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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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 ]