Zephaniah 2

CHAPTER 2

A Plea to Judah (2:1–3)

1–3 Zephaniah calls on the shameful nation (Judah) to gather together in REPENTANCE (verse 1). If the people of Judah repent before the appointed time of judgment arrives, they perhaps will be sheltered from the Lord’s anger (verses 2–3).

Their repentance must be demonstrated in their behavior: they must seek the LORD, seek RIGHTEOUSNESS and seek humility; in other words, they must actively conform their lives to God’s will. Notice that Zephaniah calls only the humble of the land to do this; he knows that the proud will not listen.

Against Philistia (2:4–7)

4–7 In the remainder of the chapter, the Lord announces His judgment on the nations surrounding Judah. Philistia, the first nation, is represented by four of its leading cities (verse 4). The Philistines (or Kerethites) were ancient enemies of Israel who lived in the western part of Canaan along the Mediterranean coast (verses 5–6). The faithful remnant of Judah—the humble and repentant (verse 3)—will eventually occupy Philistia. This came true when the Jews returned from exile in Babylon; at that time the Lord did restore their fortunes (verse 7). But the full restoration of their fortunes will take place only when their MESSIAH Jesus comes again to reign.⁶

Against Moab and Ammon (2:8–11)

8–11 Moab and Ammon lay to the east of Israel. Though the Moabites and Ammonites were related to the ISRAELITES (see Genesis 19:36–38), they acted as enemies throughout most of ISRAEL’s history. Therefore, says the Lord, Moab and Ammon will become like Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24–25)—a place of weeds and salt pits—and the humble remnant of God’s people will inherit their land (verse 9). Notice once again that the Lord’s judgment on the nations is influenced by their treatment of His chosen people Israel⁷ (verse 10).

In verse 11, the Lord adds that He will destroy all the gods of Moab and Ammon. Pagan “gods” only exist in the minds of their worshipers; when the worshipers are destroyed, so are their gods. When the nations see that their gods cannot protect them, they will turn to the true God and worship Him. This prophecy is yet to be completely fulfilled; its complete fulfillment will take place when Jesus comes again.

Against Cush and Assyria (2:12–15)

12 The Cushites inhabited the southern part of EGYPT and Sudan; they had ruled Egypt for many years, so it is likely that Zephaniah was including Egypt in this judgment. The judgment is severe: the Cushites will be slain by [God’s] sword—in this case, the sword of Babylon.⁸

13–15 The Lord’s final judgment is on Assyria, Israel’s great enemy to the north. The Lord will destroy Assyria and its capital, Nineveh (verse 13). This took place in 612 B.C., not many years following this prophecy; the Lord used the Babylonians to conquer Assyria.⁹