1 Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;
2 Before the decree bring forth, [before] the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you.
3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger.
4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.
5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD [is] against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.
6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings [and] cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.
7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.
8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified [themselves] against their border.
9 Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.
10 This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.
11 The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.
12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye [shall be] slain by my sword.
13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, [and] dry like a wilderness.
14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation [shall be] in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
15 This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.
Overview of Zephaniah Chapter 2
Zephaniah Chapter 2 is a prophetic message that emphasizes the impending judgment on nations and the call for repentance among the people of Judah. The chapter serves as a warning to both the Israelites and surrounding nations, highlighting the consequences of their actions and the hope for a remnant that will seek the Lord.
Key Themes
- Call to Humility and Repentance: The chapter begins with a call for the people to gather and seek the Lord, emphasizing the importance of humility in the face of impending judgment.
- Judgment on Nations: Zephaniah prophesies against various nations, including the Philistines, Moabites, and Cushites, indicating that God’s judgment is not limited to Israel alone.
- Hope for the Remnant: Despite the judgment, there is a promise of restoration for those who remain faithful to God, highlighting the theme of hope amidst destruction.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-3: A call to gather and seek the Lord.
- Verses 4-7: Prophecies against the Philistines.
- Verses 8-11: Judgment against Moab and Ammon.
- Verses 12-15: Prophecy against Cush and the arrogance of nations.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Call to Gather and Seek the Lord
Zephaniah opens with an urgent appeal for the people to gather and seek the Lord before the day of the Lord’s anger arrives. This call emphasizes the necessity of humility and repentance, encouraging the faithful to seek righteousness and humility. The phrase “perhaps you will be hidden” suggests that there is still hope for those who earnestly seek God, indicating a possibility of divine mercy.
Verses 4-7: Judgment Against the Philistines
In these verses, Zephaniah pronounces judgment on the Philistines, highlighting their cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron. The prophecy foretells desolation and destruction, emphasizing that the remnant of God’s people will inherit the land. This serves to illustrate that God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel, and He holds all nations accountable for their actions.
Verses 8-11: Judgment Against Moab and Ammon
Zephaniah continues with a condemnation of Moab and Ammon, nations that have historically opposed Israel. The text reflects on their pride and arrogance, stating that their gods will be judged. The imagery of desolation and the destruction of their fortified cities serves to underline the seriousness of their transgressions against God and His people. The chapter reiterates that all nations will recognize the sovereignty of the Lord.
Verses 12-15: Prophecy Against Cush and the Arrogance of Nations
The chapter concludes with a prophecy against Cush (often identified with Ethiopia) and a depiction of the arrogance of nations. Zephaniah portrays a scene of judgment where the nations are brought low, and their pride is humbled. The description of the “city of oppressors” emphasizes the moral decay and injustice prevalent among the nations. The final verses serve as a stark reminder of the ultimate authority of God over all nations and the futility of human pride.
Theological Implications
- God’s Sovereignty: The chapter underscores God’s control over all nations, reinforcing the belief that He is the ultimate judge.
- Call to Repentance: The emphasis on seeking the Lord serves as a timeless reminder of the need for humility and repentance in the face of sin.
- Hope in Judgment: The promise of a remnant provides hope that even in judgment, God offers restoration and a future for those who turn back to Him.
Conclusion
Zephaniah Chapter 2 serves as a powerful message of warning and hope. It highlights the importance of humility and repentance, the certainty of God’s judgment on nations, and the promise of restoration for those who seek Him. The chapter invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the nations around them, encouraging a posture of humility before God.
