Sofonias 2
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Sofonias 2
NJB (MT versing) Judgments on Judah's Enemies A Call to Repentance The Humble of the Land Who Seek the Lord in Righteousness A Plea for Repentance Conclusion: A Call to Conversion 2:1-3 (1-3) 2:1-3 (1-3) 2:1-3 (1-3) 2:1-3 2:1-3 (1-3) Judgment on Nations Against the Nations The Doom of the Nations Around Israel The Enemy to the West: The Philistines 2:4-7 (4-7) 2:4-5 (4-5) 2:4-7 (4-7) 2:4-7 2:4-7 (4-7) 2:6-7 (6-7) The Enemies to the East: Moab and Ammon 2:8-11 (8-9) 2:8-9 (8-9) 2:8-11 (8-11) 2:8-9 2:8-11 (8-11) 2:10-11 (10-11) 2:10-11 The Enemy to the South: Ethiopia 2:12-15 (12-15) 2:12 (12) 2:12 (12) 2:12 2:12 (12) The Enemy to the North: Assyria 2:13-15 (13-15) 2:13-15 (13-15) 2:13-15 2:13-15 (13-15) Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS This chapter has a word to the remnant of Judah (Zeph. 2:1-3). The prophet issues a divine call for repentance to the faithful few in Judah. This chapter has the hope of the universal worship of YHWH (Zeph. 2:11; 3:9). All nations who oppose YHWH will be judged, even powerful, arrogant Assyria (cf. Nahum). Concerning Zephaniah's use of Hebrew poetic forms and imagery note D. Brent Sandy, Plowshares and Pruning Hooks, p. 193. "Zephaniah is describing God's judgment on Assyria in the destruction of its capital, Nineveh. But for a poet it is not enough simply to state the fact. Zephaniah develops the point with a series of metaphors: lack of water replaces an abundance of water, animals replace people, the screech of owls replaces voices, rubble replaces finery, mockery replaces admiration. Metaphors are essential to the poetic development of basic concepts."
Sofonias 2:1-3
2:1 "Gather. . .gather" These are repeated IMPERATIVES which occur only here. BDB 905 II, KB 1154, Hithpoel same root, Qal The root is used of gathering dried chaff or stubble (cf. Exod. 5:7,12; Num. 15:32,33; 1 Kgs. 17:10). Another word for "chaff" (BDB 558) is used in Zeph. 2:2. Even the faithful remnant are about to be destroyed by the fire of YHWH's wrath (Zeph. 2:2c,d). They must "seek" Him (three Piel IMPERATIVES, Zeph. 2:3). Finding Him will result in their humility (Zeph. 2:2b; 3:2, cf. 1 Kgs. 21:29) their covenant obedience (Zeph. 2:2c) Even then there is only hope (i.e., "perhaps," BDB 19 II, cf. Exod. 32:20; Amos 5:15, similar to Daniel's advice to Nebuchadnezzar in Dan. 4:27 or Jonah 3:9) that YHWH will "hide" (BDB 711, KB 771, Niphal IMPERFECT) them, which is a word play on the prophet's name. Godly individuals are impacted by national judgment. Sin, even forgiven sin, has terrible consequences in time. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE REMNANT, THREE SENSES ▣ "nation" This term (goy, BDB 156) is used several times for the covenant people (i.e., Gen. 18:22; 22:18; 26:4-35:11; Exod. 19:6; Deut. 28:1), but in this context (judgment on surrounding nations of the ANE) it is a derogatory word about Judah's faithlessness. She is acting like the idolatrous, ignorant pagan nations (goim). ▣ NASB, NRSV, JPSOA, TEV, NJB "without shame" NKJV, NET "undesirable" "unruly" "uneducated" "without discipline" The MT has the VERB BDB 493, KB 490, Niphal PERFECT, which means "longing for," "deeply desiring" (i.e., Gen. 31:30; Ps. 84:2, JB). Here, it is negated. Judah did not long for YHWH (cf. Zeph. 1:6). The translation "unashamed" comes from an Aramaic root for "shame," or literally, "become pale from embarrassment." 2:2 "Before the decree takes effect" The "decree" (BDB 349) refers to the covenant blessings and cursings of Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28. The VERB is literally "born" (BDB 408, KB 411, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT). This is powerful imagery of God's word once given or released cannot be recalled (i.e., Isa. 55:11, note the Qal IMPERATIVE "seek" in Isa. 55:9). I like the comment by David Baker in the Tyndale OT Commentary series, p. 103. "The people are to respond quickly, because several things are imminent and soon to come, as shown by the threefold repetition of before, another allusion of the closeness of the Day of Yahweh (1:7,14). Here the day is described as relating to his anger (cf. La. 2:22), his fierce anger (3:8; cf. Ex. 32:12; Is. 13:9,13; Ho. 11:9; Na. 1:6) which comes upon the nation as a result of sin." SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION, I. ▣ "the chaff" This is the disposable part of grain. It became an idiom of judgment (i.e., chaff blown by the wind, i.e., Ps. 1:4; Hos. 13:3). Here it denotes the rapid passing of time when repentance must be made before judgment is unleashed. There is a word play between "gather" (Zeph. 2:1, BDB 905 II, "gather dry chaff") and this word (BDB 558). ▣ "the burning anger of the Lord" This is anthropomorphic language, yet there is the reality of YHWH's passion, zeal, and commitment to His covenant. Anger is what occurs when love is rejected, especially in the presence of great light (i.e., Scripture, cf. Nah. 1:2-3,6-7)! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN LANGUAGE 2:3 "Seek" This is a crucial term to denote faithful followers. They are not idolaters, Zeph.1:4-5 (cf. Deut. 4:25-31). They do not turn back, Zeph. 1:6a. They do not cheat the poor, Zeph. 1:11 (usually "humility" is related to the poor, Exod. 22:21-41; Deut. 18:10; Mic. 6:8, but here for the faithful followers). Here the VERB "seek" (BDB 134, KB 152), from Zeph. 1:6, is repeated three times in a Piel IMPERATIVE form. See full notes at Zeph. 1:6b. Notice how this "seeking" is characterized here. all you humble of Judah (one use of erets) of all the earth (see Zeph. 2:11, another use of erets) disobedience to the covenant live in righteousness SPECIAL TOPIC: LAND, COUNTRY, EARTH SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS ▣ "ordinances" See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION.
Sofonias 2:4-7
2:4-5 These verses reflect God's judgment on the surrounding nations. Many (NJB) have asserted that they formed the four points of the compass. Philistia to the west (Zeph. 2:4-7) Moab and Ammon to the east (Zeph. 2:8-11) Cush to the south (Zeph. 2:12) Assyria to the north (Zeph. 2:13-15, i.e., they invaded from the north) 2:4 "Gaza. . .Ashkelon. . .Ashdod. . .Ekron" These are four of the five major Philistine cities (cf. Jos. 13:3). Amos 1:6-8 also omits the city of Gad. This is why many believe that Zephaniah quoted from Amos. But Zech. 9:5-7 also omits "Gad." It was destroyed by Sargon II, King of Assyria in 711 B.C ▣ "Gaza will be abandoned" There is a sound play between Gaza ‒ עזזה abandoned/deserted (BDB 736 I, KB 806, Qal PASSIVE PARTICIPLE) ‒ עזובה The Philistine city states will be destroyed and deserted, like Nineveh in Zeph. 2:13-14. Also note the word/sound play between Ekron ‒ עקרון be uprooted (BDB 785, KB 784, Niphal IMPERFECT) ‒ עקר Word/sound plays (not rhymes) are so common in Hebrew poetry. SPECIAL TOPIC: HEBREW POETRY ▣ "will be driven out at noon" The imagery of "noon" has several connotations. God's judgment will blind sinners even at noon (the brightest time of day), cf. Deut. 28:29; Job 5:14; Ps. 37:6; Isa. 59:10 (i.e., YHWH's presence is brighter) demonic attack ‒ Ps. 91:6; Jer. 15:8 an unusual time for attacking because (idiom of intense fighting of a surprise attack, cf. Jer. 6:4; Zeph. 2:4) bright light heat of the day time for lunch and rest ▣ "Ekron will be uprooted" "Ekron" (BDB 785) means "deeply rooted." Therefore, this is a Hebrew way of saying that the deeply rooted will be uprooted (BDB 785, KB 874, Niphal IMPERFECT). 2:5 "Woe" The Hebrew INTERJECTION (BDB 222) is sometimes positive,"alas" and sometimes negative, "woe." some positive examples ‒ Isa. 55:1; Jer. 47:6; Zech. 2:6-7 negative examples Assyria ‒ Isa. 10:5; Nah. 3:1 Syria ‒ Isa. 17:12 Ethiopia ‒ Isa. 18:1 Israel ‒ Isa. 1:4; 28:1; Amos 5:16-17 Babylon ‒ Hab. 2:6,9,12,15,19 Judah (1) Jehoiakim ‒ Jer. 22:18-19 (2) Zedekiah ‒ Jer. 34:4-5; Ezek. 24:6,9 ▣ "The nation of the Cherethites" They (BDB 504, KB 501) may refer to the VERB "cutter offs" (BDB 503, KB 506). Some assert that they are Cretans, as are the Philistines (cf. Deut. 2:23; Amos 9:7). They lived in the Negev (cf. 1 Sam. 30:14) and later were connected to the Philistines. Many of them were part of David's original army (cf. 2 Sam. 8:18). This is another play on the Hebrew phrase, "the cutter offs will be cut off." ▣ "The word of the Lord is against you" The Judge of the universe has made a verdict of judgment (cf. Amos 3:1)! ▣ "O Canaan" This was YHWH's promised land to His covenant people (cf. Gen. 15:18-21), but their disobedience caused it to be a land of judgment, not blessing. As YHWH took the Canaanites out of the land (cf. Gen. 15:16), so too, now the Israelites (i.e., Assyrian exile of the northern tribes, Babylonian exile of the southern tribes). 2:6 "caves" "shelters" "meadows" "shepherd's huts" "abode for shepherds" The differences in these English translations is because of the uncertainty of the Hebrew root. כרה ‒ BDB 500 I, used in Zeph. 2:9 for "salt-pits," here "wells" or dug out shelters כר ‒ BDB 499, pasture, cf. Ps. 37:20; 65:13; Isa. 30:23 (NRSV); different word for "pasture" used in Zeph. 2:6a and 7e (BDB 944 I, KB 1258) 2:7 "the remnant of the house of Judah" This refers to a few faithful, repentant Judeans (cf. Zeph. 2:3,9; 3:13). The difficult issue of only a few being right with God continues in the NT (cf. Matt. 7:13-14; 22:1-14; Luke 13:22-35; see note online at Matt. 7:13-14). Notice the play on the remnant "pasturing" on the coast and YHWH taking care of them (i.e., Psalm 23; John 10). There may be one more word play between "restore" (BDB 996, KB 1427, Qal PERFECT) and the remnant being "repentant" (BDB 996, KB 1427). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE REMNANT, THREE SENSES SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE IN THE OT ▣ "will care for them" "will intervene for them" "will be mindful of them" "will be with them" "has punished them" "will take note of them" "will turn to them" "has looked upon them" "will visit them" The MT has the VERB (BDB 823, KB 955, Qal IMPERFECT) meaning "to visit" (Peshitta). This visiting (i.e., personal presence) can be for blessing ‒ other English translations (i.e., Gen. 21:1; 50:24-25; Exod. 13:19; Ps. 65:9; 106:4; Jer. 15:15; 27:22; 29:10) judgment ‒ NJB, cf. Ps. 59:5; Jer. 6:15; 50:31 (often translated "punish") ▣ "fortune" This NOUN can be fortune ‒ BDB 986 (Ketiv), Zeph. 3:20; Joel 3:1; Amos 9:14 (NASB, NRSV, TEV, NJB, REB) captivity ‒ BDB 986 (Qere), Deut. 30:2; Ps. 126:1; Ezek. 16:53; 29:14 (NKJV, LXX, Peshitta) Note how Jer. 48:46-47; 49:38-39 have both ideas.
Sofonias 2:8-11
2:8 Notice the VERBS that characterize the children of Lot (Moab, Ammon, Gen. 19:30-38). the taunts ‒ BDB 357, NOUN the revilings ‒ BDB 154 have taunted ‒ BDB 357, KB 355, Piel PERFECT became arrogant ‒ BDB 152, KB 178, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw, note Zeph. 2:10; Ezek. 25:3,8 2:9 "as I live" This is YHWH taking an oath by the veracity of His own name (YHWH)! This is a word play on the covenant name for God, YHWH (BDB 217), and the VERB "to live" (BDB 217). He is the ever-living, only-living One. He has no stronger oath than to swear by Himself. ▣ "the Lord of hosts" Notice it is in a parallel relationship with "the God of Israel." "God" (Eloah, BDB 43) is the SINGULAR form of Elohim. It is used in Zeph. 2:7,9; 3:2,17. SPECIAL TOPIC: Lord OF HOSTS SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C ▣ "Sodom. . .Gomorrah" See the account of their destruction in Genesis 19. This area was known for its tar pits and surface petroleum. ▣ NASB, NRSV, NJB "nettles" NKJV, TEV, REV, JPSOA "weeds" This term (BDB 355) occurs only in three places in the OT. Job 30:7 Pro. 24:31 here It denotes some type of weed that grows in uninhabited areas. The phrase "a place of possession" (BDB 606; NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 971) occurs only here and means "the weeds took possession of the destroyed, abandoned, and uninhabited area of God's judgment" on Sodom and now on all of Moab and Ammon. ▣ "a perpetual desolation" This is the word 'olam (BDB 761). It must be interpreted by its immediate context. This context shows clearly that this word does not always mean "forever," because this very land will be inhabited by the remnant of Judah. SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) 2:11 I think Zeph. 2:11 is a separate paragraph expressing a theological summary (i.e., one day all the nations will worship YHWH, cf. Exod. 19:5-6; 1 Kgs. 8:41-43,60; Ps. 22:27-29; 96:7-10; Isa. 2:2-4; 12:4-5; 25:6-9; 42:6-12; 45:22-23; 49:5-6; 51:4-5; 60:1-3; 66:20-23; Micah 4:1-4; Zeph. 3:9-11; Zech. 14:16-17; Mal. 1:11). And what a summary (i.e., YHWH's universal worship). It would be the theological opposite of Ps. 2:1-4. The gods of the nations are nothing, vanity! Only the God of Israel is the true Creator Deity. If this is true, the Bible is true; if it is not, we are left without hope. This is a violent universe. Humanity cannot survive here. If there is no God, there is no morality, no revelation, no salvation, no future, no hope. You must decide! You must live in light of that choice! SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S ETERNAL REDEMPTIVE PLAN SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (NT) ▣ "The Lord will be terrifying to them" "The Lord will be awesome to them" "The Lord will be terrible to them" "The Lord will terrify them" "The Lord will be fearsome to them" "The Lord will show Himself terrible against them" "The Lord will bring terror on them" "The Lord will appear against them" The VERBAL (BDB 431, KB 432, Niphal ACTIVE PARTICIPLE) means "fear" and has two connotations. terrify awesome, respect The question is to whom does "them" refer: the arrogant nations or their idols? If the first option is in the prophet's mind, then the word refers to the mighty acts of God that bring deliverance (cf. Deut. 10:21; Ps. 65:6; 66:3,5; 145:6). God will destroy the idols but bring the people to Himself (cf. Zeph. 3:9-10)! SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR ▣ "He will starve all the gods of the earth" There are two issues here. The rare VERB (BDB 930, KB 1209, Qal PERFECT) means "make lean." It is used only here in Qal and in Niphal only in Isa. 17:4. This implies all sacrifices of the surrounding pagan nations will be stopped! Does erets ("earth") mean the surrounding nations mentioned in Zeph. 2:4-15 all the earth (cf. Zeph. 2:3b)? SPECIAL TOPIC: LAND, COUNTRY, EARTH
Sofonias 2:12-15
2:12 It is surprising that Ethiopia (BDB 469 I) is found in only one verse. It was a powerful nation in this period of time. Ethiopia controlled Egypt from 715 B.C. to 663 B.C. Zephaniah may have had family ties with this people group (i.e., Cushi, cf. Zeph. 1:1). Possibly it was only mentioned to complete the points of the compass (see note at Zeph. 2:4-15 above). ▣ "My sword" This is a theological comment on the sovereignty of God (i.e., one causality, cf. 2 Chr. 20:6; Eccl. 7:14; Isa. 14:24-27; 43:13; 45:7; 54:16; Jer. 18:11; Lam. 3:33-38; Amos 3:6). History is in His Hand! 2:13 "He will stretch out His hand" See note at Zeph. 1:4. The VERB "stretch" (BDB 639, KB 692) is a Qal JUSSIVE, as are the next two VERBS in this verse. "destroy" ‒ BDB 1, KB 2, Piel IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense "will make" ‒ BDB 962, KB 1321, Qal JUSSIVE Maybe this is a prayer for YHWH to judge the surrounding nations, i.e., "Let Him. . ." ▣ "Nineveh" See the book of Nahum for the sudden and complete fall of this ANE empire (612 B.C.) by a coalition led by Neo-Babylon. In Zephaniah's day this would have seemed impossible. 2:14 This animal terminology is often used of total destruction total deportation cursed ground with elements of the demonic present SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC IN THE OLD TESTAMENT ▣ "all beasts" The MT has "beasts of the nations" (NKJV). Although "nations" is given a "B" rating by the UBS Text Project, p. 378; "valley" or "field" makes more sense contextually (i.e., "nation," גוי [BDB 156] to "valley," גיא [BDB 161]). ▣ "Both the pelican and the hedgehog" This exact kind of animal (BDB 866, BDB 891) is uncertain (cf. Isa. 14:13; 34:11), but it seems from this context (i.e., "will lodge in the tops of her pillars") that both must refer to some type of bird that dwells away from human habitation (i.e., unclean birds of prey, cf. Deut. 14:12-18). ▣ "the threshold. . .the cedar work" This imagery was used of the destroyed pagan temples (see Zeph. 1:9; 2:11). Some translations change "desolation on the threshold" to "the raven croaks on the threshold" (NRSV, NJB) or "raven in the doorway," following the LXX. The UBS Text Project, p. 379, gives "destruction" a "C" rating (considerable doubt). The questions are Do the last two poetic lines of Zeph. 1:14 go together, referring to a pagan temple? Does line f go with the animal imagery of lines a-e? 2:15 Nineveh thought she was impregnable but she was not! now beasts dwell in her ruins passers-by hiss ‒ 1 Kgs. 9:8; Jer. 18:16; 19:8; 25:9; 50:13; Lam. 2:15-16; Ezek. 27:36 give hand gestures ‒ Job 16:4; 27:23; Ps. 22:7; Isa. 37:22; for similar gestures see Jer. 18:16; Lam. 2:15 ▣ "I am, and there is no one beside me" This is language typically used to describe YHWH. It clearly illustrates the arrogance of Assyria. SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM