Taught by Dr. Mark Winder, this course explores the book of Zephaniah in its context, demonstrating how the prophet utilizes protological themes to construct an eschatological picture pointing to the great Day of the Lord. Beginning with an introduction to covenantal themes and establishment of the theological assumptions and hermeneutical method employed in approaching Zephaniah, the course then unpacks the historical context in which Zephaniah ministers, particularly the dissolution of the Assyrian empire, and the event and implications of the discovery of the Deuteronomic code during King Josiah’s reforms.
The majority of the course exposits Zephaniah’s prophecy and highlights the significant eschatological teaching formed within the framework of protological themes. At each turn where judgment is pronounced upon the evildoer, that same judgment holds forth overtones of hope for the faithful remnant—the hope of the coming Messiah.