Zephaniah 1:10

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, [that there shall be] the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that there shall be the noise {H6963} of a cry {H6818} from the fish {H1709} gate {H8179}, and an howling {H3215} from the second {H4932}, and a great {H1419} crashing {H7667} from the hills {H1389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also on that day," says ADONAI, "a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate, wailing from the city's Second Quarter and a loud crash from the hills.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day,” declares the LORD, “a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second District, and a loud crashing from the hills.

American Standard Version

And in that day, saith Jehovah, there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:10 vividly portrays the imminent and devastating judgment descending upon Jerusalem, depicting a scene of widespread panic and destruction through powerful auditory imagery. This prophetic declaration, delivered by the Lord Himself, details the specific locations within the city that will experience the terror, underscoring the inescapable and comprehensive nature of divine wrath against Judah's unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:10 is situated within the opening chapter of the prophet Zephaniah's oracle, which primarily focuses on the impending "Day of the Lord." The preceding verses (Zephaniah 1:2-9) describe a universal judgment that will sweep away all things from the face of the earth, narrowing its focus to Judah and Jerusalem. Verse 10 specifically hones in on the capital city, detailing the sounds of its destruction, following the Lord's declaration to punish those who have turned away from Him and worshipped idols (Zephaniah 1:4-6). This verse serves as a concrete manifestation of the abstract warnings, setting the stage for further descriptions of the city's downfall and the subsequent call to repentance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period marked by a brief but significant religious revival following decades of idolatry under Manasseh and Amon. Despite Josiah's reforms, deep-seated spiritual corruption and syncretism persisted among the populace, as evidenced by Zephaniah's condemnation of Baal worship, the worship of the host of heaven, and those who swore by Molech (Zephaniah 1:4-5). Jerusalem, as the religious and political center, was particularly implicated. The "fish gate" (likely in the northern wall) and "the second" (or "Mishneh," referring to the Second Quarter, a newer, densely populated district of the city) were specific, recognizable locations, emphasizing that no part of the city, from its entry points to its inner residential areas, would escape the coming calamity. The "hills" likely refer to the surrounding heights from which an invading army would approach or the elevated parts of the city itself.

* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 1:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and the Day of the Lord**, which is the central motif of Zephaniah's prophecy, described as a "day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness" ([Zephaniah 1:15](/zephaniah/1-15 "Zephaniah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord")). The verse also highlights **God's Sovereignty and Authority**, as the judgment is explicitly declared to be "saith the LORD," emphasizing that these events are not random but divinely orchestrated consequences of Judah's sin and rebellion against His covenant. Furthermore, the geographical specificity underscores the theme of **Inescapable Consequence**, demonstrating that the judgment will be comprehensive and pervasive, affecting every corner of the unfaithful city, echoing the broader message of judgment that extends even to surrounding nations as seen in [Zephaniah 2](/zephaniah/2 "Zephaniah 2 - Judgment on Neighboring Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **noise (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** From an unused root meaning "to call aloud," this word signifies a voice or sound. In this context, it denotes a loud, alarming sound, emphasizing the audible nature of the distress and chaos that will engulf Jerusalem. It's not just a quiet lament but a clamorous, public expression of terror.
* **howling (Hebrew, _yᵉlâlâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to howl," refers to a mournful cry, a lamentation, or wailing. It conveys deep grief, despair, and anguish, indicating the profound emotional suffering experienced by the inhabitants as their city faces destruction.
* **crashing (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** This term, often paired with "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), means a fracture, ruin, or breaking. It vividly describes the physical devastation—the shattering of structures, the collapse of buildings, and the widespread destruction that will accompany the divine judgment, possibly from military assault or the sheer force of the calamity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy. "In that day" (H3117, _yôwm_) is a common prophetic idiom referring to a specific, decisive time of divine intervention, often associated with judgment or salvation. The phrase "saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_ and H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores God's absolute authority and the inevitability of His declared will.
* **"that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate":** The "fish gate" (H1709, _dâg_ and H8179, _shaʻar_) was located in the northern wall of Jerusalem, a vulnerable point and a common entry for invaders. The "noise of a cry" (H6963, _qôwl_ and H6818, _tsaʻăqâh_) signifies a loud, desperate shout—a cry of alarm, distress, or terror emanating from the very entrance of the city, indicating the initial point of invasion or the first sounds of panic.
* **"and an howling from the second":** "The second" (H4932, _mishneh_) most likely refers to the "Second Quarter" or "Mishneh" district of Jerusalem, a newer, possibly more affluent residential area. The "howling" (H3215, _yᵉlâlâh_) indicates a deep, mournful wail or lamentation, suggesting that the judgment will penetrate beyond the city's defenses into its populated inner regions, bringing profound sorrow and despair to its inhabitants.
* **"and a great crashing from the hills":** The "hills" (H1389, _gibʻâh_) could refer to the hills surrounding Jerusalem from which an attacking army would descend, or the elevated parts of the city itself. "A great crashing" (H1419, _gâdôwl_ and H7667, _sheber_) describes widespread and forceful destruction—the sound of buildings collapsing, walls breaking, and general ruin. This imagery completes the picture of total devastation, encompassing both the city's periphery and its core, and possibly indicating the source of the destructive force.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:10 is rich in **Auditory Imagery**, using "noise of a cry," "howling," and "great crashing" to create a vivid soundscape of impending doom. This sensory detail immerses the listener/reader in the chaotic reality of the judgment. The verse also employs **Geographical Specificity**, naming the "fish gate," "the second," and "the hills" to ground the prophecy in concrete, recognizable locations within Jerusalem, making the threat feel immediate and inescapable. This specificity enhances the sense of **Imminence** and **Pervasiveness** of the judgment. Furthermore, the repetitive structure of the sounds emanating from different locations creates a sense of **Climax** and escalating terror, moving from an initial cry to a mournful wail, culminating in the overwhelming sound of physical destruction. The declaration "saith the LORD" functions as a **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, lending divine authority and absolute certainty to the pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:10 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice and His commitment to hold His people accountable for their covenant unfaithfulness. The vivid depiction of Jerusalem's impending destruction serves as a powerful reminder that divine judgment is not merely a theological concept but a terrifying reality for those who persist in rebellion and idolatry. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the deep-seated spiritual apostasy and social injustice prevalent in Judah, demonstrating God's holiness and His intolerance for sin. Yet, even within this severe warning, there is an implicit call to repentance, as the very act of prophecy aims to turn hearts back to the Lord before the full force of "that day" arrives. The specificity of the destruction highlights that God's judgment is precise, reaching every corner of human activity and every individual.

* [Jeremiah 4:19](/jeremiah/4-19 "Jeremiah's Lament over Judah's Coming Destruction")
* [Lamentations 2:9](/lamentations/2-9 "Lamentations 2:9 - Gates of Zion Sunk into the Ground")
* [Revelation 18:19](/revelation/18-19 "Revelation 18:19 - Lament over the Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:10 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but declarations of inevitable consequences for persistent sin and rebellion. For us today, this verse underscores the critical importance of heeding God's voice and aligning our lives with His righteous standards. Just as Judah faced a "day" of reckoning for their idolatry and unfaithfulness, so too will all humanity ultimately face the just judgment of God. This should not instill fear in the believer who walks in Christ, but rather a healthy reverence for God's holiness and a renewed commitment to living a life that honors Him. It calls us to examine our own hearts for any idols—anything that takes God's rightful place—and to actively pursue repentance and obedience. The specificity of the judgment on Jerusalem reminds us that God sees our actions, our choices, and even the hidden corners of our lives, calling us to live authentically before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or areas of unfaithfulness in my life might be inviting God's corrective discipline?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings in Scripture, and what practical steps can I take to respond with greater obedience?**
* **In what ways does this verse deepen my understanding of God's justice and holiness, and how does that understanding impact my worship and daily living?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fish gate" and "the second" in Zephaniah 1:10?**

Answer: The mention of the "fish gate" and "the second" (or "Mishneh") provides geographical specificity to the impending judgment on Jerusalem, making the prophecy concrete and relatable to its original audience. The Fish Gate was located in the northern wall of Jerusalem, a common point of entry and often the first area to be attacked by invaders approaching from the north. Its mention signifies the initial point of the city's vulnerability and the entry of chaos. "The second" refers to the Second Quarter or Mishneh district, a newer, perhaps more populated or affluent part of the city, indicating that the judgment would penetrate beyond the initial defenses into the heart of the city's residential areas. Together, these specific locations emphasize the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the destruction, affecting every part of Jerusalem from its periphery to its core. This detail highlights that no one and no place would be spared from the divine wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 1:10 vividly portrays the historical judgment upon Jerusalem, its ultimate fulfillment and theological resonance point powerfully to Christ. The "Day of the LORD" that Zephaniah prophesied finds its ultimate and cosmic expression in the final judgment that will accompany the glorious return of Jesus Christ, as described in passages like [Matthew 24:29-31](/matthew/24-29-31 "Matthew 24:29-31 - The Coming of the Son of Man") and [Revelation 6:12-17](/revelation/6-12-17 "Revelation 6:12-17 - The Sixth Seal and the Wrath of the Lamb"). The "noise of a cry," "howling," and "great crashing" from Zephaniah's prophecy foreshadow the universal lamentation and terror that will grip those who have rejected God when faced with the unmitigated wrath of the Lamb, as seen in [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him"). Yet, Christ also fulfills the promise of deliverance from this judgment for those who are "hidden" in Him, transforming the "Day of the Lord" from a day of unmitigated wrath into a day of salvation and vindication for His elect ([1 Thessalonians 5:9-10](/1_thessalonians/5-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 - God Appointed Us to Obtain Salvation")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus bore the full weight of God's judgment for sin, offering a way of escape from the "crashing" and "howling" of divine wrath, so that those who believe in Him might find refuge and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Thus, Zephaniah's warning, while dire, ultimately points to the necessity and sufficiency of Christ as the only true deliverer from the impending "Day" of ultimate judgment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 33:14

Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.

Amos 8:3

And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: [there shall be] many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast [them] forth with silence.

2 Kings 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

Nehemiah 3:3

But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who [also] laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Jeremiah 4:19

¶ My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Jeremiah 4:21

How long shall I see the standard, [and] hear the sound of the trumpet?

Jeremiah 4:31

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.