Zephaniah

This is the thirtieth in a series of biblical summaries from David Dorsey's book: The Literary Structure of the Old Testament.  This is the ninth in the sub-series of minor prophets, covering Zephaniah.

a   coming judgment upon the wicked of Jerusalem (1:2-6)
     b   coming judgment of corrupt leaders (1:7-13)
          c   Yahweh's judgment of all the nations (1:14-18)
               d   CENTER: call to repentance (2:1-3)
          c'  Yahweh's judgment of all the nations (2:4-15)
     b'  coming judgment of corrupt political leaders (3:1-7)
a'  coming restoration of Jerusalem and its fortunes (3:8-20)

The 'a' pattern links the coming judgment on Jerusalem with the eventual restoration that God will bring.  In the first section, Judah is idolatrous, follows Baal, swears by Molech, and does not seek Yahweh or inquire of him.  In the second section, Judah seeks refuge in Yahweh, calls upon his name, serves him, not idols, with one accord.  All this suggests that restoration will follow judgment.

The 'b' pattern links the coming judgment on different leaders within Judah.  The first section refers to the rich of Jerusalem.  The section discusses their greed, violence, and corruption.  It also discusses their view of Yahweh: that he will do no good, nor will he do ill.  The second section refers to the religious leaders of Jerusalem.  This section also discusses their greed, violence, and corruption.  The second section proclaims that Yahweh is righteous and that he does no wrong.  All this suggests the certainty and comprehensiveness of the judgment to come upon Judah.

The 'c' pattern emphasizes a judgment to come upon all nations.  The first section focuses on the great and terrible day of Yahweh that will come against all the earth and all the inhabitants of the earth.  The second section focuses on oracles against the nations, against all the gods of the earth and against the inhabitants of the sea coast.  All this suggests the comprehensiveness of judgment outside of Israel and Judah.

The 'd' section is a central exhortation to repent.  Dorsey writes: "The placement of the call to repentance at the center of the symmetry underscores its key role for the reversal of Judah's fortunes.  And closing the book with encouraging, uplifting units of promise and hope indicates the positive motivational purpose of the book.  Zephaniah calls the people of Judah, including its leaders, to turn back to their gracious and forgiving God." (314)