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Zephaniah 2

Zeph 2, Zep 2, Zp 2


Zephaniah 2

1 Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD's anger come upon you.

3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.

4 For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

5 Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant.

6 And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.

7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.



9 Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

10 This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the LORD of hosts.

11 The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen.

12 Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword.

13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.

14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds; for he shall uncover the cedar work.

15 This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.

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Summary and the Meaning of Chapter 2 of the Book of Zephaniah in the KJV Holy Bible

The second chapter of the Book of Zephaniah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a prophetic narrative, a call for repentance and a pronouncement of divine judgment on various nations. This chapter represents a shift from the universal judgment of the first chapter to specific nations, including Judah, the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria. The primary themes are repentance, divine judgment, and God's sovereignty.

A Call to Repentance and the Divine Judgment

Chapter 2 begins with a call to repentance. The prophet Zephaniah implores the nation of Judah to seek the Lord, to seek righteousness and humility before the day of the Lord's wrath. This plea is not just a call to ritualistic observance of religious duties but a call to a genuine change of heart and behavior, a complete transformation that would be pleasing in the eyes of God. It is a call that echoes the overarching theme of repentance that runs through the entire biblical narrative.

The subsequent verses detail the divine judgment that awaits those who do not heed this call. Zephaniah prophesies the destruction of various nations, including the Philistines, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, and Assyria. He describes these judgments in vivid and graphic detail, with imagery of desolation and ruin. The message is clear: those who rebel against God's commandments and refuse to repent will face severe consequences.

The Sovereignty of God

The theme of God's sovereignty is also prevalent in this chapter. Throughout the text, Zephaniah emphasizes that it is God who will execute this judgment, not any human power. God is presented as the ultimate judge and ruler of all nations, with the authority to bring about their destruction or restoration. This portrayal of God's sovereignty underscores the gravity of the divine judgment and the necessity of repentance.

Furthermore, God's sovereignty is demonstrated in His ability to use nations as instruments of His judgment. The destruction of these nations is not random or arbitrary; rather, it is a part of God's plan to bring about justice and righteousness. This aspect of God's sovereignty serves to reassure the faithful that despite the chaos and destruction, God is in control and His purposes will prevail.

Meaning and Significance

The second chapter of Zephaniah conveys several key messages. First, it emphasizes the importance of repentance. The call to seek the Lord, to seek righteousness and humility, is a reminder of the transformative power of repentance. It is through repentance that individuals and nations can avert divine judgment and experience God's mercy and grace.

Second, this chapter underscores the reality of divine judgment. The graphic descriptions of destruction serve as a stark warning of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. However, this judgment is not vindictive or arbitrary; it is a manifestation of God's justice and righteousness.

Lastly, this chapter highlights God's sovereignty. Despite the chaos and destruction, God is in control. He is the ultimate judge, the ruler of all nations, with the authority to bring about their destruction or restoration. This portrayal of God's sovereignty offers reassurance and hope amidst the turmoil, reminding the faithful of God's ultimate control and His commitment to justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the second chapter of the Book of Zephaniah is a powerful testament to the themes of repentance, divine judgment, and God's sovereignty. It is a call to transform, a warning of the consequences of disobedience, and a reminder of God's supreme authority. As such, it serves as a pertinent message for all who seek to understand and live in accordance with God's commandments.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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