Zephaniah 1:4

I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, [and] the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

I will also stretch out {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon Judah {H3063}, and upon all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}; and I will cut off {H3772} the remnant {H7605} of Baal {H1168} from this place {H4725}, and the name {H8034} of the Chemarims {H3649} with the priests {H3548};

"I will stretch out my hand over Y'hudah and all those living in Yerushalayim. I will wipe every remnant of Ba'al from this place, the idol-serving priests and even their names,

“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—

And I will stretch out my hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;

Context of Zephaniah 1:4

Zephaniah, whose name means "the Lord hides" or "the Lord has treasured," prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC) in Judah. This period was marked by a brief spiritual revival under Josiah's leadership, but it followed decades of intense idolatry, particularly under kings Manasseh and Amon. Zephaniah's message, delivered before the full impact of Josiah's reforms took hold or perhaps as a warning that the reforms were not deep enough in the people's hearts, announces the impending "Day of the Lord" – a severe judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their persistent unfaithfulness and syncretism. Verse 4 specifically details one aspect of this judgment: the eradication of pagan worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Idolatry: This verse highlights God's absolute intolerance for false worship. He declares a direct, active intervention ("I will also stretch out mine hand") against those who have turned from Him. This echoes the First Commandment, emphasizing God's demand for exclusive devotion.
  • Thorough Cleansing: The phrase "cut off the remnant of Baal from this place" signifies a complete purge. God intends to remove every trace of this prominent Canaanite fertility god, whose worship involved detestable practices. The judgment is not partial but aims to purify the land from spiritual defilement.
  • Accountability of Religious Leaders: The mention of "the Chemarims with the priests" underscores that religious leaders, both pagan and potentially compromised Israelite priests, would face judgment. This shows God's specific condemnation of those who led His people astray or participated in idolatrous rites.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Baal" refers to a chief Canaanite deity, widely worshipped throughout the ancient Near East, often associated with storms, fertility, and kingship. Its worship frequently involved ritual prostitution and child sacrifice, practices deeply abhorrent to Yahweh.

The word "Chemarims" (KJV) or "idolatrous priests" (ESV, NIV) is derived from a Hebrew root possibly meaning "to be black" or "to be gloomy." These were specifically pagan priests, likely so named because of their dark vestments or the grim, somber nature of their rites. They were distinct from the legitimate Levitical priests, though some Levitical priests had also become corrupted by idolatry, as implied by the phrase "with the priests," indicating a judgment on both categories.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 1:4 serves as a timeless reminder of God's holy character and His demand for unadulterated worship. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own lives for any "idols" that might compete for God's rightful place in our hearts. These can be modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism, self-worship, addiction to technology, or anything that takes precedence over our devotion to God. Just as God promised to purify Jerusalem, He desires to purify our hearts and lives, calling us to a wholehearted commitment. This passage reminds us that God's judgment on sin is real, but so is His desire for a people who live in holiness and true worship.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hosea 10:5

    The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

  • 2 Kings 23:4

    ¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

  • 2 Kings 23:5

    And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

  • Micah 5:13

    Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

  • Isaiah 14:26

    This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

  • Isaiah 14:27

    For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

  • Jeremiah 6:12

    And their houses shall be turned unto others, [with their] fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.

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