.2-18). However, that day of judgment will also be a time when a remnant finally will enjoy peace. The prophecy closes with a hymn of joy over the restored city of Zion (3.14-20). Zephaniah’s prophecy about the preservation of a remnant of Israelis read on the Fourth Sunday of Year A in the liturgical calendar. The concluding hymn of joy proclaimed by Zephaniah over the restoration of Zion is read on the Third Sunday of Advent in Year C as well as on December 21 in anticipation of Christmas.