ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Zephaniah 2

2:1–3 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).

Zeph. 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.

Zeph. 2:3 Rather than abandoning God, Judah is called to seek diligently for him (compare 1:6; Ps. 27:8; 105:3–4; Isa. 51:1). all you humble of the land. Not everyone has abandoned God. Righteousness is correct living in relation to God and humanity (see Isa. 1:21). Considering the magnitude of their sin, perhaps highlights God’s grace and sovereignty. you may be hidden. Humble, righteous people may be protected when God’s judgment falls on the rest of the nation (compare Ex. 9:6; 26; 10:23; 12:23).

2:4–3:8 Nations Warned. As in Amos 1:3–2:3, this passage first focuses on Israel’s neighbors and enemies (Zeph. 2:4–15), whom Judah would have happily joined in criticizing. Then the prophet addresses Judah itself (3:1–7). They are just as sinful before the same just God.

Zeph. 2:4 Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron are four of the five Philistine city-states, located on the Mediterranean coastal plain. These opponents of Israel will soon be defeated.

Zeph. 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 Sam. 30:14), which shows their historical links with Crete.

Zeph. 2:6–7 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. 9; 3:13; Isa. 17:6). All hope is not lost, however, since those few refugees will continue the existence of God’s people. God will be mindful of Judah, taking note of their need and restoring the blessings they have given up (Zeph. 3:20). pastures . . . shepherds. After the Philistine cities have been destroyed, the area will be repopulated by God’s people (2:7), who will live in peace.

Zeph. 2:8 These verbal taunts and revilings (3:18; Isa. 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 (Gen. 19:30–38).

Zeph. 2:9 As I live strengthens an oath that God makes. His own existence is the surest thing possible (Isa. 49:18). For people whose livelihood depends on agriculture, it would be devastating to be overrun by nettles or weeds (see Prov. 24:30–31) and salt pits.

Zeph. 2:11 Awesome describes Israel’s God, who causes fear in his opponents’ hearts (Ex. 15:11; 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 (compare Isa. 10:16; 17:4). Instead of worshiping these powerless idols, foreigners will bow down to the God of Israel.

Zeph. 2:12 Cushites are Ethiopians and other northeastern African peoples (3:10; Isa. 11:11). The reference may include Egypt, since Cushite kings sometimes ruled Egypt.

Zeph. 2:13 God will stretch out his hand, an image indicating power and control (compare Gen. 16:12; Isa. 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).

Zeph. 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; 7:2) will be exposed from neglect.

Zeph. 2:15 The Assyrian capital, Nineveh, formerly known as an exultant city, will be deprived of its safety and security. In its pride (v. 10; 3:11) Nineveh arrogantly boasted, “I am, and there is no one else.” This phrase must be reserved for God alone (see Ex. 20:3; Isa. 45:6). Such pride will be punished. Anyone who sees the destruction of Nineveh hisses (compare Jer. 19:8) and shakes his fist. These are not acts of aggression, but of horror and amazement at how the mighty have fallen.