Study Notes

1:1 word of the LORD. A common introductory phrase in the Prophets (see Jer 1:2; Hos 1:1 and notes). Zephaniah. Means “The LORD hides” or “The LORD protects.” son of . . . Hezekiah. Judging from the author’s possible relationship to the former king, 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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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 LORD . . . 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 expressly 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).

1:7 Be silent before the Sovereign LORD. See Hab 2:20 and note. day of the LORD. 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, comparing them to offerings prepared for sacrifice—in preparation for their feasting on the plunder. those . . . invited. The pagan conquerors (mainly Babylonia).

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

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).

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

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.

1:11 market district. See maps here and here.

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 LORD will do nothing. A typical depiction of the arrogance of the wicked (see note on Ps 10:11).

1:13 Their wealth will be plundered. The assets of those who have become wealthy through dishonesty will be exposed and plundered (Dt 28:30). Though they build houses, they will not live in them. Due to a “futility” curse (see Hag 1:6 and note).

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.

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.

1:17 like those who are blind. See Dt 28:28–29.

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.

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 against various nations that illustratively detail God’s acts in the coming day of the Lord (2:4—3:5).

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

2:3 Seek the LORD. 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.”

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

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 and photo).

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

2:6 The once-populous Philistine cities will revert to pastureland.

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 redemptive outcome of the day of the Lord, which he spells out more fully in 3:9–20.

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).

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.

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

2:11 nations will bow down to him. See 3:9 and note.

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).

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).

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.

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

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).

3:3 roaring lions . . . evening wolves. Those in power are rapacious.

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 (Dt 31:9–13; 2Ch 17:8–9; 19:8; Ezr 7:6; Jer 2:8; 18:18; Mal 2:7).

3:5 Morning by morning . . . he does not fail. Cf. La 3:22–23 and notes.

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

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 (v. 7).

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

3:8 wait. A sarcastic statement to Judah to wait for the threatened catastrophe. to testify. To lodge accusations (Ps 50:7)—and then proceed to execute judgments. 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.

3:9–20 A three-stanza prophecy (vv. 9–13,14–17, 18–20) announcing redemption that will follow God’s judgment.

3:9–13 The Lord gives assurance that the nations will be purified, the scattered remnant restored and Jerusalem purged.

3:9 God’s fearful judgment of the nations will effect (or be followed by) their purification, so that they will call on his name and serve him. Israel’s God will be acknowledged by the nations, and God’s people will be held in honor by them (cf. vv. 19–20).

3:10 Cush. See NIV text note; the most distant area imaginable (see 2:12; Isa 18:1 and notes). The most widely dispersed will be restored. bring me offerings. Rather than to Baal and Molek (cf. 1:4–5).

3:11 my holy hill. Mount Zion (see Ps 2:6 and note).

3:12 remnant. See 2:7; Isa 1:9 and notes.

3:13 no one will make them afraid. Quoted verbatim from Mic 4:4 (see note there).

3:14–17 Joy in the restored city (in two parts: vv. 14–15 and vv. 16–17)—the prophet’s reassurance (contrast 1:10–13).

3:14 Daughter Zion . . . Daughter Jerusalem. A personification of Jerusalem (see note on 2Ki 19:21).

3:15 your enemy. All those arrayed against Israel. The LORD, the King of Israel. See Isa 44:6; see also Introduction to Psalms: Theology.

3:16 do not let your hands hang limp. Do not be discouraged (see Jer 47:3 and note).

3:17 This verse portrays the Lord as a God both immensely powerful and deeply loving.

3:18–20 Summary announcement of restoration—the Lord’s final assurance.

3:18 mourn. Israel’s sorrow at not being able to celebrate its great religious festivals. appointed festivals. See Lev 23 and chart.

3:19–20 gather the exiles . . . give them . . . gather you . . . give you. The level of intimacy increases as the Lord concludes his words of assurance.

3:20 give you honor and praise. See v. 19; see also Ge 12:2–3 and note. restore your fortunes. See NIV text note. This refrain is repeated from 2:7.