Zephaniah 2:6

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

And the sea {H3220} coast {H2256} shall be dwellings {H5116} and cottages {H3741} for shepherds {H7462}, and folds {H1448} for flocks {H6629}.

The seacoast will be reduced to pastures, meadows for shepherds, pens for sheep;

So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep.

And the sea-coast shall be pastures, with cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks.

Commentary

Context of Zephaniah 2:6

Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (c. 640-609 BC), a time of spiritual revival but also impending judgment. Chapter 2 of Zephaniah delivers a series of prophecies against surrounding nations, emphasizing God's universal sovereignty and the coming "day of the Lord". Verses 4 and 5 specifically target the Philistine cities along the Mediterranean coast โ€“ Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron โ€“ predicting their utter desolation. Zephaniah 2:6 continues this pronouncement, describing the complete transformation of this once-proud and populous region.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Transformation: The verse vividly portrays the radical reversal of fortune for the Philistine coast. What were once fortified cities and bustling ports would become desolate pastureland. This serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their destinies.
  • Reversal of Pride: The imagery of proud cities becoming humble "dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks" underscores the theme of God humbling the arrogant. The Philistines, known for their military might and idolatry, would see their strongholds reduced to simple pastoral grounds.
  • Pastoral Imagery: The shift to shepherds and flocks suggests a return to a more primitive, humble existence. While it implies desolation for the former inhabitants, for the remnant of Judah (mentioned in Zephaniah 2:7), it might hint at a future of peace and security in the land.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "dwellings [and] cottages" reflects the Hebrew terms. The word for "dwellings" (ื ึฐื•ึนืช, nevot) often refers to pastures or habitations, reinforcing the pastoral nature of the transformed land. "Cottages" (ืžึดื›ึฐืจึนืช, mikrot) suggests humble, temporary shelters, contrasting sharply with the grand structures of fortified cities. This linguistic nuance emphasizes the profound shift from urban sophistication to rural simplicity.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy against Philistia is consistent with other Old Testament judgments against nations. For example, Isaiah 14:29-31 also prophesies against Philistia, predicting their destruction. The imagery of a once-powerful area becoming a place for flocks can also be seen in the context of God's judgment leading to a new order, as in Isaiah 34:13 regarding Edom.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 2:6 serves as a powerful reminder that worldly power, pride, and material security are fleeting. God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and He has the authority to humble the proud and transform circumstances in unexpected ways. For believers today, this verse encourages trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, reminding us that no earthly stronghold can stand against His will. It calls us to humility and to place our hope not in temporary human achievements, but in the eternal plans of God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 17:2 (2 votes)

    The cities of Aroer [are] forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make [them] afraid.

  • Ezekiel 25:5 (2 votes)

    And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the Ammonites a couchingplace for flocks: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Zephaniah 2:14 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Zephaniah 2:15 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Isaiah 5:17 (2 votes)

    Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.