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More consistently than any other prophetic book, Zephaniah focuses on "the day of the Lord,"{{sfn|Grudem et al.|2008|p=1729}} developing this tradition from its first appearance in [[Book of Amos|Amos]].{{sfn|Attridge|Meeks|2006|pp=1259-60}}{{sfn|Berlin et al.|2004|p=1186}}<ref>{{Bibleverse|Amos|5:18–20|NRSV}}</ref> The day of the Lord tradition also appears in [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]], [[Book of Ezekiel|Ezekiel]], [[Book of Obadiah|Obadiah]], [[Book of Joel|Joel]], and [[Book of Malachi|Malachi]].{{sfn|Berlin et al.|2004|p=1169}}<ref>{{Bibleverse|Isaiah|13:6|NRSV}}, {{Bibleverse|Ezekiel|30:2–3|NRSV}}, {{Bibleverse|Obadiah|15|NRSV}}, {{Bibleverse|Joel|1:15|NRSV}}, {{Bibleverse|Malachi|4:5|NRSV}}</ref>
The book begins by describing Yahweh's judgement. The threefold repetition of "I will sweep away" Zephaniah in 1:2–3 emphasizes the totality of the destruction,{{sfn|Attridge|Meeks|2006|p=1260}} as the number three often signifies complete perfection in the Bible.{{sfn|Berlin et al.|2004|p=1505}} The order of creatures in Zephanaiah 1:2 ("humans and animals ... the birds ... the fish") is the opposite of the creation order in
As is common in prophetic literature in the Bible, a "remnant" survives Yahweh's judgement in Zephaniah{{sfn|Berlin et al.|2004|p=1241}} by humbly seeking refuge in Yahweh.{{sfn|Grudem et al.|2008|p=1738}}<ref>{{Bibleverse|Zeph|3:12–13|NRSV}}</ref> The book concludes in an announcement of hope and joy,{{sfn|Berlin et al.|2004|p=1242}}<ref>{{Bibleverse|Zeph|3:14–20|NRSV}}</ref> as Yahweh "bursts forth in joyful divine celebration"{{sfn|Grudem et al.|2008|p=1739}} over his people.<ref>{{Bibleverse|Zeph|3:17|NRSV}}</ref>
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