Includes bibliographical references (pages 209-213) and indexes.

Introduction -- The Masoretic version -- The Septuagint -- The scrolls from the Judean Wilderness -- Targum Zephaniah -- The Peshitta -- The Vulgate and Old Latin texts -- Other textual traditions -- Zephaniah in later traditions -- Commentary -- 1:1 Superscription to the book -- 1:2-18 Prophetic announcement of the day of YHWH -- 1:2-6 Report of YHWH's oracular speeches -- 1:7-18 The Prophet's announcement of the day of YHWH -- 2:1--3:20 The Prophet's parenetic address to seek YHWH -- 2:1-4 Prophetic exhortation to seek YHWH -- 2:5-7 Oracle concerning Philista -- 2:8-11 Oracle concerning Moab and Ammon -- 2:12 Oracle concerning Cush -- 2:13-15 Oracle concerning Assyria -- 3:1-4 Woe speech concerning Jerusalem -- 3:5-13 The Prophet's presentation of YHWH's speech concerning the restoration of Jerusalem -- 3:14-20 The Prophet's exhortation to Jerusalem : YHWH will establish Jerusalem as holy center of creation.

Sweeney's keen reading of this small, prophetic book opens new doors for Hebrew Bible research. He situates the reading of Zephaniah in the early sixth century B.C.E. rather than the late seventh century b.c.e. Sweeney's interpretation pays close attention to the often subtle differences between the Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, Peshitta, and targums. His methodology includes form criticism, tradition history, and social history.