ZEPHANIAH 2:1 Repentance Is Still Possible. Although sin is a universal human problem, God will show grace if his people repent. And yet, Israel’s actions demonstrate that they are not covenant followers (SHAMELESS NATION). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:2 When grain is winnowed, the light outer husk is allowed to blow away. It is worthless for human or animal food. LIKE CHAFF refers here either to the quickly coming DAY OF THE ANGER OF THE LORD or to the quick departure of people who abandon God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = do... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:3 Rather than abandoning God, Judah is called to SEEK diligently for him (compare Zephaniah 1:6; Psalms 27:8; Psalms 105:3; Isaiah 51:1). ALL YOU HUMBLE OF THE LAND. Not everyone has abandoned God. RIGHTEOUSNESS is correct living in relation to God and humanity (see... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH 2:4 Nations Warned. As in Amos 1:3, this passage first focuses on Israel’s neighbors and enemies (Zephaniah 2:4), whom Judah would have happily joined in criticizing. Then the prophet addresses Judah itself (Zephaniah 3:1). They are just as sinful before the same just God. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:5 The SEACOAST indicates the location of the PHILISTINES, from which the name “Palestine” is derived. They lived to the southwest of Judah. They are also called CHERETHITES (1 Samuel 30:14), which shows their historical links with Crete. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.get... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:6 The term REMNANT shows two sides of God’s relationship with his people. His judgment will be so severe that only a few survivors (a “remnant”) will remain (v. Zephaniah 2:9; Zephaniah 3:13; Isaiah 17:6). All hope is not lost, however, since those few refugees will con... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:8 These verbal TAUNTS and REVILINGS (Zephaniah 3:18; Isaiah 43:28) against God’s people were by two of Israel’s longtime enemies to the east, MOAB and the AMMONITES. These nations descended from Lot through his sinful relationship with his daughters (Genesis 19:30).... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:9 AS I LIVE strengthens an oath that God makes. His own existence is the surest thing possible (Isaiah 49:18). For people whose livelihood depends on agriculture, it would be devastating to be overrun by NETTLES or weeds (see Proverbs 24:30) and SALT PITS. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:11 AWESOME describes Israel’s God, who causes fear in his opponents’ hearts (Exodus 15:11; Exodus 34:10). He moves against ALL THE GODS OF THE EARTH. Many nations believed their gods needed to be fed by their offerings. God will FAMISH them, causing them to waste away ... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:12 CUSHITES are Ethiopians and other northeastern African peoples (Zephaniah 3:10; Isaiah 11:11). The reference may include Egypt, since Cushite kings sometimes ruled Egypt. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, i [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:13 God will STRETCH OUT HIS HAND, an image indicating power and control (compare Genesis 16:12; Isaiah 28:2), against his people’s northern enemy, ASSYRIA. The Assyrians conquered much of the Near East, including Judah’s sister nation of Israel (see 2 Kings 17:1). ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:14 THE OWL AND THE HEDGEHOG represent two of the “inhabitants” of what used to be a major city. Humans will be gone; animals and birds will take their place. The underlying CEDAR WORK of their buildings (compare 1 Kings 6:9; 1 Kings 7:2) will be exposed from neglect. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]
ZEPHANIAH—NOTE ON ZEPHANIAH 2:15 The Assyrian capital, Nineveh, formerly known as an EXULTANT CITY, will be deprived of its safety and security. In its pride (v. Zephaniah 2:10; Zephaniah 3:11) Nineveh arrogantly boasted, “I AM, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE.” This phrase must be reserved for God alone ... [ Continue Reading ]