Zephaniah may have been a relative of King Hezekiah - he was certainly a part of the inner circle of both the court and the temple in Jerusalem from about 640 - 610 BC. Unlike most prophets he is not interested in the lack of care for the poor of the land. Instead he is focused on corrupt religious practices and violations of the religious laws that were laid down in the book of Deuteronomy.
The book of Zephaniah has three sections: The first proclaims doom on Judah - and warns them of the coming of the day of the Lord. The second proclaims God's judgement on other nations as well. The third promises that God will provide comfort to those who wait for him and are patient and serve God.
Haggai was one of the major leaders involved in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. In the spring of 515 BC the new temple was consecrated.
The book of Haggai is made up of five addresses from the years leading up to the rebuilding of the temple. They are encouraging the leaders to rebuild the temples and reform and purify the worship of God. It promises God's blessings on the people if they complete the work.
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