Habakkuk 1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:1: S Na 1:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:2: S Ps 6:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:2: Ps 13:1–2 ; 22:1–2

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:2: Jer 14:9 ; Zec 1:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: ver 13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: S Job 9:23

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: Jer 20:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: S Ps 55:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: Ps 119:126

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: S Isa 29:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: S Job 19:7 ; S Isa 1:23 ; 5:20 ; S Eze 9:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:5: S Isa 29:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:5: Ac 13:41 *

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: S Dt 28:49 ; S 2Ki 24:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: Rev 20:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: S Jer 13:20 ; S 21:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:7: Isa 18:7 ; Jer 39:5–9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:8: S Jer 4:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:8: S Ge 49:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:9: Hab 2:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:10: S 2Ch 36:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:10: S Jer 33:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:11: Jer 4:11–12

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:11: S Da 4:30

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: S Ge 21:33

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: Isa 31:1 ; 37:23

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: Ps 118:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: Isa 10:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: S Ge 49:24 ; S Ex 33:22

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: Ps 18:26

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: S La 3:34–36

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: ver 3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: S Ps 25:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: S Job 21:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:15: Jer 5:26

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:15: S Isa 19:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:15: S Job 18:8 ; Jer 16:16

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:16: Jer 44:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:17: S Isa 14:6 ; 19:8

Habakkuk 2

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: S Isa 21:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: S Ps 48:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: Ps 85:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: S Ps 5:3 ; S Eze 3:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:2: S Isa 30:8 ; S Jer 36:2 ; S Eze 24:2 ; S Ro 4:24 ; Rev 1:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: Da 11:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: Da 8:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: S Ps 27:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: S Eze 12:25

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:4: S Eze 18:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:4: Ro 1:17 *; Gal 3:11 *; Heb 10:37–38 *

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S Pr 20:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S Isa 2:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S Pr 27:20 ; S 30:15–16

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: Hab 1:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:6: S Isa 14:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:6: Am 2:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:7: S Pr 29:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: Isa 33:1 ; Jer 50:17–18 ; S Ob 1:15 ; Zec 2:8–9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: ver 17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: S Eze 39:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Jer 22:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Jer 51:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Job 39:27 ; S Isa 10:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:10: Jer 26:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:10: ver 16 ; S Na 3:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:11: S Jos 24:27 ; Zec 5:4 ; Lk 19:40

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:12: S Eze 22:2 ; S Mic 3:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:13: Isa 50:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:13: S Isa 47:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:14: S Ex 16:7 ; S Nu 14:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:14: S Isa 11:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: S Pr 23:20

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:16: S ver 10

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:16: S Eze 23:32–34 ; Hos 4:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:16: S Lev 10:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:16: S La 4:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:16: S Ps 16:5 ; S Isa 51:22

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:17: S Jer 51:35

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:17: S Jer 50:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:17: ver 8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:18: S 1Sa 12:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:18: S Jdg 10:14 ; S Isa 40:19 ; S Jer 5:21 ; S 14:22

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:18: S Lev 26:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:18: Ps 115:4–5 ; Jer 10:14 ; 1Co 12:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:19: 1Ki 18:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:19: S Jer 10:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:19: S Da 5:4 , 23 ; S Hos 4:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:20: S Ps 11:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:20: S Isa 41:1

Habakkuk 3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:1: Ps 7 Title

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Job 26:14 ; Ps 44:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Ps 119:120

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Ps 90:16

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: Ps 85:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: Isa 54:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Ge 36:11 , 15

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: Isa 31:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Nu 10:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Ps 8:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: Ps 48:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:4: S Isa 18:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:4: S Job 9:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: S Lev 26:25

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:6: S Ps 46:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:6: Ge 49:26

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:6: S Ex 19:18 ; Ps 18:7 ; 114:1–6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:6: S Ge 21:33

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:7: S Ge 25:2 ; S Nu 25:15 ; Jdg 7:24–25

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:7: Ex 15:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Ex 7:20

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Ps 77:16

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S 2Ki 2:11 ; S Ps 68:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:9: S Dt 32:23 ; Ps 7:12–13

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:10: S Ps 77:16

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:10: Ps 98:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:10: S Ps 93:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: Jos 10:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: Ps 18:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: S Ps 144:6 ; Zec 9:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:12: S Isa 41:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Ex 13:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Ps 20:6 ; S 28:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S 2Sa 23:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: Ps 68:21 ; 110:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:14: Jdg 7:22

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:14: Ps 64:2–5

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:15: S Job 9:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:15: Ex 15:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:16: S Job 4:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:16: S Ps 37:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: Joel 1:10–12 , 18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: Jer 5:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:18: Ps 97:12 ; S Isa 61:10 ; Php 4:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:18: S Ex 15:2 ; S Lk 1:47

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:19: S Dt 33:29 ; Ps 46:1–5

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:19: S Dt 32:13 ; Ps 18:33

[BACK TO 1:1] prophecy. Such as the two found here (vv. 5–11 ; 2:2–20 ). Prophecies were frequently received in visions. The Hebrew word for “prophecy” (possibly meaning “burden,” but perhaps only “pronouncement”) often refers to revelations containing warnings of impending doom (see Isa 13:1 and note; 15:1 ; 19:1 ; 22:1 ), but in Zec 9:1 ; 12:1 ; Mal 1:1 it refers to messages that also contain hope. Habakkuk. The name is probably Babylonian and refers to a kind of garden plant. prophet. Habakkuk is called a prophet also in 3:1 , tying ch. 3 closely to chs. 1–2 . See notes on Ex 3:4 ; 7:1–2 ; 1Ki 22:19 ; Jnh 3:2 ; Zec 1:1 .

[BACK TO 1:2–2:20] A dialogue between the prophet and God. The basic themes are age-old: Why does evil seem to go unpunished? Why does God not respond to prayer?

[BACK TO 1:2] How long … ? See Ps 6:3 and note; 13:1–2 ; 22:1–2 . Violence! At this time Judah was probably under King Jehoiakim, who was ambitious, cruel and corrupt. Habakkuk describes the social corruption and spiritual apostasy of Judah in the late seventh century BC.

[BACK TO 1:3] you tolerate. See v. 13 . The prophet was amazed that God seemed to condone cruelty and violence. Destruction and violence are before me. Jeremiah complains to the Lord in a similar vein ( Jer 20:8 ).

[BACK TO 1:4] law is paralyzed … justice is perverted. Because wealthy landowners controlled the courts through bribery (see Mic 3:11 ; 7:3 ).

[BACK TO 1:5] Paul concludes his sermon in Pisidian Antioch by quoting these words ( Ac 13:41 ). your … you … you. Judah as a whole is addressed (the pronouns are plural). would not believe. To the people of Judah it was incredible that God would give them over to the arrogant Babylonians.

[BACK TO 1:6] I am raising up the Babylonians. See Isa 10:5–6 and note on 10:5 . The apostate nation of Judah is to be punished by an invasion of the Babylonians, a powerful people who regained their independence from Assyria in 626 BC , destroyed Assyrian power completely in 612–605 and flourished until 539. In this context, the Chaldeans (see NIV text note) are synonymous with the newly resurgent Babylonians. seize dwellings. See 2:6–8 .

[BACK TO 1:7] promote their own honor. A mark of arrogance.

[BACK TO 1:8] The speed with which Babylonia conquered her enemies had become proverbial. eagle. See Dt 28:49–50 and note on 28:49 .

[BACK TO 1:9] violence. The rapacious cruelty of the Babylonians was more than a match for that of the people of Judah (see v. 2 and note; see also v. 3 ). gather prisoners like sand. Like their Assyrian predecessors, the Babylonians deported conquered peoples as a matter of deliberate national policy (see 2:5 ).

[BACK TO 1:10] building earthen ramps. A siege method.

[BACK TO 1:11] whose own strength is their god. The Babylonians were so proud and confident of their military might that it had virtually become their god (see v. 16 ).

[BACK TO 1:12] Habakkuk cannot see the justice in Judah’s being punished by an even more wicked nation, and he thinks that the Babylonians surely would not be allowed to conquer Judah completely. from everlasting. See Ps 90:2 . You , L ORD , have appointed them. The prophet recognizes Babylonia as God’s agent of judgment (cf. Isa 7:18–20 ; 44:28–45:1 ). Rock. See 1Sa 2:2 and note.

[BACK TO 1:13] A classic statement of the problem of evil within the context of Israel’s faith: Why does evil appear to flourish unchecked by a just and holy God? See Ps 37 ; 73 and notes. you tolerate. See v. 3 and note. treacherous … wicked. The Babylonians. those more righteous. Judah.

[BACK TO 1:15] hooks. See note on Am 4:2 . catches them in his net. Babylonia’s victims are as powerless as fish swimming into a net. Mesopotamian reliefs symbolically portray conquerors capturing their enemies in fishnets.

[BACK TO 1:16] See note on v. 11 .

[BACK TO 2:1] See Eze 3:17 and note. I will stand at my watch. The figure of a guard looking out from a tower and expecting a response to his challenge. Any rebuke (see NIV text note) would be for questioning God’s justice. ramparts. The walls of Jerusalem. he. God.

[BACK TO 2:2–3] revelation. See 1Ch 17:15 ; Pr 29:18 and note. The Hebrew for this word refers specifically to a prophet’s vision (see, e.g., Isa 1:1 and note).

[BACK TO 2:2] Write down. See Isa 30:8 ; Jer 36:2 and note. so that a herald may run with it. Lit. “so that he who reads it may run,” i.e., so that a messenger may run to deliver the message and read it to those to whom he has been sent.

[BACK TO 2:3] the end. Of the Babylonians, though some refer it to the end times, when God’s redemptive purposes would be completed. wait for it. The following message deals with the fall of Babylon in 539 BC , about 66 years after Habakkuk’s prophecy. The Lord tells Habakkuk (and Judah) that fulfillment of the prophecy may “linger” but that he and the people are to expect it (see 3:16 ).

[BACK TO 2:4] the enemy. Collective for the Babylonians, but with special reference to their king. but. In contrast to the Babylonians, whose “desires are not upright.” the righteous person will live by his faithfulness. See NIV text note; Eze 18:9 ; see also Isa 26 , especially vv. 1–6 . In light of God’s revelation about how (and when) he is working, his people are to wait patiently and live by faith—trusting in their sovereign God. The clause is quoted frequently in the NT to support the teaching that people are saved by grace through faith ( Ro 1:17 ; Gal 3:11 ; cf. Eph 2:8 and note) and should live by faith ( Heb 10:38–39 ; 11:7 ). Together with Ge 15:6 (see note there; see also Ro 4:3 , 9 , 22–23 ; Gal 3:6 ; Jas 2:23 and note on 2:21 ), it became the rallying cry of the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century. The same principle that was applicable in the realm of national deliverance is applicable in the area of spiritual deliverance (salvation).

[BACK TO 2:5] greedy as the grave. “The grave … never says, ‘Enough!’” ( Pr 30:16 ; see note there; see also notes on Ps 49:14 ; Isa 5:14 ).

[BACK TO 2:6–20] This taunt, an extended commentary on v. 4a (see note on 3:1 ), falls into two halves of ten (Hebrew) lines each (vv. 6–14 and vv. 15–20 ), each half concluding with a significant theological statement (vv. 14 , 20 ). Together these two statements set the five “woes” pronounced against Babylon (vv. 6 , 9 , 12 , 15 , 19 ; cf. Isa 5:8–23 ; Mt 23:13–32 ; Lk 6:24–26 ; Rev 9:12 ; 11:14 ) in a larger frame of reference. In addition, the first and fourth “woes” echo each other (see vv. 8 , 17 ).

[BACK TO 2:6] all of them taunt him. The threatened victims of the Babylonian onslaught, especially Judah, will taunt ruthless Babylon (see Isa 14:4 ). Woe. The Babylonians’ greed for conquest is condemned.

[BACK TO 2:8] you have shed human blood. See v. 17 . Therefore Babylon’s blood would be shed (see Ge 9:6 and note).

[BACK TO 2:9] Woe. The Babylonians’ pride in building is condemned (see v. 12 ; cf. Jer 22:13 ). nest on high. Like the eagle building an inaccessible nest, the Babylonians thought their empire to be unconquerable (see Isa 14:4 , 13–15 ; cf. Ob 3–4 ).

[BACK TO 2:11] The stones … will cry out , and the beams. The stones and beams in Babylonian houses were purchased with plunder and thus testified against the occupants. Cf. Lk 19:40 .

[BACK TO 2:12] Woe. Babylonian injustice is condemned. Cf. Mic 3:10 ; Zec 8:16 and note.

[BACK TO 2:13] fuel for the fire. The cities built by the labor of the Babylonians (v. 12 ) will be burned (see Jer 51:58 and note).

[BACK TO 2:14] Habakkuk quotes Isa 11:9 and expands its language. The Lord’s future destruction of proud Babylonia and all her worldly glory will cause his greater glory to be known throughout the world (cf. Ex 14:4 , 17–18 ; Rev 17:1–19:4 ).

[BACK TO 2:15] Cf. Ge 9:20–22 . Woe. Babylonian violence is condemned. Her rapacious treatment of her neighbors, which stripped them of all their wealth (cf. what she later did to Jerusalem, 2Ki 25:8–21 ), is compared to one who makes his neighbors drunk so he can take lewd pleasure from their nakedness.

[BACK TO 2:16] be filled with shame … be exposed. The Lord will do to Babylonia what she has done to others (see note on Ob 15 ). cup from the L ORD ’s right hand. A symbol of divine retribution (see Ps 16:5 and note; Isa 51:17 , 21–22 ; Jer 25:15–17 ; La 4:21 ; Rev 14:10 and note; 16:19 ; see also note on Na 3:11 ).

[BACK TO 2:17] violence you have done to Lebanon. The Babylonians apparently had ravaged the cedar forests of Lebanon to adorn their temples and palaces (see Isa 14:8 and note). destruction of animals. Assyrian inscriptions record hunting expeditions in the Lebanon range, and such sport may have been indulged in by the invading Babylonians as well. Babylonian violence was destructive of all forms of life, not only of lands and cities. you have shed human blood. See v. 8 and note.

[BACK TO 2:18] idols. The Hebrew for this word means “godlets” or “nonentities” (cf. Isa 41:29 ; 44:9 ; Jer 10:15 and the condemnation of idolatry in Ex 20:4–5 ; see Ps 115:4–7 and note).

[BACK TO 2:19] Woe. Babylonian idolatry is condemned. Wake up! Cf. Elijah’s taunt of Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel ( 1Ki 18:27 ).

[BACK TO 2:20] The L ORD is in his holy temple. From his heavenly temple (cf. Jnh 2:7 ) he judges all people in accordance with his righteousness (see Ps 11:4–7 and note; Mic 1:2 ). be silent before him. The stone and wooden idols of the nations (v. 19 ) are to be silent in unprotecting submission to the awesome divine judgment (see Zep 1:7 ; Zec 2:13 ; cf. Am 6:10 ; 8:3 and note).

[BACK TO 3:1] prayer. In the strict sense, petition is found in this prayer only in v. 2 but, as with many of the psalms, it is set in a larger context of recollection (vv. 3–15 ) and expression of confidence and trust (vv. 16–19 ). In fact, Habakkuk’s prayer, an extended commentary on 2:4b (see note on 2:6–20 ), appears to have been used as a psalm; note the psalm-like heading (v. 1 ) and the musical and/or literary notations (vv. 1 , 3 [see NIV text note on this verse], 9 , 13 , 19 ). prophet. See 1:1 and note. shigionoth. See Ps 7 title and note.

[BACK TO 3:2] heard of your fame. See Ps 44:1 ; 78:3 . In vv. 3–15 Habakkuk recites a poetic celebration of God’s mighty, saving acts of old—perhaps one he had heard at the temple (see v. 16 ).

[BACK TO 3:3] God came. When celebrating the exodus, the OT poets (and poet-prophets) combined recollections of the mighty acts of God with conventional images of a fearsome manifestation of the Lord. He came down with his heavenly host and rode on the mighty thunderstorm as his chariot, with his arrows (lightning bolts; see note on Ps 18:14 ) flying in all directions, a cloudburst of rain descending on the earth and the mountains quaking before him (see Jdg 5:4–5 ; Ps 18:7–15 ; 68:7–10 ; 77:16–19 ; Mic 1:3 and notes). Such figures characterize many of the references in the following verses. Teman. Means “southland.” God is pictured during the exodus as coming from the area south of Judah. Mount Paran. See Dt 33:2 and note; probably northwest of the Gulf of Aqaba and south of Kadesh Barnea, between Edom and Sinai. For Selah , see NIV text note and Introduction to Psalms : Authorship and Titles (or Superscriptions), last paragraph. filled the earth. See note on 2:14 .

[BACK TO 3:5] Plague … pestilence. Means of divine punishment (cf. Ex 7:14–12:30 ; Lev 26:25 ; Ps 91:3 , 6 ).

[BACK TO 3:6] God’s presence was frequently marked by earthquakes (see Ex 19:18 ; Ps 18:7 ; Jer 4:24 ; 10:10 ; Na 1:5 ). Landslides may also be alluded to here.

[BACK TO 3:7] Cushan … Midian. Arab tribes living near Edom. distress … anguish. When Israel was delivered from Egypt under Moses, neighboring peoples were filled with fear (see Ex 15:14–16 ; Jos 2:9–10 ).

[BACK TO 3:8] Poetic allusions to the plague on the Nile ( Ex 7:20–24 ) and/or the stopping of the Jordan ( Jos 3:15–17 ), as well as to the parting of the “Red Sea” ( Ex 14:15–31 ).

[BACK TO 3:9] arrows. Probably lightning bolts unleashed by the heavenly archer (see Ps 18:14 and note; 144:6 ). rivers. Caused by the accompanying thunderstorms.

[BACK TO 3:11] Sun and moon stood still. Probably an allusion to the victory at Gibeon (see Jos 10:12–13 and note on 10:13 ), indicating that God’s triumph over his enemies would be just as complete as on that occasion.

[BACK TO 3:12] threshed. See note on Am 1:3 .

[BACK TO 3:13] deliver your people. God fought against the nations of Canaan (v. 12 ) but delivered his people. save. By giving victory to. anointed one. The covenant nation (“your people”; see Ps 28:9 ), the “kingdom of priests” ( Ex 19:6 ; see note there), which God came to deliver. He destroyed the enemy and in this great act of wrath (v. 12 ) remembered mercy (v. 2 ). leader of the land of wickedness. The pharaoh (see Ex 14:5–9 ).

[BACK TO 3:14–15] Another reference to the destruction of the Egyptians in the “Red Sea.” God will likewise vanquish present foes.

[BACK TO 3:15] horses. See v. 8 and note.

[BACK TO 3:16] The hymnic recollection of God’s mighty deeds of old in Israel’s behalf (vv. 3–15 ) fills the prophet with an awe so profound that he feels physically weak. Alternatively, it is possible that the message from the Lord that Babylonia would be sent against Judah ( 1:5–11 ) had so devastated him that he felt ill—until he heard the Lord’s further word. wait patiently. See 2:3 and note; Ps 37:7 . nation invading us. Babylonia.

[BACK TO 3:17] Probably anticipates the awful results of the imminent Babylonian invasion and devastation.

[BACK TO 3:18–19] Habakkuk has learned the lesson of faith ( 2:4 )—to trust in God’s providence regardless of circumstances. He declares that even if God should send suffering and loss, he would still rejoice in God his Savior—one of the strongest affirmations of faith in all Scripture.

[BACK TO 3:18] rejoice in the L ORD. See Ps 32:11 ; Php 3:1 ; 4:4 . be joyful in God my Savior. See Lk 1:47 .

[BACK TO 3:19] makes my feet like the feet of a deer. Gives me sure-footed confidence (see Ps 18:33 ). director. Probably the conductor of the temple musicians. This chapter may have formed part of the temple prayers that were chanted with the accompaniment of instruments (see 1Ch 16:4–7 ). stringed instruments. Including harp and lyre ( Ps 33:2 ; 92:3 ; 144:9 ).

Zephaniah

a quick look

Author:

Zephaniah

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Audience:

The people of Judah

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Date:

Between 640 and 627 BC

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Theme:

The prophet Zephaniah predicts the coming of the day of the Lord, when God will severely punish the nations, including apostate Judah, but will yet be merciful to his people.

Author

The prophet Zephaniah was evidently a person of considerable social standing in Judah and was probably related to the royal line. The prophecy opens with a statement of the author’s ancestry ( 1:1 ), which in itself is an unusual feature of the Hebrew prophetic tradition. Zephaniah was a fourth-generation descendant of Hezekiah, a notable king of Judah from 715 to 686 BC. Apart from this statement, nothing more is said about his background. Whereas the prophet Micah dealt carefully and sympathetically with the problems of the common people of Judah, Zephaniah’s utterances show a much greater familiarity with court circles and current political issues. Zephaniah was probably familiar with the writings of such prominent eighth-century prophets as Isaiah and Amos, whose utterances he reflects, and he may also have been aware of the ministry of the young Jeremiah.

Date

According to 1:1 , Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (640–609 BC ), making him a contemporary of Jeremiah, Nahum and perhaps Habakkuk. His prophecy is probably to be dated relatively early in Josiah’s reign, before that king’s attempt at reform (and while conditions brought about by the reigns of Manasseh and Amon still prevailed) and before the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal’s death in 627 (while Assyria was still powerful, though threatened).

Background

See Introductions to Jeremiah and Nahum : Background; see also 2Ki 22:1–23:30 ; 2Ch 34:1–36:1 and notes.

Like many other prophets, Zephaniah ends his pronouncements of doom on the positive note of Judah’s restoration by Yahweh, the King of Israel.

Purpose and Theological Theme

The intent of the author was to announce to Judah God’s approaching judgment. A Scythian incursion into Canaan may have provided the immediate occasion. This fierce people originated in what is now southern Russia, but by the seventh century BC they had migrated across the Caucasus and settled in and along the northern territories of the Assyrian Empire. Alternately the enemies and allies of Assyria, they seem to have thrust south along the Mediterranean sometime in the 620s, destroying Ashkelon and Ashdod and halting at the Egyptian border only because of a payoff by Pharaoh Psamtik (Psammetichus). Ultimately, however, the destruction prophesied by Zephaniah came at the hands of the Babylonians after they had overpowered Assyria and brought that ancient power to its end.

Zephaniah’s main theme is the coming of the day of the Lord (see notes on Isa 2:11 , 17 , 20 ; Joel 1:15 ; 2:2 ; Am 5:18 ; 8:9 ), when God will severely punish the nations, including apostate Judah. Zephaniah portrays the stark horror of that ordeal with the same graphic imagery found elsewhere in the Prophets. But he also makes it clear that God will yet be merciful toward his people; like many other prophets, he ends his pronouncements of doom on the positive note of Judah’s restoration by Yahweh, “King of Israel” ( 3:15 ; see note there).

Ashkelon tell. A tell is a hill formed by the accumulated debris of many ancient settlements one above the other. Ashkelon is one of the towns that Zephaniah predicted would be destroyed ( 2:4 ).

© 1995 Phoenix Data Systems

Outline

I. Introduction ( 1:1–3 )

A. Title: The Prophet Identified ( 1:1 )

B. Prologue: Double Announcement of Total Judgment ( 1:2–3 )

II. The Day of the Lord Coming on Judah and the Nations ( 1:4–18 )

A. Judgment on the Idolaters in Judah ( 1:4–9 )

B. Wailing throughout Jerusalem ( 1:10–13 )

C. The Inescapable Day of the Lord’s Wrath ( 1:14–18 )

III. God’s Judgment on the Nations ( 2:1–3:8 )

A. Call to Judah to Repent ( 2:1–3 )

B. Judgment on Philistia ( 2:4–7 )

C. Judgment on Moab and Ammon ( 2:8–11 )

D. Judgment on Cush ( 2:12 )

E. Judgment on Assyria ( 2:13–15 )

F. Judgment on Jerusalem ( 3:1–5 )

G. Jerusalem’s Refusal to Repent ( 3:6–8 )

IV. Redemption of the Remnant ( 3:9–20 )

A. The Nations Purified, the Remnant Restored, Jerusalem Purged ( 3:9–13 )

B. Rejoicing in the City ( 3:14–17 )

C. The Nation Restored ( 3:18–20 )

Introduction
Zephaniah 1	Zephaniah 2	Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah 1

^{1 ‡} The word of the LORD that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah ^† son of Amon ^† king of Judah:

Judgment on the Whole Earth in the Day of the LORD

^{2 ‡} “I will sweep away everything

from the face of the earth,” ^†

declares the LORD .

^{3 ‡} “I will sweep away both man and beast; ^†

I will sweep away the birds in the sky ^†

and the fish in the sea—

and the idols that cause the wicked to stumble.” ^[1]

“When I destroy all mankind

on the face of the earth,” ^†

declares the LORD , ^†

^{4 ‡} “I will stretch out my hand ^† against Judah

and against all who live in Jerusalem.

I will destroy every remnant of Baal worship in this place, ^†

the very names of the idolatrous priests ^† —

^{5 ‡} those who bow down on the roofs

to worship the starry host, ^†

those who bow down and swear by the LORD

and who also swear by Molek, ^{[2] †}

⁶ those who turn back from following ^† the LORD

and neither seek ^† the LORD nor inquire ^† of him.”

^{7 ‡} Be silent ^† before the Sovereign LORD ,

for the day of the LORD ^† is near.

The LORD has prepared a sacrifice; ^†

he has consecrated those he has invited.

^{8 ‡} “On the day of the LORD ’s sacrifice

I will punish ^† the officials

and the king’s sons ^†

and all those clad

in foreign clothes.

^{9 ‡} On that day I will punish

all who avoid stepping on the threshold, ^{[3] †}

who fill the temple of their gods

with violence and deceit. ^†

^{10 ‡} “On that day, ^† ”

declares the LORD ,

“a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, ^†

wailing ^† from the New Quarter,

and a loud crash from the hills.

^{11 ‡} Wail, ^† you who live in the market district ^[4] ;

all your merchants will be wiped out,

all who trade with ^[5] silver will be destroyed. ^†

^{12 ‡} At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps

and punish those who are complacent, ^†

who are like wine left on its dregs, ^†

who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, ^†

either good or bad.’ ^†

^{13 ‡} Their wealth will be plundered, ^†

their houses demolished.

Though they build houses,

they will not live in them;

though they plant vineyards,

they will not drink the wine.” ^†

^{14 ‡} The great day of the LORD ^† is near ^† —

near and coming quickly.

The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter;

the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle cry.

^{15 ‡} That day will be a day of wrath—

a day of distress and anguish,

a day of trouble and ruin,

a day of darkness ^† and gloom,

a day of clouds and blackness ^† —

¹⁶ a day of trumpet and battle cry ^†

against the fortified cities

and against the corner towers. ^†

^{17 ‡} “I will bring such distress ^† on all people

that they will grope about like those who are blind, ^†

because they have sinned against the LORD .

Their blood will be poured out ^† like dust

and their entrails like dung. ^†

^{18 ‡} Neither their silver nor their gold

will be able to save them

on the day of the LORD ’s wrath.” ^†

In the fire of his jealousy ^†

the whole earth will be consumed, ^†

for he will make a sudden end

of all who live on the earth. ^†

Zephaniah 2

Judah and Jerusalem Judged Along With the Nations

Judah Summoned to Repent

^{1 ‡} Gather together, ^† gather yourselves together,

you shameful ^† nation,

^{2 ‡} before the decree takes effect

and that day passes like windblown chaff, ^†

before the LORD ’s fierce anger ^†

comes upon you,

before the day of the LORD ’s wrath ^†

comes upon you.

^{3 ‡} Seek ^† the LORD , all you humble of the land,

you who do what he commands.

Seek righteousness, ^† seek humility; ^†

perhaps you will be sheltered ^†

on the day of the LORD ’s anger.

Philistia

^{4 ‡} Gaza ^† will be abandoned

and Ashkelon ^† left in ruins.

At midday Ashdod will be emptied

and Ekron uprooted.

^{5 ‡} Woe to you who live by the sea,

you Kerethite ^† people;

the word of the LORD is against you, ^†

Canaan, land of the Philistines.

He says, “I will destroy you,

and none will be left.” ^†

^{6 ‡} The land by the sea will become pastures

having wells for shepherds

and pens for flocks. ^†

^{7 ‡} That land will belong

to the remnant ^† of the people of Judah;

there they will find pasture.

In the evening they will lie down

in the houses of Ashkelon.

The LORD their God will care for them;

he will restore their fortunes. ^{[6] †}

Moab and Ammon

^{8 ‡} “I have heard the insults ^† of Moab ^†

and the taunts of the Ammonites, ^†

who insulted ^† my people

and made threats against their land. ^†

^{9 ‡} Therefore, as surely as I live,”

declares the LORD Almighty,

the God of Israel,

“surely Moab ^† will become like Sodom, ^†

the Ammonites ^† like Gomorrah—

a place of weeds and salt pits,

a wasteland forever.

The remnant of my people will plunder ^† them;

the survivors ^† of my nation will inherit their land. ^† ”

^{10 ‡} This is what they will get in return for their pride, ^†

for insulting ^† and mocking

the people of the LORD Almighty. ^†

^{11 ‡} The LORD will be awesome ^† to them

when he destroys all the gods ^† of the earth. ^†

Distant nations will bow down to him, ^†

all of them in their own lands.

Cush

^{12 ‡} “You Cushites, ^{[7] †} too,

will be slain by my sword. ^† ”

Assyria

^{13 ‡} He will stretch out his hand against the north

and destroy Assyria, ^†

leaving Nineveh ^† utterly desolate

and dry as the desert. ^†

¹⁴ Flocks and herds ^† will lie down there,

creatures of every kind.

The desert owl ^† and the screech owl ^†

will roost on her columns.

Their hooting will echo through the windows,

rubble will fill the doorways,

the beams of cedar will be exposed.

^{15 ‡} This is the city of revelry ^†

that lived in safety. ^†

She said to herself,

“I am the one! And there is none besides me.” ^†

What a ruin she has become,

a lair for wild beasts! ^†

All who pass by her scoff ^†

and shake their fists. ^†

Zephaniah 3

Jerusalem

^{1 ‡} Woe to the city of oppressors, ^†

rebellious ^† and defiled! ^†

² She obeys ^† no one,

she accepts no correction. ^†

She does not trust ^† in the LORD ,

she does not draw near ^† to her God.

^{3 ‡} Her officials within her

are roaring lions; ^†

her rulers are evening wolves, ^†

who leave nothing for the morning. ^†

^{4 ‡} Her prophets are unprincipled;

they are treacherous people. ^†

Her priests profane the sanctuary

and do violence to the law. ^†

^{5 ‡} The LORD within her is righteous; ^†

he does no wrong. ^†

Morning by morning ^† he dispenses his justice,

and every new day he does not fail, ^†

yet the unrighteous know no shame. ^†

Jerusalem Remains Unrepentant

^{6 ‡} “I have destroyed nations;

their strongholds are demolished.

I have left their streets deserted,

with no one passing through.

Their cities are laid waste; ^†

they are deserted and empty.

^{7 ‡} Of Jerusalem I thought,

‘Surely you will fear me

and accept correction!’ ^†

Then her place of refuge ^[8] would not be destroyed,

nor all my punishments come upon ^[9] her.

But they were still eager

to act corruptly ^† in all they did.

^{8 ‡} Therefore wait ^† for me,”

declares the LORD ,

“for the day I will stand up to testify. ^[10]

I have decided to assemble ^† the nations, ^†

to gather the kingdoms

and to pour out my wrath ^† on them—

all my fierce anger. ^†

The whole world will be consumed ^†

by the fire of my jealous anger.

Restoration of Israel’s Remnant

^{9 ‡} “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples,

that all of them may call ^† on the name of the LORD ^†

and serve ^† him shoulder to shoulder.

^{10 ‡} From beyond the rivers of Cush ^{[11] †}

my worshipers, my scattered people,

will bring me offerings. ^†

^{11 ‡} On that day you, Jerusalem, will not be put to shame ^†

for all the wrongs you have done to me, ^†

because I will remove from you

your arrogant boasters. ^†

Never again will you be haughty

on my holy hill. ^†

^{12 ‡} But I will leave within you

the meek ^† and humble.

The remnant of Israel

will trust ^† in the name of the LORD .

^{13 ‡} They ^† will do no wrong; ^†

they will tell no lies. ^†

A deceitful tongue

will not be found in their mouths. ^†

They will eat and lie down ^†

and no one will make them afraid. ^† ”

^{14 ‡} Sing, Daughter Zion; ^†

shout aloud, ^† Israel!

Be glad and rejoice ^† with all your heart,

Daughter Jerusalem!

^{15 ‡} The LORD has taken away your punishment,

he has turned back your enemy.

The LORD , the King of Israel, is with you; ^†

never again will you fear ^† any harm. ^†

^{16 ‡} On that day

they will say to Jerusalem,

“Do not fear, Zion;

do not let your hands hang limp. ^†

¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves. ^†

He will take great delight ^† in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you, ^†

but will rejoice over you with singing.” ^†

^{18 ‡} “I will remove from you

all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,

which is a burden and reproach for you.

^{19 ‡} At that time I will deal

with all who oppressed ^† you.

I will rescue the lame;

I will gather the exiles. ^†

I will give them praise ^† and honor

in every land where they have suffered shame.

^{20 ‡} At that time I will gather you;

at that time I will bring ^† you home.

I will give you honor ^† and praise ^†

among all the peoples of the earth

when I restore your fortunes ^{[12] †}

before your very eyes,”

says the LORD .

Zephaniah 1

^{[BACK TO [1]]} 1:3 The meaning of the Hebrew for this line is uncertain.

^{[BACK TO [2]]} 1:5 Hebrew Malkam

^{[BACK TO [3]]} 1:9 See 1 Samuel 5:5 .

^{[BACK TO [4]]} 1:11 Or the Mortar

^{[BACK TO [5]]} 1:11 Or in

Zephaniah 2

^{[BACK TO [6]]} 2:7 Or will bring back their captives

^{[BACK TO [7]]} 2:12 That is, people from the upper Nile region

Zephaniah 3

^{[BACK TO [8]]} 3:7 Or her sanctuary

^{[BACK TO [9]]} 3:7 Or all those I appointed over

^{[BACK TO [10]]} 3:8 Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew will rise up to plunder

^{[BACK TO [11]]} 3:10 That is, the upper Nile region

^{[BACK TO [12]]} 3:20 Or I bring back your captives

Zephaniah 1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:1: 2Ki 22:1 ; 2Ch 34:1–35:25

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:1: S 1Ch 3:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:2: S Ge 6:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: Jer 50:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: S Jer 4:25

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: ver 18 ; S Hos 4:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:3: S Eze 14:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: S Jer 6:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: Mic 5:13 ; Zep 2:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:4: S Jer 15:6 ; S Hos 10:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:5: S Jer 8:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:5: S Lev 18:21 ; Jer 5:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: Isa 1:4 ; Jer 2:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: S Isa 9:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:6: S Hos 7:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:7: S Isa 41:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:7: ver 14 ; Isa 13:6 ; S Eze 7:19 ; S Joel 3:14 ; S Am 5:18–20

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:7: S Lev 3:9 ; S Jer 46:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:8: Isa 24:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:8: Jer 39:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:9: 1Sa 5:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:9: S Am 3:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:10: Isa 22:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:10: S 2Ch 33:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:10: S Am 5:16

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:11: Jas 5:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:11: Hos 9:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: Am 6:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: Jer 48:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: S 2Ki 21:16 ; S Eze 8:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:12: S Job 22:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: S 2Ki 24:13 ; Jer 15:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:13: Dt 28:30 , 39 ; La 5:2 ; S Am 5:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:14: S ver 7 ; S Joel 1:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:14: S Eze 7:7 ; S Da 7:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:15: S 1Sa 2:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:15: S Isa 22:5 ; Joel 2:2 ; Mk 13:24–25

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:16: S Jer 4:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:16: S Dt 28:52 ; S Isa 2:15 ; S Joel 2:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:17: S Dt 28:52

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:17: S Isa 59:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:17: Ps 79:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:17: S Ps 83:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:18: S Job 20:20 ; S 40:11 ; S Jer 4:4 ; S Eze 7:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:18: S Dt 29:20

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:18: S ver 2–3 ; Zep 3:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 1:18: S Ge 6:7 ; S Eze 7:11

Zephaniah 2

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: 2Ch 20:4 ; Joel 1:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:1: S Jer 3:3 ; 6:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:2: Isa 17:13 ; Hos 13:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:2: S Jer 10:25 ; S La 4:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:2: S Jer 4:4 ; S Eze 7:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: S Am 5:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: S Isa 1:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: Ps 45:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:3: Ps 57:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:4: S Ge 10:19 ; S Am 1:6 , 7–8 ; Zec 9:5–7

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:4: Jer 47:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S 1Sa 30:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S Lev 26:31 ; Am 3:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:5: S Isa 14:30

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:6: S Isa 5:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:7: S Ge 45:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:7: S Dt 30:3 ; Ps 126:4 ; Jer 32:44 ; S Hos 6:11 ; S Joel 3:1 ; Am 1:6–8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: S Jer 48:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: S Ge 19:37 ; S Isa 16:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: S Eze 21:28

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: Eze 25:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:8: S La 3:61

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Dt 23:6 ; Isa 15:1–16:14 ; Jer 48:1–47 ; Eze 25:8–11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: Dt 29:23 ; Isa 13:19 ; Jer 49:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: Jer 49:1–6 ; Eze 25:1–7

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Isa 11:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S 2Ki 19:31

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:9: S Am 2:1–3

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:10: S Job 40:12 ; S Isa 16:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:10: S Jer 48:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:10: S Ps 9:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:11: S Joel 2:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:11: S Zep 1:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:11: S 1Ch 19:1 ; Eze 25:6–7

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:11: Ps 86:9 ; S Isa 12:4 ; Zep 3:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:12: S Ge 10:6 ; S Isa 20:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:12: S Jer 46:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:13: S Isa 10:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:13: S Ge 10:11 ; S Na 1:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:13: S Mic 5:6 ; Zec 10:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:14: S Isa 5:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:14: S Isa 14:23

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:14: S Ps 102:6 ; Rev 18:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: S Isa 32:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: Isa 47:8

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: Eze 28:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: Jer 49:33

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: S Isa 28:22 ; S Na 3:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 2:15: S Eze 27:36

Zephaniah 3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:1: S Jer 6:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:1: S Dt 21:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:1: S Eze 23:30

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Jer 22:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Lev 26:23 ; S Jer 7:28

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Dt 1:32

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:2: S Ps 73:28

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Ps 22:13

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Ge 49:27

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:3: S Mic 3:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:4: S Ps 25:3 ; S Isa 48:8 ; Jer 3:20 ; 9:4 ; Mal 2:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:4: S Jer 23:11 ; S Eze 22:26

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: S Ezr 9:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: Dt 32:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: S Ps 5:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: S La 3:23

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:5: S Jer 3:3 ; S Eze 18:25

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:6: S Lev 26:31

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:7: S Jer 7:28

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:7: S Hos 9:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Ps 27:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Joel 3:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Isa 2:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: Ps 79:6 ; Rev 16:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Jer 10:25 ; S La 4:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:8: S Zep 1:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:9: S Zep 2:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:9: S Ge 4:26

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:9: S Isa 19:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:10: S Ge 10:6 ; S Ps 68:31

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:10: S 2Ch 32:23 ; S Isa 60:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: S Isa 29:22 ; S Joel 2:26–27

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: S Ge 50:15

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: S Ps 59:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:11: S Ex 15:17 ; S Lev 26:19

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:12: Isa 14:32

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:12: S Jer 29:12 ; Na 1:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Isa 10:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: Ps 119:3 ; S Isa 4:3

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Jer 33:16 ; Rev 14:5

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Job 16:17

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: Eze 34:15 ; Zep 2:7

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:13: S Lev 26:6 ; S Eze 34:25–28

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:14: S Ps 9:14 ; Zec 2:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:14: S Ps 95:1 ; Isa 12:6 ; Zec 2:10

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:14: S Ps 9:2 ; S Isa 51:11

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:15: Eze 37:26–28

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:15: S Isa 54:14

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:15: Zec 9:9

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:16: S 2Ki 19:26 ; S Job 4:3 ; Isa 35:3–4 ; Heb 12:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: S Isa 63:1 ; S Joel 2:21

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: S Dt 28:63 ; S Isa 62:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: S Hos 14:4

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:17: S Isa 40:1

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:19: S Isa 14:2

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:19: S Eze 34:16 ; S Mic 4:6

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:19: Isa 60:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:20: S Jer 29:14 ; S Eze 37:12

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:20: Isa 56:5 ; 66:22

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:20: S Dt 26:19 ; S Isa 60:18

^{[BACK TO †]} 3:20: S Joel 3:1

[BACK TO 1:1] word of the L ORD. A common introductory phrase in the Prophets (see Jer 1:2 ; Hos 1:1 and notes). Zephaniah. Means “The L ORD hides” or “The L ORD protects,” perhaps implying a prayer for God’s protection of the child Zephaniah during the infamous reign of Manasseh. son of … Hezekiah. Judging from the author’s pedigree, it is likely that he was in his early 20s when he began to prophesy. He is more closely identified with the ruling class than was Isaiah, although Isaiah also moved regularly in court circles and was perhaps of noble birth.

[BACK TO 1:2–3] sweep away. Zephaniah speaks of the coming catastrophe in language reminiscent of God’s utterances prior to the flood ( Ge 6:7 ). But this time it will be by God’s fire (v. 18 ; 3:8 ).

[BACK TO 1:3] idols that cause the wicked to stumble. See NIV text note; see also Ps 115:4–8 ; Isa 44:9–20 ; Hos 8:4–8 ; 9:10 and notes.

[BACK TO 1:4–6] Seems to indicate that Zephaniah’s main ministry took place before 621 BC , since the practices condemned here were abolished in Josiah’s reforms (see 2Ki 23:4–16 and notes). Perhaps Zephaniah’s message was partly instrumental in motivating King Josiah to undertake his reforms (cf. 2Ch 34:1–7 ).

[BACK TO 1:4] Judah is censured for its unrepentant participation in the gross idolatry of Baal worship. Baal. See note on Jdg 2:13 . this place. Jerusalem, where Zephaniah probably lived.

[BACK TO 1:5] on the roofs. See 2Ki 23:12 ; Jer 19:13 and notes. worship the starry host. See Dt 4:19 ; 2Ki 17:16 and note; 21:3 ; Isa 47:13 . swear by the L ORD … also swear by Molek. Syncretism (worship of one’s own god along with other gods). Molek. Worshiped by the Ammonites, his rituals sometimes involved child sacrifice. Molek worship was forbidden to the Israelites (see Lev 18:21 and note; 20:1–5 ). Despite this, Solomon set up an altar to Molek on the Mount of Olives ( 1Ki 11:7 ). Manasseh established the rituals in the Valley of Ben Hinnom (see 2Ch 33:6 ; Jer 7:31 and note; 32:35 ).

[BACK TO 1:7] Be silent before the Sovereign L ORD. See Hab 2:20 and note. day of the L ORD. Zephaniah’s main theme (see Introduction: Purpose and Theological Theme ); not of deliverance for Judah but of divine vengeance on the idolatrous covenant nation. See notes on Isa 2:11 , 17 , 20 ; 10:20 , 27 ; Joel 1:15 ; Am 5:18 . sacrifice. The victim is Judah. consecrated. Since the coming slaughter of judgment is called a sacrifice, God’s preparation of his guests is called his consecration of them—in preparation for their feasting on the plunder. those … invited. The pagan conquerors (mainly Babylonia).

[BACK TO 1:8] foreign clothes. Dress that indicated conformity to Babylonian, Egyptian or Assyrian ways.

[BACK TO 1:9] avoid stepping on the threshold. Perhaps referring to a pagan custom that began in the time of Samuel (see 1Sa 5:5 and note).

[BACK TO 1:10–13] Wailing throughout the city (contrast 3:14–17 ).

[BACK TO 1:10] Merchants who had grown rich through corrupt business practices would be destroyed. Fish Gate. In the north wall of the city (see note on Ne 3:3 ). Jerusalem was most vulnerable to attacks from the north. New Quarter. See note on 2Ki 22:14 ; see also map .

[BACK TO 1:11] market district. May have been an area in the Tyropoeon Valley (see note on Ne 2:13 ; see also map ).

[BACK TO 1:12] search Jerusalem with lamps. The Babylonians later dragged people from houses, streets, sewers and tombs, where they had hidden. like wine left on its dregs. See Isa 25:6 and note. The L ORD will do nothing. A typical depiction of the arrogance of the wicked (see note on Ps 10:11 ).

[BACK TO 1:13] The assets of those who have become wealthy through dishonesty will be exposed and plundered (see Dt 28:30 ).

[BACK TO 1:14–18] In a dramatic passage of great lyrical power, the Lord describes the destruction that will sweep the earth in the day of God’s wrath.

[BACK TO 1:15] That day will be a day of wrath. The inspiration for Thomas of Celano’s great medieval hymn, Dies Irae Dies Illa (c. AD 1250). darkness … blackness. See Am 5:18–20 .

[BACK TO 1:17] like those who are blind. See Dt 28:28–29 .

[BACK TO 1:18] Neither … silver nor … gold will … save them. In the day of God’s judgment, material wealth cannot buy deliverance from punishment. fire of his jealousy. See vv. 2–3 and note; 3:8 .

[BACK TO 2:1–3] The prophet’s exhortation to Judah to repent. This call to repentance and the later indictment of Jerusalem for refusal to repent (see 3:6–8 and note) frame the series of judgments that illustratively detail God’s acts in the coming day of the Lord ( 2:4–3:5 ).

[BACK TO 2:2] like windblown chaff. See Ps 1:4 and note; 35:5 ; Isa 17:13 ; 29:5 ; Hos 13:3 .

[BACK TO 2:3] Seek the L ORD. Even though destruction is imminent, there is still time to be sheltered from the calamity if only the nation will repent (see Am 5:4 and note). humble. Those who abandon the arrogance of their idolatry and wickedness and “seek humility.”

[BACK TO 2:4–3:8] God’s coming judgment on the nations—including Jerusalem (see Am 1:3–2:16 and note).

[BACK TO 2:4] Gaza … Ashkelon … Ashdod … Ekron. Philistine cities located west of Judah “by the sea” (vv. 5–6 ; see notes on Am 1:6 , 8 ; see also map ).

[BACK TO 2:5] Kerethite. See note on 1Sa 30:14 . Canaan. See note on Ge 10:6 . I … left. The Lord’s announced purpose.

[BACK TO 2:6] The once-populous Philistine cities will revert to pastureland.

[BACK TO 2:7] The faithful remnant of Judah will occupy this land and graze their flocks on it. restore their fortunes. See NIV text note. Here and in vv. 9 , 11 the prophet anticipates the ultimate outcome of the day of the Lord, which he spells out more fully in 3:9–20 .

[BACK TO 2:8] Moab … Ammonites. Peoples living east of Judah (see notes on Ge 19:36–38 ; Am 1:13 ; 2:3 ). For the hostility of Ammon and Moab toward Israel, see Am 1:13 ; 2:3 . They had often threatened to occupy Israelite territory (see Jdg 11:13 and note; Eze 25:2–7 ).

[BACK TO 2:9] Sodom … Gomorrah. See Ge 19 . They were used in the OT to typify complete destruction at the hands of God (see Am 4:11 and note), and their mention added ominous overtones to the prophet’s description of the day of the Lord. weeds. A symbol of depopulation (cf. Isa 7:23–25 ). remnant … will inherit their land. See note on v. 7 .

[BACK TO 2:10] in return for their pride , for insulting and mocking. In reprisal, the faithful remnant will occupy Ammonite and Moabite territory.

[BACK TO 2:11] nations will bow down to him. See 3:9 and note.

[BACK TO 2:12] You … too. Without elaboration, the prophet simply announces God’s purpose against Egypt, located southwest of Judah (see vv. 5 , 8 and notes). Cushites. See NIV text note. Egypt was ruled from 715 to 663 BC by a Cushite dynasty. my sword. Probably Babylonia (see Eze 21:9–13 , 19 ; see also notes on Ps 7:12–13 ; Isa 10:5 ).

[BACK TO 2:13] north. Although Nineveh was east of Judah, Assyrian armies normally invaded Canaan from the north (see notes on v. 12 ; 1:10 ), having first marched west along the Euphrates instead of through the Arabian Desert. Nineveh. See the books of Jonah and Nahum. Since Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC , Zephaniah’s ministry had to be before that date. utterly desolate. Even the site of Nineveh was later forgotten—until discovered through modern excavations (see Na 3:17 and note).

[BACK TO 2:15] I am … none besides me. See Isa 47:10 . Assyria’s boast belongs properly to God alone (see Isa 47:8 , 10 and note). has become. Anticipating Nineveh’s impending destruction.

[BACK TO 3:1] city. Apostate Jerusalem is condemned for its sins. oppressors. See Jer 22:3 .

[BACK TO 3:3–4] officials … rulers … prophets … priests. All classes of Judah’s leaders are castigated for indulging in conduct completely opposed to their vocations and responsibilities (see Jer 1:18 and note).

[BACK TO 3:3] roaring lions … evening wolves. Those in power are rapacious.

[BACK TO 3:4] unprincipled … treacherous people. Claiming to be prophets of the Lord, they proclaimed only lies (see Jer 5:31 and note; 14:14 ; 23:16 , 32 ). priests … do violence to the law. When they should have been teachers of the law (see Dt 31:9–13 ; 2Ch 17:8–9 ; 19:8 ; Ezr 7:6 ; Jer 2:8 ; 18:18 ; Mal 2:7 ).

[BACK TO 3:5] Morning by morning … he does not fail. Cf. La 3:22–23 and notes.

[BACK TO 3:6–8] Jerusalem’s refusal to repent (see 2:1–3 and note).

[BACK TO 3:6] I have destroyed nations. The destruction of other nations was meant to serve as a warning to wanton Judah, but to no avail (see v. 7 ).

[BACK TO 3:7] eager to act corruptly. See, e.g., Jer 7:13 , 25–26 .

[BACK TO 3:8] wait. A sarcastic statement to Judah to wait for the threatened catastrophe. to testify. To lodge accusations (see Ps 50:7 )—and then proceed to execute judgments. I have decided. Or “For I have decided.” The Lord concludes his announcement of judgment with a general declaration of his intent. consumed by the fire of my jealous anger. See 1:2–3 and note; 1:18 ; La 1:13 and note.