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This book describes a prophet whom for the most part is "hidden". Hence the meaning of his name "The Lord Has Hidden".

Zephaniah is hidden in the fact that his ministry is not really referred to by other prophets (hence the fact that he plays a minor role). Given his lineage, he comes from a family that bears relation to royalty, yet for all of that he is a somewhat obscure preacher and suitably from what we know he is aptly termed as one of the "minor" prophets.

Some Commentators suggest that he may have had dark skin from the name of his Father [Cush] and hence this may have been that this man had Ethiopian heritage [Which surprisingly did not prevent this man from speaking God's word against this nation].

Zephaniah's name, as was his life, tells us that God has things which he has "not revealed" for a specific purpose. John the baptist laboured in obscurity "for a purpose". Although we would all like to be part of the "Spiritual LimeLight", the truth is some of the greatest ministry will only be revealed on that day of judgement, but Zephaniah serves as a reminder that God in his sovereignty conceals events (especially from the eyes of sinners). But reveals them to us his servants.

Which establishes a critical point in our theology: If a tree falls in the forest, does it still make a sound? Whether we see it or not, God is angry at the wicked everyday and the purpose of the local street preacher is to reveal to a people what the lord has "hidden".