I. "The Day of the LORD" and Judgment Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;The Day of the LORD (Zephaniah 1:7, 8, 10, 14 [twice], 18; 2:2, 3; 3:8, 11, 16 [implied "in that day"]): A central theme in Zephaniah, referring to a specific time of God's decisive and direct intervention in history. In Zephaniah, it is characterized by:;xNLx;- Imminent and terrifying judgment upon Judah and all creation (1:2-3, 14-18).;xNLx;- Wrath, distress, anguish, ruin, devastation, darkness, gloom, clouds, and thick darkness (1:15).;xNLx;- A day of trumpet blast and battle cry against fortified cities (1:16).;xNLx;- Judgment against foreign nations (2:4-15; 3:8).;xNLx;- Ultimate purification and salvation for a remnant (3:9-20).;xNLx;;xNLx;Wrath / Anger (of the LORD) (Zephaniah 1:15, 18; 2:2, 3; 3:8): God's intense, righteous indignation and judgment against sin, idolatry, pride, and injustice.;xNLx;Sacrifice (prepared by the LORD) (Zephaniah 1:7-8): In this context, a metaphor for God's judgment where the wicked people of Judah and its leaders are likened to sacrificial victims "consecrated" or set apart for destruction.;xNLx;Punish / Punishment (Zephaniah 1:8, 9, 12; 2:8, 10 [ESV: "taunts...reviling"]; 3:7 [ESV: "received punishment"], 15, 19): The execution of divine justice and retribution against those who have transgressed God's laws and oppressed others.;xNLx;Sweep away / Consume / Cut off / Destroy / Make an end (Zephaniah 1:2-4, 11, 18; 2:5, 9, 12-15; 3:6, 8): Terms describing the thorough and devastating nature of God's impending judgment on Judah and the nations.;xNLx;Distress / Anguish / Ruin / Devastation / Darkness / Gloom (Zephaniah 1:15): Vivid descriptions of the terror, suffering, and chaos that will characterize the Day of the LORD.;xNLx;Trumpet blast / Battle cry (Zephaniah 1:16): Sounds associated with alarm, warfare, and the announcement of a critical event, signifying the onset of God's judgment.;xNLx;II. Idolatry and False Worship Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Baal (Zephaniah 1:4): A prominent Canaanite and Semitic fertility and storm god, whose worship was a major form of apostasy in Israel and Judah. Zephaniah declares God will cut off the remnant of Baal.;xNLx;Host of heaven (Zephaniah 1:5): The sun, moon, stars, and other celestial bodies, which were worshipped as deities by surrounding nations and by apostate Judeans, particularly on rooftops.;xNLx;Milcom / Malcam (Zephaniah 1:5, ESV footnote suggests "their king"): The chief god of the Ammonites, whose worship was also illicitly practiced in Judah. (The ESV text has "those who swear by the LORD and yet swear by Milcom").;xNLx;Idolatrous priests / Chemarim (Hebrew: kemarim) (Zephaniah 1:4 ESV footnote): Priests of pagan deities or those involved in illegitimate forms of worship. The ESV main text translates it as "idolatrous priests" along with the legitimate "priests.";xNLx;Foreign attire / Foreign garments (Zephaniah 1:8): Wearing clothing in the style of surrounding pagan nations, likely symbolizing an adoption of foreign customs and religious practices, and a rejection of their distinct identity as God's people.;xNLx;Leap over the threshold (Zephaniah 1:9): A superstitious Philistine custom (see 1 Samuel 5:5) possibly adopted by some in Judah, likely associated with pagan worship or beliefs.;xNLx;III. Social Injustice and Moral Corruption Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Complacent / Thickening on their lees (Zephaniah 1:12): A metaphor describing people who are self-satisfied, apathetic, and spiritually stagnant, like wine left undisturbed on its dregs (sediment). They believe "The LORD will not do good, nor will he do ill," denying God's active involvement in the world.;xNLx;Violence / Deceit (Zephaniah 1:9; 3:1, 4, 13): Acts of physical harm, oppression, fraud, and dishonesty, particularly by those in power or those who fill their "masters' houses" with such.;xNLx;Oppressing city (Zephaniah 3:1): Jerusalem is described as rebellious, defiant, and oppressive due to the sins of its leaders and inhabitants.;xNLx;Officials / Princes / Judges / Prophets / Priests (Zephaniah 3:3-4): The leadership classes of Judah (secular and religious) who are specifically indicted for their corruption, violence, treachery, recklessness, and profanation of what is holy. They "devour" the people like roaring lions and wolves.;xNLx;IV. Terms of Repentance, Humility, and Remnant:;xNLx;;xNLx;Seek the LORD (Zephaniah 2:3): To turn to God in repentance, humility, and obedience, desiring to know and do His will. This is presented as the only path to potentially being "hidden" or sheltered on the day of God's anger.;xNLx;Humility / Humble (of the land) (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12): A posture of lowliness, meekness, and submission before God, recognizing one's dependence on Him and lack of self-sufficiency. God promises to leave a "humble and lowly" remnant.;xNLx;Righteousness / Justice (Zephaniah 2:3): Moral uprightness and adherence to God's standards of justice, which the humble are called to seek.;xNLx;Remnant (Zephaniah 2:7, 9; 3:12-13): The portion of God's people, specifically a humble and righteous group, who will survive His judgment and through whom He will bring about future restoration and blessing.;xNLx;Refuge (in the name of the LORD) (Zephaniah 3:12): The remnant will find their safety, security, and trust in God alone, not in idols, wealth, or human power.;xNLx;V. Terms of Restoration and Future Hope:;xNLx;;xNLx;Zion / Daughter of Zion / Jerusalem (Zephaniah 3:10 [suppliants from beyond rivers of Cush], 11, 14, 16): The city of God, personified and addressed with promises of future joy, restoration, the removal of shame and judgment, and the presence of God as King in her midst.;xNLx;King of Israel, the LORD (Zephaniah 3:15): A declaration that Yahweh Himself will be present as King in the midst of His restored people, ensuring their security and salvation.;xNLx;Gather / Assemble (Zephaniah 3:8, 18, 19, 20): God's future action of bringing His scattered and afflicted people back from exile and from among the nations.;xNLx;Praise / Renown (Zephaniah 3:19, 20): The future state of God's restored people, who were once shamed but will be made a praise and a name among all the peoples of the earth.;xNLx;Purified lips / Pure speech (Zephaniah 3:9): God's act of cleansing the nations so they can call upon His name and serve Him unitedly. This signifies a transformation that enables true worship.;xNLx;Exult / Rejoice / Sing aloud (Zephaniah 3:14, 17): Expressions of great joy and celebration that will characterize the restored community when God dwells in their midst and saves them.;xNLx;Lame / Outcast (Zephaniah 3:19): Metaphors for the weak, vulnerable, and dispersed among God's people whom He will save, gather, and restore to honor.;xNLx;Shame (Zephaniah 2:8 [Moab and Ammon will be like Sodom and Gomorrah]; 3:5, 11, 19): The disgrace, humiliation, and dishonor associated with sin, judgment, and oppression, which God promises to remove from His people in the time of restoration.;xNLx;VI. Geographical and National Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Philistia (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, Cherethites) (Zephaniah 2:4-7): Cities and peoples of the Philistine coastal plain west of Judah, against whom judgment is pronounced, but whose land will eventually be possessed by the remnant of Judah.;xNLx;Moab / Ammon (Zephaniah 2:8-11): Transjordanian nations east of Judah, traditional enemies of Israel, who are condemned for their pride and taunting of God's people and are destined for destruction like Sodom and Gomorrah.;xNLx;Cush / Ethiopia (Zephaniah 2:12; 3:10): An ancient kingdom south of Egypt. Its people are also subject to God's judgment, yet "suppliants" from beyond its rivers will bring offerings to the LORD in the time of restoration.;xNLx;Assyria / Nineveh (Zephaniah 2:13-15): The powerful Mesopotamian empire and its capital city. Zephaniah prophesies its utter desolation and ruin, which occurred in 612 BC, likely within or shortly after Zephaniah's ministry.;xNLx;This list provides definitions for many of the important terms encountered in the Book of Zephaniah (ESV). Understanding these will help in grasping the prophet's urgent message about the approaching Day of the LORD, the reasons for divine judgment, and the ultimate, glorious hope of restoration and renewal for God's faithful and humble people.