Zephaniah — This 7th century BC prophet, amidst the spiritual decay of Judah, delivered a bracing message of divine judgement against a society steeped in corruption and inequity suffered under the reign of King Josiah. But within the chilling pronouncement of reckoning (Zephaniah 1:2-3) lies a delicate seed of hope: the promise of renewal for those who seek the Lord (Zephaniah 2:3).

This ancient dichotomy – judgement for the oppressor, hope for the oppressed – finds a startling echo today in the often-overlook struggles of the marginalized communities in South Asia. For the disenfranchised, their daily existence is often a relentless struggle against systemic subjugation, a grinding reality where their rights are eroded and their voices consistently silenced.

Central to Zephaniah’s prophecy is an implicit call to hear God’s voice, a theme underscored by his urgent plea for the “shameless nation” to follow God’s commands (Zephaniah 2:1-3). The very essence of his message conveys an urgent call to listen to Him and respond through repentance – possible only when Scripture is accessible to all peoples of South Asia in a language they can clearly understand.

Sweep away societal deafness to cries for justice; put an end to Bible poverty by giving a verse or even a *chapter today. This commitment is part of our Pentecost 2025 initiative to reach the unreached. By supporting these efforts, you help provide faith and inspirations to those who have been silenced for too long. For more historical context on the era of King Josiah, you can refer to Britannica’s entry on Biblical literature. At Illuminations Asia, we believe every tribe and tongue deserves to hear the Word of the Lord.

(*Average number of verses in a chapter: 44)