The Anchor Yale Bible: Zephaniah (AYB)
Overview
In a world plagued by political corruption and human indifference, the great prophet Zephaniah made an urgent plea for reform and return to faith. Writing during the tumultuous reign of Josiah of Judah (640–609 BC), Zephaniah witnessed the slow erosion of the Jews’ obedience to Yahweh and their increasing imitation of the ruling Assyrians’ pagan rituals and cult practices. Unable to bear this moral decline, Zephaniah cried out with a devastating message that pierced the complacent atmosphere of Jerusalem like a trumpet blast. The day of the Lord’s judgment was near and, as the prophet forecasted, it would be “a day of wrath . . . a day of distress and anguish . . . darkness and gloom.”
In staccato exclamations, elevated rhetoric, and a rich tapestry of metaphors and similes, Zephaniah painted a world beset by corruption, idolatry, and apathy. As his passionate verse unfolds, we learn of the doomed destiny of nations that are indifferent to the Lord’s power and of humans who have become too enthralled with worldly riches. As scathing as any modern social critic, Zephaniah proclaimed salvation only to those who lead a life of simplicity, faith, and humility.
Adele Berlin’s splendid translation captures the vivid imagery and sheer potency of Zephaniah, causing the prophet’s words to spring to life and sweep the reader into the politically and socially dynamic world of ancient Israel. With keen insight and lucid analysis, Berlin also draws vital links between Zephaniah’s historical references and other relevant parts of the Bible.
Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!
- Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
- Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
- Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
- Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature
- Superscription (1:1)
- The Announcement of Doom (1:2–9)
- A Description of Doom (1:10–18)
- The Last Chance to Repent (2:1–4)
- Prophecy against the Nations (2:5–15)
- Prophecy against the Overbearing City (3:1–13)
- Joy to Jerusalem (3:14–20)
Top Highlights
“Ben Zvi opts for ‘he will be silent in his love,’ meaning that God will refrain from accusing Jerusalem of wrongdoing.” (Page 145)
“Two ‘woe’ oracles follow. The first is addressed to the nations, beginning with the Philistines, moving to the Moabites and Ammonites, and then to Assyria.” (Page 10)
“He keeps silent in his love. The phrase is difficult, if not totally unintelligible. Moreover, it interrupts a perfectly comprehensible parallelism, creating the impression that this may not have been its original location.” (Page 145)
“The implication is that when the Lord is recognized as king, pridefulness and disobedience are gone and God’s protection is present.” (Page 143)
“It is as if the story of Babel were being reversed and all peoples reunited in the worship of the Lord” (Page 14)
- Title: Zephaniah
- Author: Adele Berlin
- Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Publication Date: 1994
- Pages: 165
